Caira Ward is a graduate student studying social work at New York University. Talking with Caira about her daring and caring journey to date is like being out on the open road with all four windows down. You can feel the wind in your hair. No matter what cruel realities she might face in her studies and internships that seek to ease the pain of those who are suffering, she still feels the magnetic pull and joy of Carver memories and values.
Caira received a B.A. in Human Development and Family Studies from UConn in 2019. But that is simply the headline for what was a brave, driven and original undergraduate experience.
Caira was an honors student at UConn with a minor in Urban and Community Studies. She received the 2018 Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts Research Experience Award; as part of the award she worked on a study designed to analyze the positive and negative experiences of African American women cancer survivors located in urban cities in Connecticut. As a student she volunteered at many service organizations, particularly those serving the poor and homeless, and was awarded the 2019 Cohen Student Leadership Scholarship Award for demonstrating an active commitment to eliminating bigotry, prejudice, and discrimination and the fostering of tolerance and understanding among the campus community.
Caira served as President of the Nu Mu Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority (and received one of their scholarships). She was a member of the Storrs Church of Christ. She traveled to Detroit for the Urban Development, Education and Civic Development Alternative Break to learn about civic engagement through indirect and direct service with the community. She traveled to Boston to participate in the Understanding Homelessness Alternative Break. Caira was a Peer Mentor in UConn Connects and First Year Experience, and she served as a tutor for America Reads in Hartford. She served as secretary for Sisters Inspiring Sisters, an on-campus organization that provides a safe and engaging space for women of color on campus.
Meanwhile, she worked as a student research assistant for two years on a study and had the opportunity to design a research study of her own on the social influence of HIV testing among Black students as part of her honors thesis project. Caira also worked for two years as a receptionist for the UConn Foundation of Alumni Relations.
Today, Caira is on track to receive her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree in Spring 2021.
She worked for seven months (until the pandemic hit) as an intern at Fudan International School in Shanghai, China. This is the only MSW program of an American university in China. Caira provided elementary students and the Fudan International School staff with counseling, workshops, and policy on Social and Emotional Learning as well as Child Protection. Along the way she conducted field work in the deepest way, reflecting on cultural, social, political, and economic similarities and differences.
Caira with her colleagues in the NYU Silver’s MSW Program at Shanghai
Presently, Caira is an intern at the Rowan Center in Stamford, an organization that provides counseling and support services to primary and secondary victims of sexual violence and strives to eliminate sexual violence through community-wide education programs. Her MSW program educates professionals for the pursuit of social justice with an emphasis on direct social work practice that aims to improve bio-psycho-social functioning through helping relationships.
Carver role models helped Caira choose and sustain her career path. “I thought about some of the positive influences and individuals who've helped me along the way. Carver played a huge role in how I grew as an individual and student. I’m especially grateful for the support and friendship of Sarah Molinelli, China Garcia, Benson Casimir, and Mo Tomlin.”
“I was a Carver after-school student for three years in high school. I was a Carver camp counselor and then supervisor over five summers. I attended Carver’s spring college tour in 2014, an experience which really inspired my path to college and choosing my undergraduate majors in the social science and the humanities. I was also a Carver college scholarship recipient for four consecutive years. With these Carver experiences in mind, I was inspired to serve communities and help individuals the same way Carver helped me.”
“I then decided to choose a focus in macro social work, where I'd work at the governmental and organizational levels with non-profits, and do work framed around programming, policy, and social justice - specifically for women of color.” Caira is a member of the Theta Alpha Sigma Graduate Chapter of the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority.
Caira encourages Carver kids today to "be the author of your own story," and "if you can't enjoy the process, you should still definitely respect it." Her advice opens windows and finds the light switches.
“There are so many ups and downs in this journey called life, and I've had my fair share of obstacles, but that's to be expected. However, the last thing we should do is lose faith in ourselves. It's important to practice self-care and empowerment. Speak up in those scary moments, continue to brainstorm and create - even when you're feeling lazy, and embrace the art of ‘failing forward’ - believe me, it'll teach you a lot.”
Nothing can dim the incandescence of Caira’s example and career goals. She shares with us thoughts and experiences worth knowing. Her studies and work are of a piece — closely observed, not seeking recognition, and with the wellbeing of people always as her focus. The Carver community could not be any prouder of Caira as she continues to be such a bright light in our world.
