
Media Contact
Jennifer Ellen French
Public Relations Manager
Andrew Young School of Policy Studies
[email protected]
ATLANTA — Alumna Breeanna Bellinger (B.S.W. ’15) is making waves in the field of social work, demonstrating how a passion for helping others can lead to a fulfilling and impactful career.
Bellinger, who recently joined the AYS Alumni Council, chose Georgia State University for its renowned social work program. Her journey into social work began after she encountered challenges in pursuing her initial goal of entering a registered nursing program. At 17, having graduated high school early, she pivoted to attend a certified nursing assistant program, where she witnessed the profound impact a social worker had while advocating for clients in a healthcare setting. In a separate encounter, she interacted with a foster care case manager who held a social work degree and realized that support for people extended beyond medical care to all fields. These experiences motivated her to take the next step to pursue her own social work degree.
“I always had an affinity for helping people,” Bellinger said, reflecting on her family's tradition of community service. “I come from a long line of people who were social workers by lifestyle. We were always donating at some clothing bank, and my mom would cook for the homeless in the neighbourhood during holidays.”
As a student, Bellinger faced financial challenges and found support through the Andrew Young School’s Alumni Career Services, which made her aware of the Panther Retention Grant. Encouraged by their guidance, she applied for the grant and ultimately received it, enabling her to complete her degree. This experience fueled her desire to give back as an alumna.
“Being able to create both events and experiences for alumni and current students who are still navigating school and bridging the gap of knowledge is the most rewarding,” Bellinger said. She serves on the AYS Alumni Council as a member of the Social and Civic Engagement Committee.
Professionally, Bellinger has made significant strides. In July 2024, she accepted a position with the Federal Public Defender's Office in California, fulfilling her long-held ambition to work in the federal government. Prior to this, she served as a forensic social worker at the Law Office of the Public Defender in DeKalb County, Ga.
Bellinger’s impact extends beyond her daily work. She has conducted workshops in Ghana — training professionals on advocating for clients with traumatic histories — and established a support group for parents of children with disabilities in Jamaica. She also started a nonprofit organization called Living Beyond Time during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide resources to individuals and community members in need.
Reflecting on her time at Georgia State, Bellinger credits the Andrew Young School for preparing her for professional success.
“The Andrew Young School is for anyone who has the ability to think beyond what they’re told,” she said. “It’s about more than getting a degree. It creates thought-provoking leaders.”
Her advice to incoming students? She highlights the importance of networking and taking advantage of university resources, as evident in how Georgia State University set her up for success in her career.
“Utilize the many resources available in school and create study buddies to ease the academic journey,” Bellinger said.
Are you an alumnus of the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies? To connect with alumni like Breeanna Bellinger, learn more about how you can get involved with the AYS Alumni Council and stay updated on AYS news and opportunities, click here.
- By AYSPS graduate student assistant Ayomidotun Olugbenle (M.A. in Political Science)