Annually, the Michigan Chapter of the NASW is honored to award Student Leadership in Diversity Scholarships to outstanding social work students across the state These scholarships recognize and promote leaders among social work students who are
working on projects, research, or advocacy initiatives that promote diversity and social justice. Students demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities, have an above average academic record, and are working to promote the ideals of social
work and our Code of Ethics. This year’s recipient is Dana Paglia.
Dana is an MSW candidate at Wayne State University’s School of Social Work. Prior to discovering social work, she earned a bachelor’s degree in anthropology
from WSU and spent time volunteering at Gleaners Community Food Bank in Detroit. This experience inspired Dana to conduct research on chronic homelessness and its connection to food insecurity, which she presented at the Detroit Institute
of Arts in 2018. She “realized that social issues and advocacy were all she wanted to talk about,” and decided to pursue a degree in social work to “put those conversations into action.”
Dana currently works at Community Housing Network
in Troy as a Housing Resource Community Coordinator, where she helps clients advocate for mental health services, primary care physicians, and long term housing supports, among other needs. Community Programs Supervisor Taylor Eberhart had
this to say about Dana’s work as an coordinator for the organization: “On a daily basis, Dana shows that she is extremely motivated to break down barriers for those navigating the housing system as it is complex and many systems within do
not communicate - making it difficult for anyone, especially those who are disproportionately affected due to housing being rooted in systemic racism…. Within the first couple of months at Community Housing Network, Dana exemplified her ability
to adapt to change and crisis, advocate for those on her caseload, problem solve with co-workers, and build relationships with key community partners. All skillsets that are not typically demonstrated so quickly. She continues to display these
skills and more.”
Dana plans to continue to work on housing issues after graduation, with a focus on developing policies and programs to help single parents access affordable housing, childcare, schools, and jobs that can accommodate
their needs. Dana sees herself in 20 years working for the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and we can absolutely see her not only working there, but being a national leader on housing.
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