Lisa Vallee

UConn School of Social Work

I was raised in Farmington, Conn., and attended Union College in Schenectady, N.Y., receiving a bachelor’s degree in English with minors in psychology and sociology. I spent three years working – and countless more volunteering – for the American Cancer Society, which advocates for the rights of cancer patients and their families. I’ve also volunteered with an urban domestic violence shelter,  Big Brothers Big Sisters, and activist groups such as Campus Action and the Women’s Union. I was drawn to the Urban Service track because of my interest in pursuing a social work career in the health care field. I think it’s important in medical social work to understand the roles of the numerous professionals who are a part of the client’s care. Working on an interdisciplinary team with the UST will provide different perspectives on health care, and allow me to learn more about disease prevention, health equity, and access to care. As an MSW student, I hope to work in support of human rights, work against oppression and discrimination, and alleviate the effects of violence and poverty in urban areas. Community service has always been an important part of my life – I volunteered at the UConn Health Center during summers as a teenager –and I’m excited for the service opportunities that the UST has to offer.