Mental health is a global issue, and understanding diverse approaches is essential for future social workers. This project empowers students to learn firsthand from Indian professionals, engage in meaningful dialogue, and share their own research in an international setting. By supporting this initiative, you're helping students grow as culturally competent professionals and global citizens. 

What Your Gift Supports: 

• Student travel and lodging 

• Cultural excursions and agency visits 

• Participation in a rural retreat focused on community mental health 

• Research and presentation materials 

• Equitable access for students facing financial barriers 

Every Dollar Counts: 
Fundraising just $100 will help students cover key program costs like meals, transportation, or attraction fees. Your support directly impacts their ability to participate fully and meaningfully.

Our TEALstarter Leaders:

Ashlee Jensen, UNCW MSW 2020 

Ashlee Jensen graduated from the University of North Carolina Wilmington with her Masters in Social Work in 2020 and holds a Bachelors of Arts in Sociology from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. She currently serves as the Executive Assistant to the Dean of the College of Health and Human Services, where she is a strategic partner to the Dean, member of the leadership team, and coordinator of administrative support for the College.

Ashlee is a doctoral student in the joint social work program at UNC Greensboro and NC A&T. Her dissertation focuses on enhancing the quality and impact of short-term, faculty-led study abroad programs. In addition to co-leading this study abroad, her research aims to ensure international experiences are transformative, accessible, and enriching for current and future students. It is important to her that all students have access to high-quality global experiences, and she is excited for the opportunity to raise funds that will lower the cost of this trip for our team of UNCW Social Work students.

Betsy Helmick 

Betsy is a first-year Master of Social Work student and graduate research assistant at UNCW. As a graduate research assistant, Betsy contributes to the research on a forthcoming article and supports UNCW’s study abroad program to India. She is excited about making global learning opportunities more accessible and is grateful for the crowdfunding support that helps make study abroad experiences attainable for her peers.