Social Work Abroad Program (SWAP) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization committed to providing international learning opportunities for US-based social work students.

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Grace Orpilla, MSW

President

graceo@socialworkabroad.org

Grace Orpilla has 12 years of experience as a lecturer and faculty member at California State University Los Angeles, California State University Long Beach, and California State University Dominguez Hills.  She holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Redlands holding various administrative roles in the public and private sectors and a Master's degree in Social Work from California State University, Long Beach.  Grace also worked for the Department of Children and Family Services as a mental health social worker and administrative liaison, working with children, adults, and families dealing with sexual abuse and other related issues for four years prior to joining the CSU system.  Grace's long time passion of travel to learn from people of different cultures and their lives led to the collaborative ventures of university social work faculty and students which later grew into what is known today as SWAP. She retired in 2010 and lived in Germany and Austria and spent her free time mentoring English learners in casual conversation and academic pursuit and continued her love of travels exploring the world around her. She resumed her commitment as board membership with SWAP and Family United Families while living abroad.  After returning to Long Beach, California, Grace joined the Operation Jumpstart Board and has been a mentor to high school students.  She is committed to assisting students willing to experience and explore social work and social issues in countries unfamiliar to them through the work the SWAP organization can provide.  Grace has two adult children and four beautiful grandchildren, currently residing in Long Beach, California, since 2014.​