Jessica Lambert Ward (she/her/hers)

Jessica Lambert Ward, MSW joined the School of Social Work as Clinical Assistant Professor in Fall 2022. She is a 2012 graduate of the MSW program at UNC School of Social Work where she focused on Community, Management, and Policy Practice and received a certificate in Nonprofit Leadership. Her professional social work experience has involved both micro and macro work within large and complex organizations, including the NC Commission of Indian Affairs, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School, UNC School of Nursing, Office of Undergraduate Retention, UNC Academic Advising Program, and the University Office for Diversity and Inclusion. Jessica’s macro social work practice experience has focused on reducing and removing systemic barriers to success and thriving in higher education, most recently as the founding director of the Carolina Collaborative for Resilience within the University Office for Diversity and Inclusion. Jessica’s professional interest include proposal development, program development, project management, Lean process design, policy review, DEIB work, and creating cultures of care in complex organizations. Jessica’s academic interests include historical (or intergenerational trauma) and resilience. Jessica is a certified Adult Mental Health First Aid Instructor and Lean Six Sigma blue belt. She has also received training in Intergroup Dialogue, DEI in the Workplace, and Health and Wellness coaching.