March 17, 2017

MSW student Melissa Galindo was added to this year’s Husky 100 cohort, a UW recognition program that acknowledges 100 outstanding undergraduate and graduate students in all disciplines from the Bothell, Seattle and Tacoma campuses. Students are chosen for their leadership, passion, creativity and commitment.

Awardees will be recognized at an event on Mon., Apr. 10 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the HUB Ballroom. As part of the Husky 100 cohort, they receive mentorship and other benefits, such as networking opportunities, invitations to exclusive events, career counseling and interaction with UW alumni. Register for the event here by April 9.

When Galindo (BASW ‘11) graduates this spring, she will be not only the first in her family to earn both a graduate and an undergraduate degree, but she was also the first in her family to graduate from high school.

Galindo’s interest in social work stemmed from an experience she had as a teenager, when her mother was detained by immigration officials in the middle of the night.  “Many people are detained regularly,” Galindo said, “and nobody talks about how the children are affected.” Her goal is to help children who have undergone similar trauma, providing counseling, support and guidance.

At the School of Social Work, Galindo chose field placements that connected her with immigrant populations, drawing on her personal history and interest in serving this community. “I am truly appreciative of everything the UW has given me including education, experiences and wonderful professors who guided me to this point,” she said. “This award is a village effort.”

This is the second cohort of Husky 100 students. Applications are judged by a committee of students and faculty in five categories, including having a discovery mindset, commitment to be part of an inclusive community, and capacity for leadership. Take a complete look at the 2017 Husky 100 cohort