Personal loss inspires AUM senior’s service on state board
When Auburn University at Montgomery senior Emily Kelley hears about the stories of children and youth whom the foster care system has failed, they resonate deeply with her.
Last summer, Kelley, pursuing a bachelor of social work (BSW) in child welfare policy, was elected as a student representative on the National Association of Social Workers (NASW)—Alabama Chapter Board. She is serving a one-year term that runs through June 2025 and is the first student from AUM’s social work program to hold a position on the board.
The loss of a cousin who grew up in the foster care system inspired Kelley to pursue a social work degree and has driven her to take on roles, like the NASW-AL board position, in hopes of creating change for others.
“I hope to bring awareness to the challenges social work students face and encourage BSW students to get more involved and be more connected,” she said of her time on the board.
“My cousin was placed with foster care parents who were not equipped to raise a child. They put her through horrible things that negatively impacted her life. We were very close, and when she passed in a car accident at 17, obviously it was tough, and it also made me angry that she never had a happy childhood. I’ve carried that weight for a very long time.”
As an aspiring social worker, Kelley is determined to ensure all children have a chance at a happy childhood.
“I’m not so prideful to think I will be the person who changes the whole system, but any change I can make, big or small, could make a difference for the future,” she said. “My classmates and professors encouraged me to apply for the NASW-AL board position to gain experience, but I never imagined I would get the position. It has been an honor to not only represent BSW students, but also AUM.”
NASW-AL student representatives coordinate meet-and-greets with other BSW student representatives, address essential student issues, and plan student-led advocacy activities. They are also encouraged to engage other BSW students at their university and state to participate in Advocacy Day 2025, a nationally recognized day that Alabama social workers celebrate at the state Capitol in Montgomery.
Gwen Bouie-Haynes, executive director of NASW—AL, said Kelley is a student representative who votes on the board and attends monthly board meetings.
“Kelley’s role is helping to empower BSW students throughout Alabama to become leaders and advocates in their field,” she said.
Kelley, who will graduate in December, plans to pursue a Master of Social Work degree in child welfare policy after completing her undergraduate degree.
