Meredith C. F. Powers ~ University of North Carolina at Greensboro ~ School of Health and Human Sciences~ Department of Social Work 1
MEREDITH C. F. POWERS [email protected]
(803) 351-7197
EDUCATION Doctorate of Philosophy, Candidate 2016
College of Social Work, University of South Carolina
Master of Social Work 2003 College of Social Work, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
Certificate of International Development and Social Change 2003 College of Social Work, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill Certificate in Non-profit Management 2003 College of Social Work, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
Bachelor of Social Work 2000 College of Social Work, University of North Carolina-Wilmington
TEACHING INTERESTS Ecologically Conscious Social Work Practice and Research Ecological Justice International Social Work Sustainable Development, Consumption, and Fair Trade Social Work with Refugee, Immigrant, Migratory Peoples, and Human Trafficking Interdisciplinary and Collaborative Social Work Professional Socialization of Social Workers &History of the Social Work Profession Leadership for Social Change Community Partnerships: development, organizing, and intervention Organizational and Community Behavior Non-profit Development, Administration, and Evaluation Participatory Research Methods (Photovoice) Qualitative Research Methods
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Environmental Justice Fall 2016 Department of Social Work, University of North Carolina at Greensboro BSW Field Internship Seminar Fall 2016 Department of Social Work, University of North Carolina at Greensboro International Social Work Spring 2016 College of Social Work, University of South Carolina Taught online to Masters students
Meredith C. F. Powers ~ University of North Carolina at Greensboro ~ School of Health and Human Sciences~ Department of Social Work 2
Ecological Justice Spring 2015 College of Social Work, University of South Carolina Taught as two separate independent studies Ecological Justice Summer 2014 College of Social Work, University of South Carolina Taught as independent study Generalist Social Work Practice Courses Fall 2012 College of Social Work, University of South Carolina Veterans Affairs, Columbia, SC Private Tutor for MSW Student Congregational Social Work with Older Adults Fall 2011/Spring 2012
College of Social Work, University of South Carolina Congregational Social Work with Older Adults Fall 2010/Spring 2011 College of Social Work, University of South Carolina Co-Taught with Terry A. Wolfer, PhD Social Work Research: Single-System Design and Evaluation Fall 2009 College of Social Work, University of South Carolina Teaching Assistant to Terry A. Wolfer, PhD Self-Care for Social Work Students Working with Older Adults Fall 2008
College of Social Work, University of South Carolina
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Social Work Practice, Education, and Research in an Era of Global Environmental Crisis
International Social Work and Global Practice
Interdisciplinary Collaboration for Sustainable Development
Professional Socialization of Social Workers
Sustainable Development, Consumption, and Fair Trade
Human and Ecological Well-being
Community Engaged Practice and Research
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE Principal Investigator. Powers, M. C. F., Floyd-Picard, M., & Rhodes, D. (2016-Present).
Cultivating Meaning: A Photovoice Project Exploring Life in an Intentionally Inclusive and Sustainable Community Farm.
Principal Investigator. Powers, M. C. F. (2011-2016). On becoming an ecologically
conscious social worker: Exploring professional identities that include a response to the environmental crisis [Dissertation].
Meredith C. F. Powers ~ University of North Carolina at Greensboro ~ School of Health and Human Sciences~ Department of Social Work 3
Co-Investigator. Freedman, D. A., Pitner, R., & Powers, M. C. F. (2010-2011). From Snapshot to Civic Action: Photovoice research project. Funded research practicum, University of South Carolina.
Principal Investigator. Powers, M. C. F. (2010-2011). Organizational culture: Is the
Green Quad Learning Center for Sustainable Futures a professional learning community? Funded graduate assistantship, University of South Carolina.
Co-Investigator. Wolfer, T. A., & Powers, M. C. F. (2008-2011). Harford Partnership
Program for Aging Education Research on Field Placements of MSW students in religious congregations. Funded graduate assistantship, University of South Carolina.
Principal Investigator. Powers, M. C. F. (2009). Effects of self-care education on stress
in MSW students in geriatric focused field placements: A multiple single system evaluation. Independent study, University of South Carolina.
PUBLICATIONS
Peer-Reviewed Articles Powers, M. C. F., & Freedman, D. A. (2012). Applying a social justice framework to photovoice
research on environmental issues: A comprehensive literature review. Critical Social Work, 13(2), 81-100.
Freedman, D. A., Pitner, R., Powers, M. C. F., & Anderson, T. A. (2012). Developing a grounded
theory of socio-environmental attributes of community environments: A photovoice study with public housing residents. The British Journal of Social Work, bcs 173.
Powers, M. C. F., Freedman, D. A., & Pitner, R. (2012). Snapshot to civic action: A photovoice
facilitator’s manual. Community-Engaged Scholarship for Health (CES4Health), available online at http://bit. ly/OjCuL8 .
Books/Book Chapters/Excerpts Powers, M. C. F, Willett, J., Mathias, J. & Hayward, A. (forthcoming). Green Social Work
for Environmental Justice: Implications for International Social Workers. In L. Dominelli, H.B. Ku, & B.R. Nikku (Eds.), Green Social Work Handbook. London, England: Routledge.
Powers, M. C. F (2016). Transforming the profession: Social workers’
expanding response to the environmental crisis. In A. -L. Matthies & K. Narhi (Eds.), Ecosocial Transition of Societies: Contribution of Social Work and Social Policy . Ashgate.
Powers, M. C. F. (2016). On becoming an ecologically conscious social worker: Exploring
professional identities that include a response to the environmental crisis (Unpublished doctoral dissertation). University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC.
Whiteman, D. & Powers, M. C. F. (2012). Environmental leadership through campus
project teams: Green structures for linking students, faculty, and staff. In D. Rigling
Meredith C. F. Powers ~ University of North Carolina at Greensboro ~ School of Health and Human Sciences~ Department of Social Work 4
Gallagher (Ed.), Environmental Leadership, Vol.1, 459-467. Newbury Park, CA: SAGE Publications.
Evaluation & Data Reports
Powers, M. C. F. (2011, June). Summary Report for Social Change Model Leadership Training. Presented to The Learning Center for Sustainable Futures, the National Clearinghouse for Leadership Programs (NCLP) and the Center for Stu dent Studies (CSS).
Powers, M. C. F., Freedman, D. A., Pitner, R., & Anderson, T. P. (2011, May). Summary Report: Using photovoice to engage a public housing community in the examination of neighborhood context. Prepared for the Columbia, SC Housing Authority.
MANUSCRIPTS IN PROGRESS
Powers, M. C. F., & Wolfer, T. A. (In press). Handling adversity. In T. A. Wolfer & M. C.
Reitmeier (Eds.), Enhancing social work field education: Decision cases for field instructor training.
Powers, M. C. F. (In press). Establishing a professional career that addresses the
environmental crisis. Essay to be published revised version of Human Behavior and the Social Environment, Macro Level: Groups, Communities and Organizations. (Eds.) Katherine van Wormer and Fred H. Besthorn.
Powers, M. C. F., Schmitz, C., & Beckwith Moritz, M. (in progress). Preparing social
work students for interdisciplinary responses to the global environmental crisis. Powers, M. C. F. Schmitz, C. L., & Rhodes, D. (in progress). Climate Change:
Compounding Factors of Marginalization in International Migration .
PRESENTATIONS
Peer-Reviewed Scholarly Presentations
Powers, M. C. F. Schmitz, C. L., & Rhodes, D. (May, 2017 accepted). Climate Change: Compounding Factors of Marginalization in International Migration. Workshop presentation accepted at International Federation of Social Work (IFSW) European Conference. Iceland.
Willett, J., Powers, M. C. F., Reyes-Mason, L., Hayward, R.A., & Teixeira, S. (Jan, 2017
accepted). Advancing a Community-Engaged Research Agenda to Address the Grand Challenge of Creating Social Responses to a Changing Environment . Roundtable presentation accepted at Society for Social Work Research (SSWR), New Orleans, LA.
Meredith C. F. Powers ~ University of North Carolina at Greensboro ~ School of Health and Human Sciences~ Department of Social Work 5
Powers, M. C. F., Willett, J., Mathias, J., Hayward, R. A. (Nov, 2016). Environmental justice: Implications for international and domestic social work education and practice. Paper presented at Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting, Denver, CO.
Powers, M. C. F. (Jan 2016). Exploring Professional Identities of Social Workers
Addressing Social and Ecological Injustices. Paper presented in Panel “Green Social Work: Ethical Challenges and Innovations in Environmental Justice Organizing” at Society for Social Work Research (SSWR), DC.
Beckwith-Moritz, M., Jekot, A., & Powers, M. C. F. (Nov, 2015). Ecological Justice: A Call for Christian Social Workers. Paper presented at North
American Association for Christians in Social Work Annual Conference, Grand Rapids, MI.
Powers, M. C. F. (Oct, 2015). Expanding the Profession: Social Workers
Responding to the Environmental Crisis. Paper presented at Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting, Denver, CO.
Forbes, R., Nesmith, A., Powers, M. C. F., & Schmitz, C. (Oct, 2015). Ecological Justice:
Social Work Education Creating Change On and Off Campus. Interactive workshop presented at Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting, Denver, CO.
Rock, L., Joseph, D., Hayward, R. A., Powers, M. C. F. Billiot, S., & Lee, K. (July, 2015).
Environmental social work practice in the classroom & community. Paper accepted at Association of Caribbean Social Work Educators Conference, Grenada.
Powers, M. C. F. (May, 2015). Transforming the profession: Social workers’ expanding
response to the environmental crisis. Paper presented at the International symposium of Ecosocial transition in society – Research on the contribution of social work and social policy, Jyväskylä, Finland.
Appenzeller, G., Daniel, D., & Powers, M. C. F. (Mar, 2015). Greening our practice:
Social workers responding to the environmental crisis. Paper presented at South Carolina National Association of Social Workers Spring Symposium, Col umbia, SC.
Powers, M. C. F. (July, 2014). Ecologically conscious social work: Professional
socialization of social workers responding to the environmental crisis. Paper presented at Joint World Council on Social Work, Education, and Social Development, Melbourne, AUS.
Powers, M. C. F., Krantz, D., & Kondratenko, N. (March, 2014). Ecological Justice: Roles
and Responsibilities for Social Workers. Paper presented at South Carolina National Association of Social Workers Spring Symposium, Columbia, SC.
Powers, M. C. F., Gambel, D. A., Hayward, R. A., Schmitz, C., Shephard, B., & Taylor, S.
(Nov, 2013). Social Work Education in an Era of Global Environmental Crisis . Invited Hot Topic Panel presentation at Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting, Dallas, TX.
Meredith C. F. Powers ~ University of North Carolina at Greensboro ~ School of Health and Human Sciences~ Department of Social Work 6
Schrenkel, A. & Powers, M. C. F. (March, 2013). Refugees in Columbia, SC: Invisible yet indispensable. Paper presented at South Carolina National Association of Social Workers Spring Symposium, Columbia, SC.
Powers, M. C. F. (Oct, 2012). Care of Creation: Professional Social Work Responses to the Ecological Crisis. Paper presented at South Carolina National Association of Christian Social Workers Annual Convention, St. Louis, MO.
Powers, M. C. F. (March, 2012). Roles for social workers in response to the
environmental crisis. Paper presented at South Carolina National Association of Social Workers Spring Symposium, Columbia, SC.
Powers, M. C. F. & Wolfer, T. A. (March, 2012). Social work practice in religious
congregations. Paper presented at South Carolina National Association of Social Workers Spring Symposium, Columbia, SC.
Johnson, M. M., Powers, M. C. F., & McMillan, L. (January, 2012). Types and topics of social work dissertations, 1998-2000 and 2008-2010: A Content Analysis. Paper presented at Society for Social Work and Research, Annual Conference, Washington, DC.
Wolfer, T. A. & Powers, M. C. F. (2011, October). Social work in congregations: Its
potential role in promoting and supporting respite. Paper presented at North American Association for Christians in Social Work Annual Conference , Pittsburg, PA.
Freedman, D. A., Pitner, R., Powers, M. C. F., Hunter, B., & Hagler, B. (2011, October). Moving from snapshot to civic action: Disseminating photovoice results to the community. Roundtable presentation at the 139th Annual American Public Health Association Conference, Washington, DC.
Pitner, R., Freedman, D., Powers, M. C. F., & Hastie, S. (2011, May). LENS: A participatory approach for educating others about Photovoice results. Paper presented at Unsettling Feminism(s): Disrupting the Center, Dismantling Oppression(s), Transforming Social Work Unconference, Chicago, Il.
Powers, M. C. F., Freedman, D.,Pitner, R., & Paulin-Anderson, T. (2011, March). Using
Photovoice to engage a public housing community in the examination of neighborhood context. Poster presented at American Academy of Health Behavior Meeting. Hilton Head, SC.
Powers, M. C. F., Wolfer, T. A., & Porth, J. B. (2011, March). Promoting the health of
older adults in congregations: Social work roles. Paper presented at South Carolina National Association of Social Workers Spring Symposium, Columbia, SC.
Powers, M. C. F., Wolfer, T. A. & Porth, J. B. (2010, November). Promoting the health
of older adults in congregations: Social work roles. Paper presented at North American Association for Christians in Social Work Annual Conference in Durham, NC.
Meredith C. F. Powers ~ University of North Carolina at Greensboro ~ School of Health and Human Sciences~ Department of Social Work 7
Powers, M. C. F, Scaccia, J. P. & Katz, J. (2010, October). Cultivating and sustaining a green organization: Structural, cultural and leadership development of the Green Quad. Paper presented at Annual South Eastern ECO Conference in Charlotte, NC.
Powers, M. C. F, Wolfer, T. A. & Fahner, A. M. (2010, February). Social Work in
congregations: Its potential role in promoting and supporting respite. Paper presented at South Carolina Respite Coalition Conference in Columbia, SC.
Wolfer, T. A. & Powers, M. C. F. (2009, October). Social work practice in congregations.
Paper presented at National Association of Social Workers–South Carolina Chapter Committee on Aging Conference in Columbia, SC.
Powers, M. C. F. & Pooler, D. (2009, March). Staying healthy: Developing a sustainable,
life-enhancing pace. Paper presented at South Carolina National Association of Social Workers Spring Symposium, Myrtle Beach, SC.
Wolfer, T. A. & Powers, M. C. F. (2009, March). Social work practice in religious
congregations. Paper presented at South Carolina National Association of Social Workers Spring Symposium, Myrtle Beach, SC.
Invited Scholarly Presentations Powers, M. C. F. (2016, Jan.) Exploring Professional Identity of Social Workers
Addressing Social and Ecological Injustices. Guest lecture presented at Social Work Data Analysis Course at Department of Social Work, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC.
Powers, M. C. F. (2015, Oct.). Social Work Roles and Responsibilities in the Global
Ecological Crisis. Guest lecture to be presented at Social Work Policy Course at College of Social Work, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC.
Powers, M. C. F. (2015, Nov). Ecological Justice and Community Engaged Work. Guest
lecture for Green Leadership course to be presented at Green Quad Learning Center for Sustainable Futures, Columbia, SC.
Powers, M. C. F. (2014, April). Ecological Justice and Community Engaged Work. Green
Ethics Leadership series presented at Green Quad Learning Center for Sustainable Futures, Columbia, SC.
Powers, M. C. F, Pitner, R., & Smallwood, S. (2014, February). The High Cost of Low
Price: Social and Environmental Justice Issues in Consumption. Documentary viewing and Discussion. Sustainable Carolina, College of Social Work and I.DeQuincey Newman Institute for Peace & Social Justice , Columbia, SC.
Powers, M. C. F. (2013, November). Social Work Practice in an Era Global
Environmental Practice. College of Social Work, Continuing Education Workshop Series, Columbia, SC.
Powers, M. C. F. (2013, September). Environmental and Ecological Justice in Social
Work Practice. Guest Lecturer, BSW program College of Social Work, Education Columbia, SC.
Meredith C. F. Powers ~ University of North Carolina at Greensboro ~ School of Health and Human Sciences~ Department of Social Work 8
Powers, M. C. F. (2013, April). Caring for Creation. Photovoice project implemented
and presented with youth for Earth Day 2013 at St. Jacob’s Lutheran Church, Chapin, SC.
Powers, M. C. F. (2013, February). Developing a sustainable, life-enhancing pace.
Paper presented at presented at St. Jacob’s Lutheran Church, Chapin, SC. Powers, M. C. F. (2011, March). Developing a sustainable, life-enhancing pace. Paper
presented at Green Quad Learning Center for Sustainable Futures , Columbia, SC.
Powers, M. C. F. (2010, August-November). Leadership for a better world. Professional development series presented at Green Quad Learning Center for Sustainable Futures, Columbia, SC.
Powers, M. C. F. (2010, April). Developing a sustainable, life-enhancing pace. Paper
presented at Green Quad Learning Center for Sustainable Futures, Columbia, SC. Powers, M. C. F. (2009, August). Hope for a hungry world. Presented at St. Peter’s Lutheran
Church World Hunger Campaign, Lexington, SC.
Powers, M. C. F. & Gamble, D. (2003, April). Sustainable development and responsible consumption. Paper presented at School of Social Work, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill.
Powers, M. C. F. (2001, May). Cultural awareness and sensitivity: A workshop for
teachers of English as a second language. Paper presented at Guilford Technical Community College, High Point, NC.
Scholarly Visual Media and News Podcast Episode 189 - Rachel Forbes, Dr. Andrea Nesmith, Dr. Meredith Powers, and
Dr. Cathryne Schmitz: Environmental Justice. (2016, April 11). inSocialWork® Podcast Series. [Audio Podcast] Retrieved from http://www.insocialwork.org/episode.asp?ep=189
“Making a Big Impact with a Small Footprint: Infusing Ecological Consciousness into
the College of Social Work at USC”. (2014). Executive producer and spokesperson. University of South Carolina. Found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9flGlhM6Og&feature=youtu.be
“Infusing Ecological Consciousness into the College of Social Work at USC”. (2013,
September). Executive producer and spokesperson. University of South Carolina. Found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdhAPrbC2go#t=35
“PhD Student to International Audience: “Social Workers Make Great
Environmentalists”. (2014). Found at: http://cosw.sc.edu/about-the-college/news/388-phd-student-to-international-audience-social-workers-make-great-environmentalists
Meredith C. F. Powers ~ University of North Carolina at Greensboro ~ School of Health and Human Sciences~ Department of Social Work 9
“COSW Receives Gold Award for Green Office Certification”. (2014). Found at: http://cosw.sc.edu/36-news-archive/339-cosw-receives-gold-award-for-green-office-certification
“Green Initiative at the College of Social Work”. (2013). Found at:
http://cosw.sc.edu/36-news-archive/316-cosw-going-green
GRANTS & FELLOWSHIPS
Powers, M. C. F. (Jan 2016). To present at Society for Social Work Research in DC. Funds awarded from College of Social Work, USC.
Powers, M. C. F. (October 2015). To present at Council on Social Work Education
Annual Program Meeting in Denver, CO. Funds awarded from College of Social Work, USC.
Powers, M. C. F. (August 2015). To provide for special position as graduate assistant to
infuse College of Social Work with Ecological Consciousness. Funds from Sustainability Fellows Award, University of South Carolina and the College of Social Work, USC.
Powers, M. C. F. (May 2015). To present at the International symposium of Ecosocial transition in society – Research on the contribution of social work and social policy, Jyväskylä, Finland. Funds awarded from College of Social Work, USC, and Sustainable Carolina, USC, and System Wide Innovations, Columbia, SC .
Powers, M. C. F. (August 2014). To provide for special position as graduate assistant to
infuse College of Social Work with Ecological Consciousness. Funds from Sustainability Fellows Award, University of South Carolina and the College of Social Work, USC.
Powers, M. C. F. (July 2014). To present at Joint World Council on Social Work,
Education, and Social Development, Melbourne, AUS. Funds awarded from Sustainable Carolina, USC. Funds awarded from College of Social Work, USC, and The Graduate School at USC, and System Wide Innovations, Columbia, SC.
Powers, M. C. F. (November 2013). To present at 2013 Council on Social Work
Education Annual Program Meeting in Dallas, TX. Funds awarded from College of Social Work, USC.
Powers, M. C. F. (August 2013). To provide for special position as graduate assistant to
infuse College of Social Work with Ecological Consciousness. Funds awarded from Student Sustainability Fund from the University of South Carolina and the College of Social Work, USC.
Powers, M. C. F. (April 2013). To provide for dissertation data transcription services.
Funds awarded from College of Social Work, USC.
Powers, M. C. F. (October 2012). To present at 2012 North American Association for Christians in Social Work (NACSW) Annual Conference in St. Louis, MO. Funds awarded from College of Social Work, USC and from NACSW.
Meredith C. F. Powers ~ University of North Carolina at Greensboro ~ School of Health and Human Sciences~ Department of Social Work 10
Powers, M. C. F. (October 2011). To present at 2011 North American Association for Christians in Social Work (NACSW) Annual Conference in Pittsburg, PA. Funds awarded from College of Social Work, USC and from NACSW.
Powers, M. C. F. (March 2011). To present at the 2011 American Academy of Health
Behavior conference in Hilton Head, SC. Funds awarded from Healthy Environ ments Grant, College of Social Work, USC.
Powers, M. C. F. (October 2010). To present at 2010 North American Association for
Christians in Social Work (NACSW) Annual Conference in Durham, NC. Funds awarded from NACSW.
Powers, M. C. F. (2001). Tannenbaum Student Award. Competitive scholarship awarded from
College of Social Work, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Powers, M. C. F. (2000). Tannenbaum Student Award. Competitive scholarship awarded from
College of Social Work, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
ADDITIONAL PAID PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Infusing Ecological Consciousness into the College of Social Work 2013-2016 Doctoral Graduate Assistant College of Social Work, University of South Carolina
Secure grant funding for project
Assessment, research, and program implementation
Oversee MSW graduate assistants and students
Campus wide partnership development
Work with students, faculty, and staff
Qualitative Research Interviewer and Case Writer Fall 2014 College of Social Work, University of South Carolina
Conduct qualitative interviews
Write decision case and teaching notes
Research to Practice Summer 2014 Doctoral Graduate Assistant College of Social Work, University of South Carolina
Translate scholarly research literature to tools for practitioners
Contract Private Tutor for MSW student Fall 2012
Veterans Affairs, Columbia, SC
Explain assignments, offer editorial feedback
Hartford Partnership Program for Aging Education (HPPAE) 2008-2011 Program Coordinator College of Social Work, University of South Carolina
Assist & instruct masters level students in the HPPAE
Coordinate Field Placements & Act as Liaison for Field Placements of MSW students
Conduct Research
Meredith C. F. Powers ~ University of North Carolina at Greensboro ~ School of Health and Human Sciences~ Department of Social Work 11
Green Quad Learning Center for Sustainable Futures 2010-2011 Doctoral Graduate Intern University of South Carolina
Assist with development of organizational structure, culture, and leadership development
Greening the Mind team manager
Professional Development and Training team member
Environmental Justice team member Lutheran Family Services in the Carolinas 2004-2008 Columbia, SC
Spanish Bilingual Case Manager for Special immigration cases, Refugee Resettlement Immigration Services Department
Implementation Assistant, Partnership Initiatives Department
Compliance and Improvement Administrative Assistant, Quality Management Program
The Arc of Greensboro, Inc. 2003 Greensboro, NC
Community Outreach Coordinator
Special Events Coordination
Volunteer Administration
Water Resources Department 2003 Greensboro, NC
Spanish Bilingual Outreach and Education Intern
World Relief 2001-2002
High Point, NC
Spanish Bilingual Case Manager
Volunteer Administrator
Guilford Technical Community College 2001
High Point, NC
Administrative Assistant to English as a Second Language Coordinator
English as a Second Language Teacher
Oak Ridge UMC Weekday School 2000
Oak Ridge, NC
Spanish Teacher
PROFESSIONAL, UNIVERSITY, & COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER SERVICE Pacific Bamboo Resources (PBR) 2016- Present Seattle, WA International Advisory Board member
Meredith C. F. Powers ~ University of North Carolina at Greensboro ~ School of Health and Human Sciences~ Department of Social Work 12
Center for New North Carolinians (CNNC) 2016- Present University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) Greensboro, NC
Collaborate on Interdisciplinary Research Efforts to enhance the lives of Immigrants and Refugees in North Carolina
Provide cultural sensitivity training to community working with immigrants and refugees
Environmental Justice Committee 2015- Present for the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Alexandria, VA
Infuse Environmental Justice into CSWE’s curriculum standards
Greening CSWE annual program meeting
Co-host discussions for faculty to learn about Environmental Justice Sustainability Across the Curriculum Committee 2014-2016 University of South Carolina (USC) Columbia, SC
Infuse sustainability into campus wide curriculum
Consult with faculty in Social Work department Green/Environmental Social Work Collaborative Network 2014-2016 Columbia, SC
Virtual network founder
Listserv administrator
Conduct qualitative interviews and write feature stories on Network members Field Internship Supervisor 2006-2016 College of Social Work, University of South Carolina
Supervise and instruct masters level students in field internships
Establish and coordinate field placements
Establish rapport and working relationships with preceptors Peer Reviewer 2014- 2015 Critical Social Work, Windsor, Canada Habitat for Humanity Costa Rica and Thrivent Builds Spring 2014 Costa Rica, C.A.
Team leader
Spanish Interpreter Saluda Academy for the Arts 2013- 2016 West Columbia, SC
Spanish Interpreter Reach Out Orphanage Ministries (ROOM) 2013- 2015 Concord, NC
Executive Board member
Meredith C. F. Powers ~ University of North Carolina at Greensboro ~ School of Health and Human Sciences~ Department of Social Work 13
Book Reviewer Fall 2012 Lyceum Books, Inc. Chicago, IL Trade Justice Mission 2010- 2012
Granville, OH
Education and advocacy for victims of trafficking
Student Representative, Doctoral Program Committee 2009- 2010 College of Social Work, University of South Carolina St. Jacob’s Lutheran Church 2007- 2016 Chapin, SC
Environmental sustainability coordinator
Missions and outreach team leader
St. Paul Lutheran Church Startown 2006-2007 Newton, NC
Coordinator of volunteers working at community soup kitchen
Mt. Sinai Methodist Church 2004 Costa Rica, Central America
Spanish Interpreter and ESOL teacher World Relief Refugee Resettlement Office 2001-2003 High Point, NC
Spanish bilingual social work intern
Volunteer administrator
Faith Action International House 2003 Greensboro, NC
Refugee advocate
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
International Federation of Social Work International Association of Schools of Social Work Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Society for Social Work Research
METHODOLOGICAL SKILLS & SOFTWARE EXPERIENCE Qualitative Methods (CBPR, Photovoice, Focus Groups, Observation, Interviews, Analysis) ATLAS.ti Scientific Software Development, Version 7.0
ADDITIONAL SKILLS AND INTERESTS
Spanish language, proficient fluency level
International Travel and Living Experience
Pottery, Jewelry Making, Arts and Crafts
Meredith C. F. Powers ~ University of North Carolina at Greensboro ~ School of Health and Human Sciences~ Department of Social Work 14
Kayaking, Trail Running, Mountain Biking, Skiing
AWARDS RECEIVED
Sustainability Faculty Fellowship Award 2015-2016 Office of Sustainability, University of South Carolina Sustainability Faculty Fellowship Award 2014-2015 Office of Sustainability, University of South Carolina Graduated Magna Cum Laude 2000 College of Social Work, University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Undergraduate Research Fellowship Award 2000 College of Social Work, University of North Carolina at Wilmington