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Meet the E-Board
Kendle Smith '27
PRESIDENT
MAJOR: Social Work
She is interested in school social work and/or school counseling. Her favorite thing about SWSA is being part of a supportive community that’s genuinely passionate about social justice and helping others, while also giving students real opportunities to grow, connect, and make an impact together.
Illana Rancharan '27
VICE PRESIDENT
MAJOR: Social Work
MINOR: Spanish
She is interested in child welfare. Ilana's favorite thing about SWSA so far is seeing how we’re all going in different areas of social work and how passionate everyone is.
Madee Hughes '28
SECRETARY
MAJOR: Social Work
MINOR: Educational Studies
She is interested in school social work and/or therapy. Her favorite thing about SWSA is all of the amazing people she’s met who share similar interests and also love social work!
Abbi Young '28
TREASURER
MAJOR: Social Work
MINOR: Psychology
She is interested in pursuing hospital social work. Abbi loves all the activities and events that SWSA does!
Gianna Garcia '27
SOCIAL CHAIR
MAJOR: Social Work
She is interested in working in juvenile court rooms, detention centers, or with individuals who are at shelters. Gianna's favorite thing about SWSA is getting to meet new people who care about social work values and policies.
Maggy Reyes-Pena '27
STUDENT GOVERNMENT REP.
MAJOR: Social Work
MINORS: Spanish & Criminal Justice
She is most interested in child welfare and aspires to be a hospital social worker with Latino populations. Her favorite thing about SWSA is its welcoming environment. She says, “It truly feels like a safe space to get to know each other and to navigate the social work major!”
Debbie Minsky-Kelly
ADVISOR
Debbie Minsky-Kelly, LCSW, is Field Director and Assistant Professor at the Carthage College School of Social Work. Debbie’s 25+ year career as a social worker includes leadership in mental health treatment with children, teens, and families, most recently as a director with Rogers Behavioral Health. Debbie’s background includes work in child welfare, domestic violence, homeless healthcare, private practice, and childhood trauma. Debbie has published research in areas including the healthcare system’s response to domestic violence and ethics related to mental health service delivery models. Debbie teaches social work practice classes, courses on psychological trauma, and human resilience. She was selected as Distinguished Teacher of the Year at Carthage College in 2021. Debbie has presented at local, state, national, and international conferences, and for many nonprofit agencies and schools on subjects related to social work ethics and trauma-informed approaches to service delivery. Debbie is an active volunteer lead with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America.