Social work student connects campus and community through research and activism
Bailey Fahnestock to pursue career in macro social work
Bailey Fahnestock believes that meaningful change begins with collaboration — and she’s spent the last several years helping to bridge the gap between ˿Ƶ University and the local community.
“It was meaningful to see our projects build a stronger connection between ˿Ƶ University and the local community,” said Fahnestock.
Fahnestock has been a part of the University for years, first as an undergraduate majoring in psychology and sociology and then as a graduate student drawn to macro-level social work. This May, she will receive her Master of Social Work degree.
“I’m super interested in policy, human rights and activism,” she said. “While I have a strong interest in mental health, I’ve always been more interested in the wider picture and using my experience to advocate for social change.”
Since June 2022, Fahnestock has been employed at the Harriet Tubman Center for Freedom and Equity, where she has contributed to a number of research studies and community-focused projects. These include the Harriet Tubman sculpture project, where she assisted with planning and outreach, and the Downtown ˿Ƶ Freedom Trail, where she worked with University departments to develop communications materials and QR codes.
“I was there at the unveiling of the markers and helped wherever I could,” she said. “Whether it was event coordination, research or just supporting Dr. Anne Bailey and Dr. Sharon Bryant — it felt like real, impactful work.”
Her contributions go beyond history. While juggling graduate school and other research lab responsibilities, she co-led a two-year study on the diversity of public art at ˿Ƶ University, and took part in a study through the Tubman Center on perceived discrimination against African Americans in healthcare.
Fahnestock also worked with the ˿Ƶ Anxiety Clinic, Human Sexualities Lab and other social science-based research projects. She is currently helping Assistant Professor Jackie McKinley with social work practice research in the Department of Social Work.
“I’ve had amazing mentors,” she said. “Each opportunity helped me grow — academically and personally.”
Fahnestock, who was raised in the Oswego region, close to Lake Ontario, said the journey wasn’t always simple. She remained grounded because of her community and advocacy passion.
“I believe the secret was learning to enjoy college and to take time for myself,” she said. “I found balance through reading, hanging out with friends, taking walks in the Nature Preserve, or even just napping or cuddling with my cats.”
After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in macro social work and continue her commitment to policy, equity and community empowerment.
“I want to keep doing work that connects people,” she said. “That’s always felt like the most important thing.”