CSSW and U.S. Politics & Government - The Columbia School of Social Work

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Faculty and alumni of the Columbia School of Social Work have played a range of roles in U.S. politics and government. Listed below are a number of examples, several of whom have held office at the local, state, or federal levels.

Jared Bernstein

Appointee to President-elect Biden’s Council of Economic Advisors

“There’re just so many deep problems in our society of precisely the type that policy-oriented social workers can help to solve, so bring me the troops!”

Russellie Bongolan

Political Director, Georgia Senate Race

“It took hard work, a positive attitude, but mostly a very sincere concern and love for the community.”

Daniella Levine Cava

Mayor of Miami Dade County, Florida

“Spending the majority of my professional life in social work fundamentally shaped my approach to public service.”

Ada Deer

U.S. Secretary for Indian Affairs (1993–1997)

“You don’t have to collapse just because there’s a federal law in your way. Change it!”

Jaime Estades

Founder of the Latino Research Institute

“Engagement is just the beginning of the work. What we are trying to do is to empower communities politically and economically.”

Mathylde Frontus

New York State Assemblymember, Brooklyn’s 46th District

“I’ve always understood politics to be about helping others and being of service to one’s community. I can’t think of a more compatible field of study than social work.”

Emily Jabbour

City Council Member, Hoboken, NJ

“The federal government needs social workers now more than ever to be at the table and take a leadership role in advocating for the policies that support people in need.”

Charles E. Lewis

Founder of the Congressional Social Work Caucus

“All social workers, regardless of whether they are policy or micro or direct services, should be politically engaged.”

Dianne Morales

NYC Mayoral Candidate

“I do think there are critical voices that need to be heard; voices that have been silenced or ignored for too long. I think I can help represent and reflect some of those voices.”

Sheila Oliver

New Jersey Lieutenant Governor

“I never set out to get involved in politics, but I knew that politics could transform lives.”

Frances Perkins

U.S. Secretary of Labor (1933–1945)

“A government should aim to give all the people under its jurisdiction the best possible life.”

Jeannette Rankin

First Woman Elected to the U.S. Congress (in 1917)

“I may be the first woman member of Congress, but I won’t be the last.”

Jeanette Takamura

Assistant Secretary for Aging, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (1997–2001)

“In the United States there are 52 different versions of Medicaid. If you live in an urban community versus a rural community, there’s a big difference.”