Celene Bennett

Celene Bennett (she/her) is a dual degree candidate from Peachtree City, Georgia studying Social Work and Social Policy at UPenn’s School of Social Policy and Practice. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Yale University, where she was recognized for her dedication to public service and active commitment to community building. During her time in New Haven, she contributed to reentry resources for formerly incarcerated individuals through her leadership in the Yale Undergraduate Prison Project, supported younger students within her college community, and found ways to engage in campus-wide advocacy, local politics, and social science research. She is pursuing a clinical social work degree and licensure to provide direct support to vulnerable communities following her graduate education, although ultimately, she hopes to bring her academic and professional experience to an advocacy-based role. Celene hopes to develop policy that centers comprehensive social services and strengthens welfare systems. She is particularly passionate about supporting communities and individuals who have been impacted by the criminal justice system and/or have limited access to health resources. She is grateful for her academic pursuits, though in her personal time, she enjoys exploring different parts of Philadelphia, spending time with loved ones, practicing her Tagalog, and a good crossword puzzle.