The Graduate College of Social Work hosted its inaugural Maconda Brown O’Connor Lecture Series in collaboration with Associate Dean of Research and Faculty Development, Dr. McClain Sampson, and the GCSW Office of Research. Several faculty and students joined virtually and in-person to hear keynote speaker, Jennifer Luna, MSSW, CSWM, share helpful strategies for articulating your research focus quickly and effectively for greater visibility and influence and the importance of strengthening the visibility and impact of Research Identity.

Misty Mousa-Lanza is a longtime Houston social impact leader with more than 20 years of experience. A proud graduate of the University of Houston’s Graduate College of Social Work ('07), she has built a cross‑sector career spanning nonprofit, healthcare, education, retail, and media organizations, including the Harris Center for Mental Health, United Way of Greater Houston, Univision, H‑E‑B Public Affairs, Legacy Community Health, and Baylor College of Medicine. She now serves as the University of Houston’s Director of Corporate Relations, leveraging her broad industry experience to develop fundraising strategies, strengthen partnerships, and support student success initiatives across the university. Misty will work closely with college leadership, faculty, alumni, and external partners to further advance the mission and strategic priorities of the college.