In this engaging episode of Blaze the Mic, host Jaelon Jackson sits down with Elwim Sorto, a passionate MSW student, student senator, and co-founder of the Queer Social Work Association at the University of Texas at Arlington. Elwim opens up about his journey into social work, driven by a desire for representation and visibility for queer communities.

From navigating today’s challenging political climate to finding creative ways to amplify marginalized voices, Elwim shares how innovation and resilience fuel his advocacy. He discusses the importance of culturally competent practice, the fight for gender-diverse restrooms on campus, and how small acts of solidarity—from volunteering with organizations like The Trevor Project to simply wearing an ally pin—can ripple into lasting change.

This episode also explores mental health, policy advocacy, and the power of art and community to inspire hope. Elwin reminds us that progress takes persistence, and that storytelling is key to dismantling misinformation and building bridges across divided communities.

Whether you’re a social work student, professional, or ally, this conversation will inspire you to reimagine advocacy, embrace inclusivity, and continue pushing for a future where everyone belongs.

🎧 Listen now to discover how innovation, representation, and compassion can transform communities.

Check out the full transcript here: https://cdn.web.uta.edu/-/media/Project/Website/Social%20Work/Blaze%20the%20Mic/Blaze-the-Mic-S3E6-Elwin-Sorto-transcript

Episode Hosted by Jaelon Jackson

Music by Adi Ursu - "Out of Fire". Provided by Adobe.

In this powerful episode of Blaze the Mic, host Jaelon Jackson sits down with Shanell Bohannon, a resilient BSW alumna and aspiring MSW student at the University of Texas at Arlington. Shanell shares an unflinchingly honest journey through trauma, healing, and the unwavering pursuit of purpose. From being a high school graduate at 15, to discovering her calling in social work through a dream and a chance encounter, Shanell’s story is a testament to courage, faith, and the transformative power of empathy.

As a social worker, public speaker-in-training, and mother, Shanell opens up about the emotional complexities of resilience—how it can be both a badge of strength and a misunderstood burden. She challenges conventional approaches to trauma-informed care and paints a bold vision for her future: from delivering a TED Talk and inspiring students in schools, to building a facility for youth without support systems.

This episode is a stirring reminder that healing is a journey, growth comes from discomfort, and even the most difficult pasts can give rise to powerful futures. Whether you're a student, a professional, or someone searching for hope—this conversation will move you, challenge you, and inspire you.

🎧 Listen now to discover what it truly means to rise, to heal, and to lead with heart.

Check out the full transcript here: https://cdn.web.uta.edu/-/media/Project/Website/Social%20Work/Blaze%20the%20Mic/Blaze-the-Mic-S3E4-E-Shanell-Bohannon-transcript

Episode Hosted by Jaelon Jackson

Music by Adi Ursu - "Out of Fire". Provided by Adobe.

https://bit.ly/49tYw9M

As LGBT History Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month come to a close, we speak with social work student, Kai Santos, on the underrepresented issues of DV within queer communities while navigating her traditional Hispanic culture.

To view the full transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/48odH3H

To learn more about UTA and the School of Social Work, visit us at https://www.uta.edu/academics/schools-colleges/social-work/

Episode hosted by Doughlas Gutierrez - Communications Assistant

Music by Adi Ursu - "Out of Fire". Provided by Adobe.

As we wind down Hispanic Heritage Month, we explore the complexities of mental health stereotypes among Hispanic and male populations. Master of Social Work alum, Francisco Moreno, shares his story of how he persevered through his mental health struggles, and how important it is to just check in on those you care for.

To view the full transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/3U0lWNu

To learn more about UTA and the School of Social Work, visit us at https://www.uta.edu/academics/schools-colleges/social-work/

Episode hosted by Doughlas Gutierrez - Communications Assistant

Music by Adi Ursu - "Out of Fire". Provided by Adobe.

Welcome to Season 2 of Blaze the Mic! As we start off this new academic year, and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we are reminded of the amazing work that our social work students do both in our program and in their personal lives. Bachelor of Social Work student, Julian Jimenez, shares his story of how working in a hospital setting spurred his passion in becoming a Health Care Social Worker.

To view the full transcript of this episode: https://shorturl.at/WyAe5

To learn more about UTA and the School of Social Work, visit us at https://www.uta.edu/academics/schools-colleges/social-work/

Episode hosted by Doughlas Gutierrez - Communications Assistant

Music by Adi Ursu - "Out of Fire". Provided by Adobe.

Social Work accepts individuals from all walks of life who are dedicated to improving the well-being and mental health of others. In this episode, BSW student Katie Pham shares how the University of Texas at Arlington and the School of Social Work accept her and celebrate students' differences, while preparing students for the future.

View the full transcript here: https://bit.ly/3LqvGvJ

To learn more about UTA and the School of Social Work, visit us at https://www.uta.edu/academics/schools-colleges/social-work/

Episode hosted by Doughlas Gutierrez - Communications Assistant

Music by Adi Ursu - "Out of Fire". Provided by Adobe.

Community and Administrative Practice (CAP) is based on the social work principle that the larger environment is a central reason why individuals thrive or encounter problems. Master of Social Work - CAP student Stephen Silva-Brave discusses his work within his Native American community, working with Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women, and how his social work education and research have lifted these community issues into the spotlight.

To view the full transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/4eh2wvi

To learn more about UTA and the School of Social Work, visit us at https://www.uta.edu/academics/schools-colleges/social-work/

Episode hosted by Doughlas Gutierrez - Communications Assistant

Music by Adi Ursu - "Out of Fire". Provided by Adobe.