News and Spotlights
WGVU Morning Show Interview with Tracie Coffman, '01 & '06
February 18, 2021
Tracie came to Grand Valley State University (GVSU) as a first generation student with a declared major in social work. This program appealed to her because of the various options this major offered, whether as a generalist where you can get exposure to a wide array of potential practices, or a focused approach in different areas such as policy or clinical. Tracie chose the generalist track to get exposed to all of the areas of social work and to find her passion.
She chose GVSU for her master's degree in social work because of their advanced standing program. If you have a BSW, this program allows you, with a certain GPA, to return within five years and complete the program within 12 months while still employed which was necessary for her at the time.
In her first position, Tracie realized just how important her degree in social work would be at a foreclosure prevention company. She understood first-hand that if families where facing foreclosure, this might not be the only crisis they might be facing. Her degree enabled her to understand the systems and policies and to be a voice for her clients.
Now as a Program Officer with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, she's in the community and finding where the goals of the Foundation intersect with the goals of the community. Being in the community and knowing their partners, is key to providing the necessary financial resources where communities can create spaces and places where children can thrive and the disparities of racial inequities decrease.
Her challenge to others in the field is to really understand the systems and structures in place because you can't dismantle what you don't know.
Tracie's advice to students would be to take advantage of all of the opportunities GVSU has to offer.
Listen to Tracie's interview with Shelley Irwin