Jessie Neal is a graduate student pursuing a Master of Social Work degree at the University of Pittsburgh. She is passionate about improving access to quality mental and behavioral health care for underserved populations, advocating for human rights, and promoting social justice. Jessie’s academic and professional interests are shaping policy in a positive direction and addressing present inequalities through human services.

Prior to pursuing her graduate degree, Jessie worked in the travel industry, which allowed her to travel extensively and learn about diverse cultures and communities around the world. Through her travels, she witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by communities experiencing poverty, discrimination, and inequality, which fueled her passion for social justice and advocacy.

With her existing passion and being newly inspired by her experiences in travel, Jessie decided to transition her career to social work. She was drawn to the field because of its focus on empowering individuals and communities, addressing systemic issues, and promoting social change.

During her first year at the University of Pittsburgh, she completed a Library Social Work Fellowship. Through this fellowship, Jessie was able to see social work from a unique perspective as she worked with patrons experiencing various social and economic challenges. In her role, she provided support and resources to library patrons experiencing mental health crises, homelessness, food insecurity, and more. She gained valuable experience in working with diverse populations and valuable insight into how policy can significantly affect a person’s life.

In her free time, Jessie enjoys performing improv comedy, teaching herself Korean, reading, and spending time with her fiancé and her tripod dog. She is excited to gain hands-on experience with the Department of Human Services in policy, advocacy, and human rights, learning more about how their services affect the Pittsburgh area. She looks forward to making a positive impact in the lives of the individuals and communities she serves.