Social Work MSW Macro Alumni Spotlight: Ella Hinson

Ella Hinson is putting her macro social work skills to work with the Greater Kansas City Coalition to End Homelessness. 

There, she manages a community outreach program called Find Help, part of the Kansas City-based nonprofit's Coordinated Entry System that connects people experiencing homelessness or housing instability to services. She hopes to move into more advocacy work once someone else is brought onto the team.

A 2025 KU MSW graduate, Hinson completed the Advanced Standing Master of Social Work program at the KU Edwards Campus. 

She chose to specialize in social work macro practice, building skills in program administration, community practice and advocacy. The KU MSW macro specialization includes courses in program design, policy analysis and agency-based evaluation.

Hinson shared what brought her to social work, what she learned in her BSW and MSW practicum placements, and her advise for future KU MSW students.

Why did you choose social work?

I've always been a volunteer. I've always been passionate about protesting for people's rights and social work I felt was just an avenue to continue to do what I'm passionate about. I wasn't really sure what population I wanted to work with, and I just knew that in social work I would eventually find my niche. That's part of the reason I applied at KU and started my journey into social work. Once at KU, I joined the NASW and became involved in policy advocacy.

What did you do for your practicum and what did you learn from it?

My bachelor's practicum was at the Greater Kansas City Coalition to End Homelessness. I did some volunteer work in Westport with the homeless population there, and my dad was a huge advocate in Westport for that population. My practicum experience was definitely eye-opening.

Then, I completed my master’s practicum with the Vecino Group, which also focused on helping people and securing housing. That experience was more administrative compared to my bachelor’s practicum, as I was involved in grant writing and research.

I feel like I got the best of both worlds in my practicums. I got to see the lens from a direct client service provider, and more of what I want to do in administrative and policy advocacy. 

And I'm still here. I'm still at the Greater Kansas City Coalition to End Homelessness. I feel this is a great opportunity for me to get to do a lot more.

What stood out about your social work education at KU?

I became really involved with KU, not just as a student, but as an active part of the KU community. As a first-generation college student, I appreciated how much KU supports first-gen students. I also served as a transfer ambassador at KU Edwards, which was a great way to stay connected and give back.

I really valued the relationships I built with my professors across different classes. I still keep in touch with some of them and enjoy the ongoing communication through emails and events. I made it a point to stay engaged, checking my emails regularly, responding, and showing up to opportunities on campus. I’ve always felt that if I’m investing in my education, I should take full advantage of everything offered. I really tried to soak it all in.

What advice would you give to current MSW students?

I would say just enjoy the moment. It’s easy to get caught up in questions like, “What am I going to do after graduation?”, “What should I get involved in?”, “What am I passionate about?” Sometimes we forget that this time is about learning and taking in everything we can about advocacy and social work.

Enjoy being a student. Stay engaged and present for as long as you can before you have to step fully into the professional world. Many of us juggle full-time jobs and classes, and it’s easy to lose sight of the experience itself. Slow down, take it in, and enjoy this chapter. Everything else will come in time.