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Class Year: May 2025

Program: Master of Social Work

"Get to know your neighborhood and your neighbors" is the advice McKenna Uzelac would give to any incoming Master of Social Work student. 

Inspired by their mother’s dedication to the field, they followed a similar career path, choosing the Mandel School for its strong reputation and the many opportunities for field placements in Cleveland. Now, immersed in the city’s diverse communities, Uzelac is learning that the most valuable lessons often happen outside the classroom, in the neighborhoods where they’re making an impact while staying true to their authentic self.

After hearing great things about the Community Practice for Social Change pathway, Uzelac chose a field placement that aligns perfectly with their interests—the Mandel School’s Community Innovation Network. There, they're involved in community engagement projects in and around Cleveland fostering genuine connections that contribute to positive change.

“I've learned that being an advocate is not something you can leave at the door—you bring that with you everywhere you go and into every interaction you have as a social worker,” they said. 

During their first-year field placement at �ǿմ�ý’s LGBT Center, Uzelac focused on programming, outreach and advocacy within the LGBT community. Their field instructor, Ryan Zymler, assistant vice president of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging at OhioGuidestone, taught them the significance of working within a community you belong to, especially knowing when to enforce or ease boundaries. This lesson, along with many others, has been invaluable.

Uzelac says their favorite things about the Mandel School are the incredible faculty and staff members who are simultaneously impactful educators and wonderful cheerleaders. Their favorite class so far has been “Foundations of Social Policy.”

“That class gave me such a great understanding and context for the work we do as social workers,” they said. “It was fascinating, and I was lucky enough to have Scott Wilkes—he is one of the most engaging professors I’ve ever had.”

After graduation next spring, they want to bring their experience in community practice and changemaking back to their hometown of Rochester, New York, but they are grateful for the opportunity to spend a few years in Ohio. After exploring some of the neighborhoods near campus this summer and working at a restaurant in Little Italy, Uzelac experienced that neighborhood's lively energy and was invigorated by their home away from home.

“It really cemented the love that has been growing in my heart for Cleveland,” they said.