Gisele Ferretto, MSW, LCSW-C | Clinical Instructor, Manager of Training for the Office of Field Education | UMB Donor for 20 years

“My contributions keep me connected to the work of the School of Social Work, to its legacy, and the current students, who are the future of social work.”

Giselle Ferretto believes in the power of people to change the world. As a licensed clinical social worker and clinical instructor/manager of training for the Office of Field Education at the University of Maryland School of Social Work, Ferretto sees firsthand the impact of the social work profession — and how it is constantly shaped by those outstanding practitioners who guide the next generation of students toward their own future careers.

“I continue to be inspired by and marvel at the commitment of my colleagues to our students, alumni, the community, and the social work profession,” she says. “It is also a privilege to be connected to so many dedicated field instructors and field liaisons and enthusiastic students as they meet the opportunities and challenges of field education.”

It is because of this inspiration — and Ferretto’s 21-year history with the school — that she has chosen to give back to the institution not only monetarily but also in terms of time.

“My contributions keep me connected to the work of the School of Social Work, to its legacy, and the current students, who are the future of social work. The various memorial efforts throughout the year recognizing outstanding faculty or alumni are especially meaningful to me as a way to honor those who have had an impact on my social work formation and to our profession. Contributions, monetarily and in service [as a field instructor] are meaningful ways to celebrate our past and be part of the future direction of our profession.”