Ohio University Eastern senior advocates for women, communities through social work

For Ohio University Eastern senior Grace Moore, social work is more than a career path. It is a calling shaped by family, community and a deep commitment to helping others.

Moore, who is majoring in social work with minors in English and psychology, said her interest in the field began with a desire to make a difference in people’s lives.

“I was inspired to pursue a degree in social work because I have always wanted to help people,” Moore said. “Social work is such a great field to explore, where you can work with different populations and do a variety of different things. I love the idea of working in different settings and helping everyone I can.”

Her passion for advocacy was also influenced by her upbringing.

“My mother has always been a major source of inspiration for me,” Moore said. “She is a community organizer in West Virginia and has strongly influenced the career path I’ve chosen. I admire how deeply she cares for people in need and how hard she works to make a difference.” 

At Ohio University Eastern, Moore said the support she received from faculty and classmates played a significant role in her development as a future social worker.

“Something that has really shaped my experience on campus has been the faculty and classmates that have had my back throughout my time here,” she said. “The faculty is so supportive. They truly want their students to do well and have helped guide me throughout my social work journey.”

Moore said the relationships she built with her classmates have been especially meaningful.

“We have such a tight knit group graduating this semester, and I feel so lucky to be sharing this journey with them,” she said.

Faculty members say Moore’s passion for advocacy and community engagement has been evident throughout her time as a student.

“When I first met Grace as a freshman, I asked her what she wanted to do as a social worker, and she immediately said she wanted to be a community organizer,” said Warren Galbreath, associate professor of social work at Ohio University Eastern. “In my 25 years of teaching social work, she was the first student who gave that answer.”

Galbreath said Moore has remained committed to that vision, gaining real world experience in advocacy and community organizing while completing her coursework.

Moore’s work has included policy advocacy in West Virginia, mentoring young girls through the Girls on the Run program in Wheeling and supporting community recovery efforts.

Following devastating flooding in the West Virginia communities of Triadelphia and Valley Grove in 2025, Moore worked alongside community organizations and volunteers to help coordinate relief efforts, assist residents in completing Federal Emergency Management Agency applications and connect families with resources. 

Richard W. Greenlee, interim dean of campus and community relations at Ohio University Eastern, said Moore reflects the values of the social work profession.

“Grace consistently demonstrates the values of service, social justice and human dignity,” Greenlee said. “She has embraced a calling to advocate for others and to support communities in meaningful ways.”

Through her coursework and experiences, Moore said she has learned the importance of authenticity in her work.

“One thing that I’ve learned that will carry throughout my career is the importance of being yourself and using your strengths to guide your work,” she said. “Social work is such a diverse field. Anyone can find a place, and it’s important to keep being yourself and to use your strengths to further your work and relationships.”

After graduation, Moore plans to become a licensed social worker and continue her education.

“In the long term, I plan to become a community organizer and work on policies in West Virginia that affect children and families living in poverty,” she said.

She encourages students considering social work to explore the field with confidence.

“I would say just go for it,” Moore said. “Social work is so diverse, there really is a place for everyone. It is the perfect place for people who want to be helpers but don’t know where to start.”

As she prepares to graduate, Moore said her time at Ohio University Eastern has reinforced her commitment to advocacy and service, and she looks forward to continuing that work in the communities she serves.