Alumni Leaders
Our alumni are leaders in a full spectrum of fields, from homelessness to HIV prevention, in a wide range of positions, from clinicians to advocates. Here are just a few of the alumni who bring us great pride.
Susan Nayowith ’84MS, an active member of CUSSW’s alumni association, leads the Office of Client Advocacy, Policy and Planning at the NYC Department of Homeless Services. Dr. Nayowith was recently named president-elect of NASW-NYC and was awarded a Columbia University alumni medal in 2006.
Brenda Johnson Gallagher ’97MS received an alumni medal at this year’s Columbia University Commencement Exercises. Ms. Gallagher is president of the Frank and Brenda Gallagher Family Foundation. She has supported the School as a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council, the Alumni Association Board and Development Committee, among a list of other volunteer activities. Ms. Gallagher is also a board member of many nonprofits.
Cynthia Stuen ’83MS ’87DSW, senior vice president for policy, evaluation and education at Lighthouse International, advocates for policies to preserve sight and to prevent disability due to vision impairment. Dr. Stuen, whose professional career has been in the field of aging, just finished her term as chair of the American Society on Aging, she is a fellow at the Gerontological Society of America and the New York Academy of Medicine.
Elizabeth Lee ’05MS and Marcella J Tillet ’03MS won the 2009 Emerging Leaders Award from the NASW—NYC Chapter. Ms. Lee is the intergenerational program director at VISIONS Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired. The program trains high school seniors to assist blind older persons at home and in their community. Ms. Lee also coordinates outreach and public education on blindness programs.
Ms. Tillet has worked in the U.S. and abroad in the HIV/AIDS prevention field. A former Peace Corps volunteer, Ms. Tillet currently coordinates the Osborne Association’s HIV prevention education programs for female partners of incarcerated men. She is also active in several workgroups focused on HIV/AIDS prevention and women’s issues.
Left to right: Brenda Johnson Gallagher, Marcella J Tillet, Elizabeth Lee, Cynthia Stuen, Susan Nayowith