Carly Coffman (she/her) is a second year student in the Masters of Social Welfare program, here at UC Berkeley. Carly is working as a Student Ambassador in Student Services where she will be supporting prospective applicants and current students with varying questions and concerns they may have concerning the program. Carly has worked in such positions before while pursuing her undergraduate at Sonoma State University. There, Carly completed a degree in Liberal Studies with a double minor in English and Sociology. During her time at Sonoma State University, Carly worked as a writing tutor and Student Ambassador, as well as was a prominent activist on campus co-leading and supporting mental health and social justice initiatives for students.
Carly's experience in social welfare extends beyond academics, as she has served communities at both county government levels and local non profits. During the lockdown of the pandemic, Carly managed a program that delivered meals to older adults and people with disabilities, as well as provided community based resources and education to alleviate the pains of isolation and health disparities. Prior to enrolling at UC Berkeley, she also worked at a non-profit therapeutic residential center for teenagers. Here, she supported youth with high level mental health diagnoses, engaged in group therapies, and worked to empower youth and their families and their safety.
After obtaining her MSW, Carly plans to pursue a career supporting teenagers and young adults's mental health, or work in restorative justice initiatives for recently incarcerated people and their communities. With such experiences and more, Carly has well-rounded, multi-level skills that complement Cal's MSW education philosophy and pedagogy, and can therefore be a helpful resource for those who have questions concerning the program or how social welfare can be practiced in the community and workforce.
