“Social work is a profession that I love,” says Hana Kisswani. “Everything about it—our competencies, our code of ethics, and the social justice issues that impact the communities we serve on a micro, macro and mezzo scale.”
Kisswani is the BSW student director for the NASW national board of directors. “Being a BSW student member means representing the future of upcoming social workers,” she says of why she sought the position. “I think it is important to have a student voice on the board.”
Kisswani says she is learning the depth of social workers’ advocacy for individuals, families and communities, as well as other social workers.
She is enrolled in the BSW/JD program at Seton Hall University, in South Orange, N.J., and notes she chose social work as her undergraduate program for good reason.
“I want to integrate law and social work and do nonprofit work with juveniles” Kisswani says of her future. “In the justice system, a lot of youth don’t have resources and adequate representation, (so) coming in with a social work background and providing them resources is so important. It will improve the quality of their life and help better their future and stop recidivism.”
She advises social workers to be active with their professional association. “Getting involved is really the most important thing that you can do as a social worker,” Kisswani says. “You are going to learn a lot about your community and the clients we serve as social workers."