Dr. Suhad Tabahi Completes Fellowship for Hispanic-Serving Institutions

Dr. Suhad Tabahi, associate professor of Social Work and founding director of Dominican University's Bachelor of Social Work program, recently participated in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) E. Kika De La Garza Fellowship Program for Hispanic-Serving Institutions.

Tabahi was selected as one of only 22 scientists and educators from across the U.S. and Puerto Rico to participate in the highly competitive program. During a week-long fellowship in Washington, D.C., Tabahi met with leaders from numerous USDA agencies to explore federal initiatives supporting higher education, food systems, agricultural innovation, nutrition and community development. The fellowship provided participants with direct access to USDA experts, programs and resources designed to strengthen partnerships between Hispanic-Serving Institutions and the USDA.

Drawing from experiences gained during the fellowship, Tabahi plans to integrate topics such as food insecurity, urban agriculture, agricultural policy and data-informed decision-making into the social work curriculum.

“These experiences will enhance student learning while preparing future social workers to address food access, community well-being, and social determinants of health through interdisciplinary collaboration and evidence-based practice,” she said.