Join us as we promote economic equality and financial capability

The American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare is leading a groundbreaking initiative to champion social progress powered by science through the 12 Grand Challenges for Social Work. 

To advance progress on Social Work's Grand Challenges, the Graduate School of Social Work at the University of Denver has launched the Social Work Grand Challenges Science for Action Series. The series will address all 12 of the challenges over four years. Each event is hosted in Denver and made available to social work and allied fields via LiveStream. 

We hope you will join us at our fourth on October 25, addressing two Grand Challenges. This event combines related content from “Reducing Extreme Economic Inequality” and “Building Financial Capability for All.” 

Michael Sherraden, PhD, University Professor at the George Warren Brown School of Social Work and Founding Director of the Center for Social Development at Washington University in St. Louis, will deliver the keynote address. Professor Sherraden is the only social worker known to be recognized as one of Time Magazine’s Most Influential People for his work on wealth-building strategies for those living in poverty.   

Two panels will address the two Grand Challenges focusing on strategies to 1) reduce inequality and 2) build financial capability. Trina Shanks, PhD, associate professor at the School of Social Work at the University of Michigan, will deliver a plenary that frames the first topic and panel.  Margaret Sherraden, PhD, research professor at the Center for Social Development at Washington University in St. Louis, will deliver a plenary that frames the second topic panel. Colorado state and local leaders will comprise the panels, addressing the issue of poverty alleviation in Colorado.  

Interactive discussion will follow each panel, including participants from the LiveStream as well as in the event audience.

AGENDA

1:00-1:05pm - Welcome and Opening Remarks from Dean Amanda Moore McBride

1:05-1:10pm – Overview of the Afternoon by Series Chair, Professor Jeff Jenson 

1:10-1:15pm – Remarks by Jerene Petersen, Deputy Executive Director for Community Partnerships, Colorado Department of Human Services 

1:15-1:45pm - Keynote Address by Professor Michael Sherraden, Founder and Director, Center for Social Development  

1:45-2:15pm – Interactive Discussion

2:15-2:30pm – Break

Reducing Extreme Economic Inequality

2:30-2:45pm – Plenary Address by Professor Trina Shanks, Associate Professor of Social Work, University of Michigan  

2:45-3:15pm – Colorado State and Local Leaders Responses

• Renee Nicolosi, Director, Resident & Client Services, Denver Housing Authority 
• Katie Griego, Director of the Division of Employment and Benefits, Colorado Department of Human Services 
• Mary Baydarian, Director, Garfield County Department of Human Services 

3:15-3:45pm – Interactive Discussion

3:45-4:00pm – Break

Building Financial Capability for All

4:00-4:15pm – Plenary Address by Professor Margaret Sherraden, Professor Emerita of Social Work, University of Missouri  - St. Louis 

4:15-4:45pm – Colorado State and Local Leaders Responses

• Katherine M. Sauer, Senior Director of Education, Research & Strategic Impact, National Endowment for Financial Education 

4:45-5:15pm – Interactive Discussion

5:15-5:30pm - Closing Remarks, Dean Amanda Moore McBride and Professor Jeff Jenson