Episode 5: Social Work Is Everywhere Podcast: Building Bridges Community Partnerships in Zambia
October 08, 2025Discover the latest episode of the 'Social Work Is Everywhere' podcast with hosts Dr. Lynn Murphy Michalopoulos and David Robertson as they sit down with Dr. Simona Simona, lecturer at the University of Zambia and Assistant Dean for Research in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. Dr. Simona explores the power of community partnerships in advancing research, highlighting ethical, relevant, and community-driven approaches.
Drawing on more than a decade of collaboration with Dr. Michalopoulos, Dr. Simona shares firsthand experiences working with vulnerable groups such as Fisher Folks and international truck drivers. He discusses how cultural humility enriches global social work and offers practical guidance for avoiding extractive research practices. The episode also spotlights Dr. Simona’s impact in the field, including his work on gender-based violence in Sub-Saharan Africa and the creation of educational resources—such as his forthcoming book on applying R for quantitative research methods.
Tune in to learn more and support the University of Maryland School of Social Work’s mission. Connect with Dr. Simona on LinkedIn to continue the conversation!