Dr. Stephanie Diez-Morel, director of PennWest’s Master of Social Work program and associate professor in the Department of Social Work, Sociology and Human Services, was a keynote speaker for the first International Conference on Responsible Gambling and Gaming Addiction May 20-22 in Quezon City, Philippines.  

Organized by the International Gambling Counselor Certification Board, of which Diez-Morel is vice president, and the Seagulls Flock Organization, Inc., the conference brought awareness to gambling-related and gaming-related harms to people in the Philippines. 

Diez-Morel, who also served as a gaming expert for the event’s nationwide press conference, will use the experience to benefit PennWest students. 

“From the relationships formed, knowledge shared, and information gained from this conference. I will create opportunities for our graduate social work students who are interested in international social work, as well as connect our MSW students with other social workers and helping professionals across the globe to enhance their learning and professional experiences,” she said.