In today’s society, the launch of Harcum College’s Social Justice Program is both timely and essential, offering students crucial insights into the social equality needed to build thriving communities. The program is perfect for those who are passionate about advocacy and justice in their local areas and provides students with the knowledge and tools to make a real difference in their communities.

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, careers in community and social services are projected to grow faster than average, with an expected increase of approximately 14 percent by 2026. This program not only addresses current societal needs but also prepares students for a rapidly expanding field.

Harcum’s current faculty works in various justice fields, giving students the chance to hear real-world experiences in social justice.

Meet Harcum College’s Social Justice Faculty, professionals from diverse justice fields who share real-world social justice experiences with Harcum students:

Niashia Maza: Maza is the Social Justice Program Director and is currently pursuing her doctorate in Criminal Justice. Maza previously served as the Program Director of the Center for Returning Citizens and later became the Director of Administration. Her extensive experience includes working with justice-impacted individuals, victims of domestic violence, reentry programs, and juvenile justice. In addition, she sits on multiple boards that advocate for change, further demonstrating her commitment to social justice and community improvement.

Scott Drissel: Drissel is a 22-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department. He is currently a Captain assigned to the Internal Affairs Bureau. His roles have spanned patrol, internal investigations, and the police academy. He has appeared in training videos, authored departmental policies, and co-authored the legal newsletter, Legally Speaking, from 2010-2012.

Juanita Waters: Waters is a retired Postal Inspector and Team Leader with over 24 years of law enforcement experience. Currently, she is employed by TD Bank in the Global Security Investigations (GSI) division as an AVP – Senior Investigator. Waters has experience in the areas of law enforcement, investigations, security administration, and team management.

Diane Rice: Rice was a Practicing Attorney for thirty years and spent her time practicing law as a litigator in Philadelphia and surrounding counties as well as other counties throughout the state. Rice litigated both civil and criminal cases and served as both a Federal Arbitrator and as an Arbitrator in the Court of Common Pleas in Philadelphia, Bucks, and Montgomery counties.

Rose Makofske: Makofske has a diverse career in law, local government, and higher education. She became a criminal prosecutor in Colorado and passed the bar in Massachusetts. Returning to the East Coast, she worked in human resources for the City of Cambridge and later at Pennsylvania’s Montgomery County Community College.

Harcum has invited several guests to come speak to its students about justice-related issues including mass incarceration, solitary confinement, prison reform, bail reform, and the adult and juvenile systems. Speakers include John Thompson, Executive Director of New Hope Community Services; Jondhi Harrell, Executive Director of TCRC Community Healing Center and Food Pantry; and Rueban Jones, Executive Director of Frontline Dads.

Learn more about the Social Justice program at Harcum College. Harcum College provides its students with an opportunity for outstanding academic, career, and life preparation.