Social Work Students' Association (SWSA)

The Social Work Students' Association (SWSA) is the official club for social work students in the BSW, MSW, and PhD programs at the University of Calgary's Faculty of Social Work. 'SWSA' aims to enhance the overall university experience for students in the Faculty. The club strives to achieve this by providing events and services that develop the professional, academic and social lives of its members.

Meet the team

S. Gerrie

from the University of Toronto where I majored in Sociology and minored in History and Religion. I spent the last seven years working at a low-barrier drop-in shelter for homeless folks in Toronto where I learned many valuable social work skills for working with vulnerable people. If you do not know, a drop-in is a space that usually combines interprofessionals to aid folks in essentially all aspects of their life. You may have a line of nine people waiting for you to connect them to services/resources, while also attempting to monitor bathrooms, serve food/drinks and manage conflicts between participants. With this background, I am currently interested in working in Child Welfare or Crisis Response.  
 

I like to spend my free time walking dogs at the Humane Society and hanging out with my cats. I wind down by watching true crime documentaries and horror films. I love learning and have a passion for understanding different facets of society and the interconnectedness of different cultures.  

Fun Fact: I started my working career in the hair industry! 

E. Homeniuk

Hello! My name is Emma Homeniuk, and I am a 3rd year located on the Lethbridge campus. I have a background in Sociology, but Social Work has always been my dream! I am excited to be involved with SWSA, creating opportunities to become more involved within our communities and cohorts. 

A fun fact about me is that I love sports! My favourite sport is soccer, but I also love to snowboard, figure skate, and play basketball! 

N. Madueke

My name is Neche Madueke, and I am a dedicated final-year social work student. I am passionate about advocacy, social justice, community empowerment, and improving patient outcomes in our healthcare system. As a Black female immigrant with a background in English language and literature, I bring a unique perspective to my practice. I integrate lived experiences with academic knowledge to challenge systemic inequities.

My areas of interest include mental health, addictions, disability advocacy, and anti-oppressive social work. I am exceptionally committed to culturally responsive and trauma-informed approaches that honour the dignity and resilience of marginalized communities.

Throughout my studies, I have actively engaged in leadership, mentorship, and peer support within the social work program. I believe in the power of relationship-building, ethical practice, and fostering meaningful change at both individual and systemic levels.

Upon graduation, I aim to work in spaces that promote equity, accessibility, and holistic care, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of background, receive the support they deserve.

L. Mohler

Larissa Mohler is a third-year Bachelor of Social Work student at the University of Calgary with a passion for healthcare accessibility and chronic disease management. Having lived with type one diabetes for nearly 20 years and growing up in rural Alberta, she has firsthand experience with the challenges of limited healthcare access and social isolation faced by rural communities. These experiences shaped her commitment to social work, where she strives to advocate for equitable healthcare, empower others facing adversity, and foster inclusive communities. Her journey has fueled her passion for creating meaningful change and ensuring that no one is limited by their circumstances.

Jenna Perna

Jenna is a BSW student and yoga instructor with a passion for helping others. She believes in the importance of self-care, mindfulness, and community support, both in her personal and professional life. Jenna aspires to eventually acquire a MSW and make a meaningful impact in the lives of others through a holistic approach to healing, combining both talk therapy and yoga therapy. She would like to focus her future social work career on supporting women and those who have experienced trauma. When she’s not studying or teaching yoga, Jenna enjoys reading, gardening, and spending time with her dog. She finds joy in nature, personal growth, and creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and empowered.  

A. Teworte

Hi, my name is Annett Teworte; I am in the Edmonton blended program.

I have an interdisciplinary background, with education in history, criminology, political science, women's studies, and entrepreneurship/business administration. I graduated with my first degree from the University of Ottawa in 2009. I am fascinated by world politics and policies, having early experience via my high school co-op at Rideau Hall working directly with His Excellency John Ralston Saul.

I am a mom and military spouse with a background in working with children and youth. I love listening to local and international news daily, as we're all interconnected. I am looking towards macro-level social work, with a focus on DM, IPV, and coercive control.

Fun fact: I am working toward my third language, Danish.

February 2025 Calgary SWSA Book Club Meeting

Left to right: Swathi Sebastian, Jenna Perna, Brittany Pack, Sarah Park, Emily Carvalho, Stephanie Bernier, Cindy Addae, Ling Huang, and Sixto Szeto

The Calgary SWSA Book Club met in Mackimmie Tower on Feb. 10 from Noon-1 p.m. to discuss, The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind and Body in the Healing of Trauma (2015) by Bessel van der Kolk, MD. This friendly gathering was an opportunity to connect, build community and enjoy some snacks. 

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