Name
Maddyson Meuret
Which degrees did you earn from CAS?
Undergraduate
Major(s) or area(s) of study
Bachelors in Women’s and Gender Studies and dual minor in LGBTQIA+ and International Human Rights
Graduation year
2019
Who is your employer, and where are they located?
UNMC - Omaha, Nebraska
What is your job title and what kind of work does it involve?
Medical Social Worker:
My role entails supporting patients and families by managing the non-medical, psychosocial, and emotional impacts of illnesses, injuries, or hospitalizations. Providing counseling, crisis intervention, discharge planning, and connecting patients with community resources, such as financial aid, housing, or home health services. Advocating for patient rights, helping with advance directives, and ensure smooth transitions between care settings.
What sparked your interest in your major(s) or area(s) of study?
What sparked my interest in Women’s and General Studies is the field’s emphasis on inclusivity, shared experiences, and advocacy. I am deeply motivated by the opportunity to uplift others and contribute to meaningful change through support and empowerment.
What do you see as the value of your major(s) or CAS degree?
WGS is a valuable and versatile field because its principles can be applied across virtually any discipline. It provides tools to better understand systems, identities, and lived experiences in ways that are relevant to all areas of work and life. As someone who once struggled with feeling like I belonged, Gender Studies gave me the opportunity to immerse myself in a supportive and inclusive community. That experience not only helped me grow personally but also inspired me to give that same sense of belonging and advocacy back to others.
Were there any other people, activities, or events from your time at UNL that helped you get to where you are now?
I would like to give a special shout out to Dr. Medici-Thiemann, who has been an incredible role model, mentor, and unwavering source of support throughout the beginning of my career. Her guidance not only sparked my professional path but continues to shape and strengthen my development to this day.
Tell us about the path you took to get to where you are today in your career and how you applied your education in your major(s) or area(s) of study to get here.
Women’s and Gender Studies laid the foundation of knowledge necessary for me to build a successful career in social work. The education I gained from this program equipped me with the critical thinking skills, cultural awareness, and advocacy tools essential to professional practice. It strengthened my ability to advocate effectively for my patients and support others, particularly when collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and working with diverse populations and their lived experiences.
After graduating with my dual Master’s in Social Work and Criminal Justice, my first position was at the Lincoln Regional Center, where I worked closely with vulnerable populations experiencing significant mental health challenges. That experience further sparked my passion for working with individuals facing mental health concerns and strengthened my commitment to advocacy within medical settings. I became especially focused on ensuring that patients felt supported, heard, and empowered throughout their care, and that they experienced a safe, well-coordinated, and successful discharge process.
What are your future professional goals?
To break stigma of mental health in the medical setting.
March 2, 2026
