Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 693 and 694, or SLWK 695, or SLWK 612, each with minimum grade of C. Develops leadership and planning skills that guide the implementation of policy and practice in community and organizational settings. Present problem-solving strategies for planning, administration and management of community and organizational resources. Emphasizes planning context for diverse settings. Provides knowledge and skill for human and fiscal resource responsibilities, including fund raising. Examines ethical and justice implications of planning and administrative practice.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 693 and 694, or SLWK 695, or SLWK 612. Concurrent prerequisite: SLWK 711. Focuses on advanced concepts and skills for macro-level social work practice. Emphasizes self-awareness, relationship-building and understanding the diverse contexts in which macro-level social change occurs. Grounds students in critical theory and emergence as theoretical frameworks for analyzing power, positionality and change across macro contexts. Cultivates skills in reflexivity, building transformational relationships and navigating both formal and informal sites of change. Highlights the development of critical thinking and self-awareness in understanding one’s role, relationships and responsibilities in driving change. Cultivates professional discernment in recognizing value alignment, misalignment and navigating these dynamics in change efforts.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: SLWK 712. Builds upon the advanced knowledge and skills in the prerequisite course to explore innovative approaches to addressing complex social issues. Examines strategies and practice skills for effecting meaningful social change grounded in theory, social problem analysis and value alignment across sites of change. Emphasizes the exploration of both traditional and emergent strategies for social change, including policy strategies, direct services, advocacy initiatives, staff development and training, and community engagement and organizing.

Dr. Compton leads programs like the Macro Fellowship, Macro Symposium and student community-building efforts that raise the visibility of macro practice and connect students, alumni and practitioners in meaningful ways. Her teaching spans online, hybrid and in-person formats, always guided by compassion, creativity and transformation.

Her path bridges scholarship, practice and community engagement. Before joining VCU, she was executive director of ReEstablish Richmond, a refugee-serving nonprofit, and worked on food access initiatives in the city’s East End. Today, her research focuses on environmental justice advocacy through a critical race lens, while her teaching and leadership imagine new possibilities for social work rooted in futurism, alignment and radical imagination.

Sarah graduated from the M.S.W. Program in 2019 with a concentration in Social Work Administration, Planning and Policy Practice. She also holds a bachelor's degree in Spanish and Latin American studies from American University in Washington, D.C. Sarah is a macro social worker with experience in immigrant justice organizing, health care advocacy, education and legal services. She currently works as a grant writer with Grant Flow, where she supports nonprofit organizations to leverage the power of storytelling and data to secure the resources they need to create change. 

What Sarah loves most about teaching macro is connecting with other social workers who are passionate about making our communities and organizations better, healthier, more welcoming and more democratic. All social workers have an ethical responsibility to fight for social justice; our macro courses are about learning how to do that strategically and sustainably. Macro practice has always been at the heart of the social work profession, and we need strong leaders in the social work space now more than ever. 

In her free time, Sarah enjoys exploring local parks and trails with her dog, spending time with family, volunteering and a good DIY project.

Gabrielle is a social justice- and community-oriented professional dedicated to serving others and contributing to impactful and lasting change. She has a wealth of grant administration and program management experience from both the nonprofit and government sector. 

Gabrielle has previously worked for various local United Ways; a private foundation; and Virginia, Maryland and D.C. governments. Most recently, her skills in grant administration and oversight paired with her experience in research and evaluation led her to shape a new approach of implementing violence interruption efforts with the District of Columbia.

Dr. Wagaman's research focuses on participatory research and service approaches that promote engagement, leadership and resilience among youth and young adults who belong to populations that face marginalization and discrimination.

She is co-founder of Advocates for Richmond Youth, a team member on the VCU iCubed Intersections in the Lives of LGBTQIA+ Communities Transdisciplinary Core, and in 2024, she was appointed as the special advisor on youth homelessness to the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness.

Cortney serves as a movement and capacity-building director, providing training, technical assistance and coalition-building for agencies addressing sexual and domestic violence. Their work blends grant management, program planning and facilitation, all grounded in anti-oppressive frameworks, Black radical feminism and transformative leadership.

Yvonne is a policy analyst at Chapin Hall, where they help states and lived experts co-develop policies that support youth and families. Their work involves translating research into action, guiding theory of change processes and ensuring equity-focused implementation that shares power with communities most impacted.

As an eviction court navigator, Caitlyn meets tenants and landlords in court to provide legal information, referrals, and advocacy. She uses systems theory, emergent strategies and community organizing to make court processes more accessible, track eviction data and identify broader patterns that inform policy change.

As a leadership academy coordinator, Ramiel works with Black and Latine neighbors in Southside Richmond to build authentic relationships and support community-led leadership. Their work focuses on empowering residents to see their lived expertise as the foundation for systemic change, designing and facilitating spaces where neighbors redefine leadership and engage local government.

Rachael works with nonprofit organizations to design long-term strategic plans, facilitate retreats and coach leaders through moments of transition. By engaging community voices, writing reflective reports and helping organizations navigate conflict or stagnation, their work strengthens the capacity of groups to drive social change.