Meet Our Students

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My name is Emily Woodward, and I am thrilled to serve as your 2024-2024 MSW/JD Student representative! I am in my first year of the program, and excited for the various opportunities UWindsor has to offer, and hope to encourage you to take advantage of them as well. The MSW/JD program is intimate, but it is integral to the Social Work program, and as such as students of the program our voice matters.

I am honoured to be selected for a position to share your views with other students and faculty. Please feel free to contact me at woodware@uwindsor.ca if you have any questions, concerns, or if you just want to say hello! I look forward to starting this position and getting to know you all a little bit better.

Some fun facts about me so you feel more comfortable reaching out: Area of Interest: Child Welfare, Criminal Law, Child Advocacy Favourite Food: Italian Favourite Hobby: Walking my dogs Interesting Fact: I have never seen any of the Harry Potter movies! (I hear they are great but have never sat down to do it)

Hello, I’m Mac and I’m happy to be serving as your MSW student rep this year. This is my second and final year in the MSW regular track on-campus program, having come from completing my Bachelor of Health Sciences at the University of Ottawa. I have been privileged to hold a couple different positions at UWindsor since coming to the program, including as Student Ambassador for the Faculty of Social Work and as a Graduate Assistant for both the Faculty of Social Work as well as the Faculty of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. Through my time working at the university, I have developed a passion for the school, as well as a keen interest in the broader functioning of the university as an organization. In recent years I have had the opportunity to work in a number of social service positions at different agencies, including my summer practicum here in Windsor where I worked as a housing case manager for Housing Information Services at the Housing and Homelessness Help Hub (Water World). As such, I have been able to refine my communication and advocacy skills, and I look forward to continuing to refine them on your behalf this year.

I am always more than happy to hear your comments about the school, the program, and student life in general, and would encourage you to reach out if you have any concerns that you think I might be able to address. You can reach me at my school email fellowsf@uwindsor.ca anytime, I aim to be prompt in responding to your inquiries. I’m here to hear from you, so if you have concerns relating to Student Council or the MSW Committee please let me know. Have a great year!

Lea Joy Friesen is a dedicated bilingual professional and advocate with a rich background in community justice, mental health, forensics, forensic psychiatry, crisis support, public health, community mobilization, and palliative care. Currently pursuing a PhD in Social Work, she holds both a Master of Social Work and a Master of Education.

Originally from the Philippines, Joy arrived in Canada with just ten dollars and a million hopes, embodying resilience and determination. As a student representative, she brings her commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion to the forefront, focusing on empowering marginalized populations and advocating for systemic change.

Her leadership in community initiatives highlights her dedication to equitable access to care and continuous quality improvement. With a passion for social justice, Joy collaborates with peers and stakeholders to enhance community well-being and drive positive change. Her multifaceted expertise and personal journey uniquely position her to represent the student body effectively and advocate for meaningful progress within the academic community.

Hi! I’m Tracy Lee (She/Her), a first-year MSW/JD student! I am excited to share that I have been granted the opportunity to be part of the EDID Committee this year! This opportunity is significant to me, as someone who is half Taiwanese and half Hong Konger. My heritage has given me a unique understanding of the challenges and strengths of navigating various cultural identities. This leads to a passion for advocating for inclusion within our community here at UWindsor. I hope to learn from my peers, contribute my perspectives, and collaborate with others to work towards EDID's goals.

Justice Hargrove (he/him/his) is a BSW student, expected to graduate in April 2025. Initially pursuing a career in media and public relations, Justice found that the industry often fell short of its professed commitment to social justice and humanity. Seeking a more meaningful alignment with his personal values, Justice began to pursue an education in social work. This decision has allowed him to thrive with the support of peers, professors, and the social work community.

During his time in media, Justice had the opportunity to produce a web series which was eventually purchased and developed for Bell Fibe TV1. He also collaborated with nonprofit organizations like the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County and Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor, along with various members of the Windsor art community. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a period of self-reflection and an acceptance that his true calling lay in social work.

After discovering a passion for research and analysis in his new field, Justice is dedicated to exploring the truth of effective social work practice and policy implementation with a focus on human rights and social justice. Currently, he is working on a project with Dr. Kevin Gorey and aims to publish his first paper by the end of the year. Through social work, Justice feels he is genuinely living his values and beliefs. He aspires to use his storytelling and media skills to highlight the vital work being done by too-often unsung workers who quietly drive positive change.

Justice Hargrove (he/him/his)
University of Windsor – Bachelor of Social Work
BSW Assistant

Hello U Windsor School of Social Work! My name is Aaron Bergeron, and I will be your SWSA President for the 2024-2025 academic year. I am very excited to be taking on this role and have big plans for this year! I am a Windsor native and have spent the better part of my 40 years on this earth working and living in this community. I am also a strong advocate for the 2SLGBTQI+ community. I have spent many years working to help make sure those in the 2SLGBTQI+ community have their voices heard and I look forward to continuing that fight here for all of you. So, if you have any questions about Windsor, about the social work program, or even about life in general I am here for you. I have started a new process this year of offering office hours on Thursday nights from 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm in the SWSA office at the downtown campus (Room 104 on the main floor right across from the elevators). The world is on fire right now and we, as social workers, will be a big part of putting it back together. We can only do that however, if we take care of each other and our selves first. So come to office hours and chat with us, or do some colouring, or eat some candy. We’ve got your back and together we will rise to make this community brighter and stronger. See you out there!

Aaron Bergeron

Hi folx, my name is Julia (she/her) and I am so excited to be this year's Vice-President & Child and Youth Care (CYC) Transfer Representative for SWSA! I am a Lambton College CYC graduate that has transferred into my 4th year of Bachelor of Social Work here at University of Windsor to further my education. My long-term goal is to work with youth struggling with mental health challenges within the hospital or clinical setting. 

I know how overwhelming it can be making such a big step, so I am passionate about easing that stress for all of you! I am here as an advocate for those on a different education/career path, specifically those with CYC roots. I currently volunteer at U of Windsor's Pride Center and attend classes on both the main and downtown campuses. So, when you see me around, say hi!

Remember to practice self-care and take care, 

Julia Pagano, Vice-President & CYC Graduate

4th year BSW Student

Hello, my name is Brady Cochrane (He/him), and I am a third-year student in the BSW program. I am your 2023-2024 Minister of Social Affairs. I am currently deciding the trajectory of my future career in social work, whether that be more micro or macro focused practice. I believe at my core that our underlying structures inform who we become, and so I have a duty towards positively impacting the structures that make up the BSW program. I hope in getting to know you all better, we in SWSA can help to do our part in making UWindsor a place that works to support and enrich all students lives at its core. I’m really excited for this opportunity and happy to meet you all throughout the year!

Hello everybody!

My name is Emma Logan, and my pronouns are she/her. I am currently in my third year of the Social Work and Women and Gender Studies program, and I am now the Women and Gender Studies Representative for SWSA. I am very passionate about social justice and equal rights for all, and I hope to be able continue the process of making campus a safe and welcoming place for all. I am here for any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out! I look forward to being able to represent your voices. 

Hello, my name is Zizi Ohia, and I am a first-year BSW student at the University of Windsor. I'm very pleased to be a part of organizations like the Social Work Student Association and help to make a better community and school environment. I plan to pursue a specialization in clinical and educational social work. I am really passionate about advocating for the rights of all people, but especially black and Indigenous peoples. I have so much to offer, and I can't wait to represent and advocate for first-year BSW students.

Hi everyone! My name is Angela Dagati, and I’m thrilled to be your second year representative for SWSA! My pronouns are she/her, and I have a strong commitment to empowering others and making a meaningful impact in our community. A bit about my background: I graduated from the Social Service Work program at St. Clair College, which led me to work in long-term care as a recreation aide and I worked closely with the behavioral support team. My passion for social work is driven by a profound desire to assist individuals in navigating their challenges and to empower them to discover their own voices. I firmly believe that everyone deserves compassion and understanding, and I am committed to furthering my education so I can make a significant difference in people’s lives. This year, I look forward to connecting with all of you and am excited about the opportunities for growth and collaboration this school year. Let’s make it a successful and enjoyable journey together!

Greetings BSW classmates,

My name is Meighan Mann (she/her), and I am honoured to serve as your 3rd-year representative for the Social Work Students' Association (SWSA) for the 2024-25 academic year. I would like to extend an invitation to each of you to reach out with your thoughts and suggestions regarding initiatives within our School of Social Work and the SWSA.

I am deeply passionate about mental health and social justice, and I look forward to collaborating with you to foster meaningful discussions and events throughout the school year. Please feel free to contact me at mann26@uwindsor.ca with any concerns or ideas you wish to share. Together, let us strive for a successful and impactful year ahead.

Hello everyone! My name is Emma Wright (She/Her), and I am the fourth year student representative for SWSA! I am currently undergoing my field placement at Erie Shores HealthCare. Once I graduate with my Bachelor of Social Work I hope to continue my eduction into the Master of Social Work program. Throughout the years I’ve found a passion for the geriatric population and end of life care. In the future, I hope to utilize my social work degree in helping those navigate the later stages of life.                                                                                                                               

 Thanks for listening!