This year, the Steve Hicks School of Social Work welcomes three graduating students to participate in our 2025 commencement program: Andrea Davila, Hetty Borinstein and Catherine “Cat” Wilsnack.
All three students were selected by associate deans and program leaders within UT Social Work. Criteria for the students included demonstrated leadership in the UT Social Work community and through active engagement with the School’s scholars program and various educational events.
Davila, who is graduating with her BSW, excelled in her practicum at Scouting America, demonstrating remarkable growth across all levels of social work. She has led scouting troops, conducted a community needs assessment, and created bilingual marketing materials to engage families in a new scout group.
“In addition to her hands-on work, Andrea is actively engaged in research focused on expanding scouting opportunities to low-income schools, furthering her commitment to organizational access for youth,” said Kcie Driggers (MSSW ’18), LCSW, clinical assistant professor. “While her focus has been on micro-level practice, she has fully embraced the challenges of group facilitation, nonprofit strategy, fundraising and advocacy. Her dedication, adaptability and leadership will undoubtedly make a lasting impact in the field of social work.”
Borinstein, who is graduating with her MSSW, is both a St. David’s Foundation Bilingual Scholar and GRACE Fellowship Scholar, having completed practicums focusing on legal and healthcare navigation, including her final practicum with Dell Medical School Digestive Health Clinic.
“Hetty’s dedication to honoring the dignity and worth of the people and communities she serves is evident in every action she takes as a social worker,” said Joan Asseff (MSSW ’06), LCSW-S, assistant dean for master’s programs.
Cat Wilsnack, who is graduating with her Ph.D., studies psychosocial care among cancer patients and survivors, with the goal of informing psychosocial interventions that improve mental health outcomes associated with cancer. She has published 12 peer-reviewed articles during her time at UT Austin and has a career total of 15 peer-reviewed publications and 45 invited or peer-reviewed presentations, resulting in 16 academic and research-related honors.
“Cat has developed an impressive program of research, particularly for someone at such an early stage in their academic career,” said Dr. Yessenia Castro, associate dean for doctoral programs. “Her research and practice experience, academic achievements, research agenda, and record of research productivity have made her a standout doctoral student.”