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May 6, 2019

Faculty Spotlight: Lori Sousa, LCSW, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Social Work

Education:

  • B.A. History and Political Science (1990) | St. John Fisher College
  • M.S.W. (1996) | Syracuse University
  • Ph.D. (2016) | Baylor University

When did you start becoming interested in social work?

My undergraduate degree is in history and political science. When I graduated I took a job as a residential counselor in foster care and from there I decided to pursue my MSW. I’m most motivated to see people reach their full potential and I wanted to get my MSW to be better equipped to create an empowering environment for people facing difficult challenges.

What is an interesting fact about you?

Even though I have my LCSW and am licensed as a clinical social worker, my career path led me into macro practice. First, I worked to help incorporate a faith-based community development organization, and then I worked at that organization to secured state and federal grants. As a part of my job, I initiated and developed several start-up programs. Another job I had involved policy practice, community organizing, education and advocacy. Interestingly, my career path seems to have come full circle. I am now using my social work, history and political science degrees in the courses that I teach as well as the community activities I am involved in.

How do you serve your community (outside of Roberts)?

I like to stay active in the community. I serve on the Board of Directors of HOPE Initiatives, CDC as the Vice Chair. I also served on the Board of Directors for the Hillel Community Day School and am part of their development committee. In addition, I am the Associate Director of Region 10 for Christians United for Israel and have been organizing the Greater Rochester Night to Honor Israel for the past 12 years. I have also organized several educational trips to Israel.

At Roberts, students are encouraged to grow in their faith and serve others. Does a student, who you taught or are teaching, stand-out in your mind that has grown in their faith?

One of my former students really grabbed hold of the principle of seeking God and living by faith. She was very interested in working in the policy arena but was working in a job that was not in this area. She and her husband decided to fast and seek God for direction. At the end of the fast, they sensed that they were supposed to move to Washington D.C. Despite many obstacles (including what appeared to be a lack of sufficient resources), she and her husband made the move. Today, this student is working on Capitol Hill in a prestigious job drafting policy initiatives. She is a wonderful example of living a life of faith.

What is the most helpful advice you’ve received?

Through the teachings of someone I consider to be a mentor, I have learned to trust and seek God, and to live a life of faith, not one of fear. When my students ask for my best advice, this is what I tell them. I really believe that the God who has created us has amazing plans for us, but we must trust Him, seek Him and obey him…this requires faith.

What is an interest you have outside of teaching?

I try to stay active and enjoy hiking, running, yoga and weights. I also enjoy reading, photography, and spending time with my husband and my adorable dog, Gracie.

What is your favorite part of your job?

I really love teaching and supporting students in their development of critical thinking skills. My favorite courses involve material that immerse students in history and engage them in discussions that require them to question what they know and how that knowledge is attained. I love awakening curiosity in students.

What is your favorite quote and verse?

“I know that I know nothing” – Plato. Because curiosity is awakened when we realize the limits of the knowledge we possess; and this is the beginning of wisdom. My favorite scripture verse is “All things work together for those who love God and are called according to His purpose”. I love this scripture because it reveals the all-encompassing redemptive nature of God—In God’s economy, nothing is wasted or lost.


Student Insight:

Shelly Boyd‘20 (Social Work)

"As an adult learner, mother of adult children and entering the program with a full-time job, Dr. Sousa has been a beacon of light for me as I sought to link my faith, service and commitment to Christ with education on a higher and deeper level. Dr. Sousa’s wealth of knowledge, experience and passion for higher education is exemplified in her commitment to her students and the Roberts family. My first encounter with Dr. Sousa brought a sense of joy and hopefulness that made me feel that anything was possible if I was willing to put my best foot forward and work toward my goals. I am reminded of Dr. Sousa’s enthusiasm, partnered with her ability to connect the learning with real-life events in her classes. When I first took her class and met her, I was actually majoring in Cross Disciplinary Studies with a concentration in Social Welfare, but upon completing Dr. Sousa’s Human Behavior and Social Environment courses, I was confident that I had found my purpose and my passion in the field of Social Work. Dr. Sousa’s mentoring; wise counsel and influence were also key factors in my decision to major in Social Work. I have witnessed her ability to use her knowledge of policy to fight for the rights of others, and create environments conducive for positive and effective change. It has truly been an honor to have Dr. Sousa as my advisor and my professor. One of my biggest takeaways from Dr. Sousa is that walking in my faith and purpose will position me to answer God’s call to provide service to those in need and effect lasting change within our society. She is truly a trendsetter and a pioneer of hope."


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