UCLA Luskin master of social welfare student Liza Li has been awarded a Minority Fellowship Program grant by the Council on Social Welfare Education (CSWE), the national association representing social work education in the United States, based in Arlington, Virginia.

In October, Li traveled to Kansas City to attend CSWE’s annual national program meeting to receive the award, which includes a $10,000 stipend as well as support and leadership skill training opportunities for the fellowship year.

CSWE’s minority fellowship program supports the mission of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to increase the number of individuals trained to work with underrepresented and underserved racial and ethnic minority persons dealing with mental health and/or substance abuse disorders.

As an MSW student, Li’s focus is on addressing mental health disparities and promoting the well-being of the aging Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) population.

“My research and practice focus on supporting older adults and their families by enhancing mental health accessibility and awareness,” said Li, who also holds a master’s degree in educational psychology from UC Riverside.

She said she aspires to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in California and to provide culturally competent mental health and social support to AAPI older adults and other immigrant families with limited resources.

“As a first-generation Asian American, I am committed to giving back to my community and beyond.”