Meet Cainnear, the Newest Member of our Staff

January 12, 2015 – Hello! My name is Cainnear (pronounced Connor) Hogan, and I am beginning a year-long internship with Michigan’s Children.  In May, 2014, I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Hope College in Holland, Michigan.  Currently, I am attending the University of Michigan School of Social Work where I will earn my Master of Social Work degree.  I am concentrating on social policy and evaluation within communities and social systems.  My current areas of interest include, but are not limited to: early childhood education, criminal justice, and women’s rights. I will work with Michigan’s Children until I graduate in December, 2015.  After graduation I plan to move to Washington D.C., or a state capital where I can work in the center of policy advocacy and reform.

Growing up I always knew I wanted a career that allowed me to help people.  I have an abiding dedication to social justice, ensuring equality for all people.  When I look at the world I see many problems in the way communities and organizations operate, and people hurting because of those problems.  I want to see a society where no one goes hungry, or worries about providing basic needs for self or family.  These beliefs and desires have led me to macro social work; and with my MSW degree I want to advocate for, and develop socially just policies that enhance the quality of life for all people.  Through engagement in policy advocacy and reform, I plan to pursue social justice for vulnerable populations.

I am thrilled to join the team at Michigan’s Children, helping to inform public policy in the best interest of children who experience challenges.  Policymakers have the power to make the big, impactful changes I want to see happen; and at Michigan’s Children I look forward to the opportunity to influence those policymakers’ decisions.  One of my many learning opportunities at Michigan’s Children will include an evaluation project in partnership with The Curtis Center Program Evaluation Group at The University of Michigan School of Social Work.  The project will examine the changes brought about through Michigan’s Children advocacy efforts, and help the organization identify the most effective strategies for its work.

I cannot wait to see what 2015 will bring for Michigan’s Children, and I am so excited to be a part of their incredible work.

– Cainnear Hogan

Michigan’s Children is proud to welcome intern Cainnear Hogan to our staff.  You will hear more from her throughout her year at Michigan’s Children, and can get in touch with her via email.