Anyone who doubts that big dreams and youthful enthusiasm can make a difference should take a lesson from Melodye Feldman (MSW ’92), Kerry Stutzman (MSW ’92), LMFT, and Jacquelyn Eisenberg (MSW ’08). Together and individually, the three have made a lasting impact that spans the globe.
Within a year of their GSSW graduation, Feldman and Stutzman co-founded Seeking Common Ground, a Denver-based international nonprofit that inspires young leaders from diverse cultures to become change agents for peace in their communities. Its flagship program, Building Bridge for Peace, develops peace-building skills among American, Israeli and Palestinian teens through face-to-face interaction. SCG’s methodology has been successfully replicated in conflict-torn communities in America, Northern Ireland and South Africa.
In 2007-08, Eisenberg completed her concentration year internship at SCG. A returned Peace Corps volunteer, Eisenberg also was earning DU’s certificate in global health and had spent her foundation year internship coordinating reproductive health initiatives in Sarajevo. During her SCG internship, Eisenberg developed a new program that took 14 Denver high school students to South Africa.
After graduation, Eisenberg served as Program Manager for the Clinton Foundation’s HIV/AIDS Initiative in Jamaica, helped implement programs for disadvantaged South African youth and co-founded Possible Dreams International to create sustainable public health initiatives in Swaziland. Today, she is SCG’s Director of Programs.
Retired after 18 years as Executive Director, Feldman continues as a consultant to SCG. Stutzman, who earned her family therapy license in 2009, has a private practice specializing in parenting issues and testifies as an expert witness in custody trials.
GSSW Alumni Stories 