Jessie Pablo, a doctoral candidate in the University of Kentucky College of Social Work’s online Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) program, has been selected as a recipient of a $500 DSW student scholarship award from the Phi Alpha Honor Society for Social Workers for the 2025–26 academic year.
Phi Alpha is a national honor society that recognizes excellence in scholarship and achievement in social work while promoting humanitarian goals and a lifelong commitment to service. For Pablo, the scholarship recognition is both an honor and an affirmation of the values guiding her doctoral work.
Pablo’s concentration in the DSW program is Social Work Education, and after two and a half years in the program, she has reached a major milestone: doctoral candidacy. Now in the final stretch of her degree, she is preparing to present her capstone research in the Virtual DSW Showcase this April and graduate in May.
“I have grown in my professional roles as a result of applying what I’ve learned into my practice,” she shared.
Pablo says her involvement with Phi Alpha has helped deepen her sense of purpose and reinforce the social justice-driven foundation of her professional identity.
In addition to receiving the scholarship award, Pablo has taken on an active leadership role as the advisor of her local chapter — an experience she says has helped expand her influence and create opportunities to invest in future social workers.
“As the advisor of my local chapter, it has also provided leadership opportunities and the opportunity to invest in future social workers,” she said.
As she reflects on what has been most meaningful in her DSW journey so far, Pablo points to the people who have helped shape and sustain her growth — including CoSW faculty members and colleagues who have made the online experience feel deeply connected.
“The most impactful aspect of UK’s online DSW program has been the way that professors have invested in me and supported my professional development,” she shared.
She also highlighted her involvement with the DSW Student Community (DSWSC) as a core part of her experience, describing it as an opportunity to learn alongside her peers while growing as a leader.
Now, as she prepares to complete her doctoral work, Pablo says this scholarship recognition has strengthened her confidence and reaffirmed her commitment to continue using her voice to advocate for meaningful change.
“Receiving this recognition encourages me to continue using my voice,” she said. “I am using my position to raise awareness, promote inclusive relationships, and advocate for changes.”
