“I have sought to create positive change, support those around me and leave a lasting impact on both the FSU and Tallahassee communities.”
Fast Facts
- Favorite class: Trauma-informed social work practice
- Dream side hustle: Owning a Christian nonprofit coffee shop
- Favorite dog: Miniature Schnauzer
- Favorite campus spot: Mina Jo Powell Green
- Favorite hobbies: Reading and writing poetry
Clinical social work graduate student Claire Sciandra has become an advocate for domestic violence survivors through her sorority, Alpha Chi Omega, where she raised $120,000 to benefit survivors.
She organized numerous largescale events and fundraisers that sparked her interest in supporting more domestic violence causes, notably her volunteer work at the Refuge House. She most recently earned a certification in Resilience After Adversity from FSU’s Institute for Trauma & Resilience Studies to continue her advocacy efforts.
At Florida State University, Claire Sciandra served as a Graduate Assistant for the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Living-Learning Community during her fall and spring semesters before completing her 480-hour clinical internship at a nationally recognized residential behavioral health facility in Tallahassee. There, she provided clinical mental health services to individuals from across the country, supporting clients facing complex mental health, substance use, and recovery-related challenges. She is also a member and leader of many campus organizations, such as Garnet and Gold Key, the all-women’s leadership honorary, The Nineteen Ten Honorary, the Mental Health Council and the FSU Torchbearer 100 class.
Why did you choose FSU?
I chose to attend FSU because of its rich campus life, rigorous academics, vibrant athletics, beautiful weather, and the opportunities and communities that encompass the campus.
When it came time to pursue graduate school, choosing FSU again was an easy decision. I wanted to continue developing as a future mental health clinician in an environment that would challenge and support me academically and professionally. FSU provided the mentorship, opportunities, and sense of community necessary to help me achieve those goals.
What academic achievements are you most proud of?
Over the past three years, I have navigated the challenges of an iatrogenic chronic illness known as Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW). At times, the physical and emotional demands of this condition left me uncertain about my ability to maintain the level of academic excellence I had always set for myself. Despite these challenges, I remained committed to my goals and continued to excel academically, consistently earning a place on the Dean’s List.
During my senior year at Florida State University and throughout graduate school, I was honored to earn placement on the President’s List for five consecutive semesters. These achievements became more than academic milestones; they served as a personal reminder of the resilience, perseverance, and determination I had developed throughout my journey. Overcoming adversity while maintaining academic excellence reinforced my confidence in my ability to face challenges with strength and continue pursuing my goals with purpose.
How do you serve the FSU community?
I represented the College of Social Work as the 2025 Humanitarian of the Year. This award is given to one student who “contributes meaningfully to the public good.” I received this recognition for my advocacy and fundraising efforts supporting domestic violence awareness and survivor services throughout the Tallahassee community, as well as my broader commitment to service and volunteerism. In 2024, I served as the VP of Philanthropy for my sorority, Alpha Chi Omega. I oversaw large-scale events with over 500 attendees, fundraisers, and community service initiatives aimed at raising awareness for domestic violence and pedestrian safety. Through these efforts, our chapter raised more than $120,000 to support domestic violence prevention, education, and survivor resources.
Thousands of survivors in the Tallahassee area received access to transportation, shelter and mental health services that benefit those seeking aid at Refuge House in Tallahassee. A portion of the proceeds also contributed to national domestic violence awareness and prevention initiatives, extending the impact of our efforts beyond the local community.
I was also selected for Garnet and Gold Key’s Senior Hall of Fame in 2025, one of Florida State University’s highest student honors. This recognition is awarded to a select group of 10 graduating seniors who have made a lasting impact on the university through exceptional leadership, service, and scholarship. Beyond these roles, my involvement with organizations such as the FSU Mental Health Council and The Nineteen Ten Honorary has allowed me to advocate for student well-being, foster meaningful connections, and contribute to a culture of service and leadership on campus. Through each of these experiences, I have sought to create positive change, support those around me and leave a lasting impact on both the FSU and Tallahassee communities.