Social Work, Policy and Politics: Transformative policymaking
The VCU School of Social Work held its annual event, Social Work, Policy and Politics, on March 27, 2025, featuring an all-alumni panel and moderator to break down how macro, mezzo and micro social work can intertwine to promote imagination that shapes local policies and promotes community healing.
This year’s subject was Futuring for Transformative Approaches to Policymaking in Richmond, Virginia. Expert panelists discussed innovative solutions for how social workers and community members can influence both “big P” and “little p” policies.
The event is made possible through the C. Bernard Scotch Fund, which supports macro social work.
A captioned archive of the discussion is below.
Marc Cheatham (B.S.W.’05), panel moderator
Director of Constituent Services and Casework, U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine
Marc began his professional career working for then-Lt. Gov. Kaine in 2004. Marc has worked as constituent services director and senior policy advisor with a focus on affordable housing and the subprime mortgage crisis. Marc has worked on two successful political campaigns, the Office of the Governor, the Democratic National Committee and U.S. Senate.
Jackie Lawrence (M.S.W.’17, B.S.W.’16), panelist
CEO and Founder, The Light Work
Jackie is a macro social worker and public health professional. Jackie’s lived experience, the Richmond Association of Black Social Workers, mentors, youth and families she’s worked alongside have shaped her into the authentic community healer she is today. Jackie is passionate about cultural trauma healing, family systems and community led interventions that address systemic oppression and neighborhood violence.
She is the founder of The Light Work consultant agency, which enhances organizational culture amongst community-facing agencies through education and professional development.
Abbey Philips (M.S.W.’12)
Policy Director, Legal Aid Justice Center
Abbey is a macro social worker with extensive experience working in the Virginia General Assembly, where she worked as the chief of staff for Jennifer McClellan in the Virginia House of Delegates and Virginia Senate for 10 years. She also worked in Gov. Ralph Northam’s administration as the assistant secretary of the commonwealth. Abbey is currently the policy director at the Legal Aid Justice Center, which has six programs covering Immigration, workers’ rights, youth rights, criminal legal reform, housing and consumer justice, and health and public benefits.
Helen Rai (M.S.W.’17, B.S.W.’16)
Director of Client Engagement, ReEstablish Richmond; and Program Director, Circles RVA
Born in Nepal, Helen moved to Richmond in 2005, where her family found strength and support through the local community as they adjusted to life in a new country. Today, Helen is dedicated to creating that same sense of support for others. Within her current roles, she works to nurture a sense of shared responsibility and collective well-being within the community.
Helen’s passion for her culture and heritage is evident in her volunteer work as a board member for the Asian American Society of Central Virginia, the Nepali Community of Greater Richmond, Virginia, and Kasama Collective.
Categories Alumni, Community