Advancing Social Work at Fordham, NYC, and Globally

While Elaine Congress may not be an alumna, her impact on the Fordham community as an educator, United Nations (UN) representative, and leader of advocacy-based social work has been nothing short of impressive. Elaine currently serves as associate dean for special programs and professor at Fordham’s Graduate School of Social Service (GSS) as well as co-chair of the Fordham Institute for Women and Girls. In addition, she directs the University’s dual M.S.W./M.P.H. program with Mount Sinai and the M.S.W. student program at the UN. Elaine also represents Fordham as a non-governmental organization (NGO) at the UN and has researched and written extensively in the areas of social work values and ethics, cultural diversity, social work education, nonprofit management, public health, and the United Nations—including 14 books and more than 60 professional journal articles and book chapters.

Below, Elaine shares her rewarding experience as a professor, her thoughts on how GSS can continue to grow and thrive, and why she chose to give to the school.

Tell us about your approach to GSS as associate dean, where you oversee special projects and partnerships across different areas of the University and also at different institutions, like Mount Sinai and the United Nations.

I believe in student involvement, within and beyond the classroom. Multiple students co-edited my UN Book Series, International Psychology: Behavioral Science in the Global Arena. I have had a real cadre of students who have done great work internationally and become leaders in our profession.

What is the number one piece of advice you would give to social workers in training and right after graduation?

Take advantage of everything. Especially when you’re beginning your M.S.W., be open to new experiences. That’s why I have created the Elaine Congress, D.S.W. Endowed Fund to cover expenses for students to participate in professional development opportunities here in New York City as well as nationally and internationally—for example, a student forum at NASW’s national event in Washington, D.C.

What should GSS focus on going forward?

It is important to collaborate with other schools within the University to create more cross-discipline programs. We should not be afraid of reaching out to the community to partner with social welfare agencies and public health institutions. We have the UN right here at our doorstep. And with Fordham University’s unique status as an NGO, we have the opportunity to make a real impact in New York City and globally. These connections also increase the visibility of GSS, which attracts more students. Lastly, we should revitalize the now-defunct Mentoring Latinas program, which accomplished so much for middle- and high-school aged girls and their families in our local community in the Bronx.

Please consider joining Elaine in the 1841 Society by including Fordham in your estate plan. Our team would also be happy to work with you to create a blended gift like hers that provides both current and long-term support to an initiative of your choice.

This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.