Ask5: Empathy in Action: Career Pathways in Social Work and Community Leadership with Pat MacLeod, '20

Ask5: Empathy in Action: Career Pathways in Social Work and Community Leadership with Pat MacLeod, '20

What does it mean to build a career centered on helping others? In this Ask5 conversation, our guest shares how their SUNY Empire degree helped shape a professional journey rooted in healthcare, advocacy, counseling, and community engagement.

Through personal stories and career insights, the conversation explores the power of empathy, the importance of meeting people where they are, and the impact professionals can make when they dedicate their work to supporting others. Our guest also discusses the realities of working in helping professions, including navigating emotionally challenging situations while maintaining resilience and personal well-being.

Whether you are considering a career in social work, counseling, advocacy, or community leadership—or simply want to learn more about purpose-driven careers—this conversation offers meaningful insights on building experience, staying resilient, and finding purpose through your work.

Pat MacLeod is a New York State Licensed Master of Social Work who provides Bereavement Counseling through the Community Hospice in Albany, NY.  Pat received her Master of Social Work degree from Boston University with a 4.0 cumulative GPA, her Bachelor of Science in Community and Human Services degree from SUNY Empire State College (ESC) where she wrote over 30 credits of her own curriculum, and her Associate of Applied Science degree in Office Systems Management from Berkely College.  Pat was awarded the SUNY ACT Scholarship in 2016 for her work in founding and facilitating an inclusivity initiative called SKIN: Safe Kind Inclusive Networking constructed as part of her coursework for Community Organizing; a course led at ESC by the late, great Joyce McKnight.  This initiative also resulted in two independent studies at ESC for program development and program assessment with mentorship oversight by Nadine Wedderburn.  Pat has spoken at many national conferences on the topics of patient advocacy, politics and pop culture, and diversity to name a few.  Prior to finishing her undergraduate studies, Pat worked as a Domestic Violence Program Advocate for Catholic Charities and as the NOEP Coordinator for Schoharie County.  Pat has supported many community endeavors to assist the houseless population in rural areas.  Pat is a former Youth Minister and has volunteered in several roles serving both Lutheran and Catholic parishes.  Pat has expertise in grief and loss, trauma, project development, project management, and case assessment.  In her first career, Pat worked for 23 years in the health care arena supporting patient care and best practice deliverables in various roles.  Pat was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York and moved to the Albany area in 2001. She has been married to her husband Doug, a college Professor, for 25 years.  They live in the Albany area and have a rescue French bulldog mix named Fiona Pearl who they lovingly call FiFi.  In her free time, Pat enjoys connecting with her family and friends, traveling, and attending movies and concerts. 

Pat MacLeod is a New York State Licensed Master of Social Work who provides Bereavement Counseling through the Community Hospice in Albany, NY.  Pat received her Master of Social Work degree from Boston University with a 4.0 cumulative GPA, her Bachelor of Science in Community and Human Services degree from SUNY Empire State College (ESC) where she wrote over 30 credits of her own curriculum, and her Associate of Applied Science degree in Office Systems Management from Berkely College.  Pat was awarded the SUNY ACT Scholarship in 2016 for her work in founding and facilitating an inclusivity initiative called SKIN: Safe Kind Inclusive Networking constructed as part of her coursework for Community Organizing; a course led at ESC by the late, great Joyce McKnight.  This initiative also resulted in two independent studies at ESC for program development and program assessment with mentorship oversight by Nadine Wedderburn.  Pat has spoken at many national conferences on the topics of patient advocacy, politics and pop culture, and diversity to name a few.  Prior to finishing her undergraduate studies, Pat worked as a Domestic Violence Program Advocate for Catholic Charities and as the NOEP Coordinator for Schoharie County.  Pat has supported many community endeavors to assist the houseless population in rural areas.  Pat is a former Youth Minister and has volunteered in several roles serving both Lutheran and Catholic parishes.  Pat has expertise in grief and loss, trauma, project development, project management, and case assessment.  In her first career, Pat worked for 23 years in the health care arena supporting patient care and best practice deliverables in various roles.  Pat was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York and moved to the Albany area in 2001. She has been married to her husband Doug, a college Professor, for 25 years.  They live in the Albany area and have a rescue French bulldog mix named Fiona Pearl who they lovingly call FiFi.  In her free time, Pat enjoys connecting with her family and friends, traveling, and attending movies and concerts.