Published on : October 30, 2023
Alexandria, VA—October 30, 2023
CSWE is pleased to announce its new Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) director, Collina D. Cooke, PhD, LCSW. Dr. Cooke comes to CSWE with a background in clinical social work and expertise in program management. Dr. Cooke, a first-generation college student, earned her bachelor’s and master’s in social work as well as her PhD from the University at Albany (State University of New York).
Dr. Cooke comes to CSWE by way of EmblemHealth Health@Work in Albany, where she was a case manager helping workers who were injured or ill recover and return to work. She handled grant writing and data administration for the program as well. Her strengths and experience in counseling, crisis management, and patient advocacy inform her approach to leadership and mentorship.
“I am so honored to be selected to serve as the director of a program that has been instrumental in nurturing social work students,” she said. “I look forward to continuing the amazing legacy of the program and supporting MSW and doctoral students as they learn how to find their voices as social workers and tackle head-on the challenges of being both a student and a young professional.”
Now in its 50th year, CSWE’s MFP has served students at the masters and doctoral levels who are preparing to provide leadership in practice, research, teaching, and policy promulgation in government and private organizations serving underrepresented and underserved persons with or at risk for mental health and/or substance abuse disorders.
“We are thrilled to have Dr. Cooke joining our team to lead the MFP program through its 50th anniversary with CSWE and beyond into future decades,” said Halaevalu F. O. Vakalahi, CSWE President and CEO.