The master’s in communication for development and social change (CDSC) was created for communication professionals passionate about utilizing media, communication and digital platforms as tools for transformative social change. In its 10 years, the program has grown to prepare professionals to make a true impact in their communities and beyond. Students, faculty and alumni celebrated these achievements with a two-day event.
As the celebrating group of alumni, students and faculty entered Las Parcelas, an urban community garden tended by Latina women in North Philadelphia, they were immediately surrounded by the sweet scent of lavender and basil, the buzzing of bees and a vivid palette of flowers in full bloom. Philly Community Wireless (PCW), a local community-owned internet provider and partner of both the garden and CDSC program, hosted the tour and shared more information about their impactful collaborations with the garden.
The group was guided by Leanne Przybylowski, KLN ’23, PCW’s community outreach manager and CDSC alum. Przybylowski explained that free internet in public spaces serves as a solid foundation for other community-driven projects.
At Las Parcelas, solar energy and the free internet provided by PCW enabled a local art organization to install an interactive art exhibit. Visitors can scan QR codes to activate the interactive digital art piece.
Across the street, in another garden, Przybylowski showcased another initiative. PCW installed energy and internet to support three air quality monitors used by a citizen science group to track pollution across different neighborhoods.
As they walked through the neighborhood from one site to another, the group chatted nonstop—rekindling old friendships, getting to know new faces and reminiscing about their time as Temple graduate students.
The next day, CDSC alumni, students and faculty gathered at Charles Library, where Alex Wermer-Colan and the Duckworth Scholars Studio team led two digital tools workshops. Participants explored tools to enhance their professional skillsets, including digital mapping, web design and more. As Temple graduates, alumni can continue to access the Studio and its many resources.
After a beautifully catered lunch, the group came together for a time of memory and reflection. Clemencia Rodríguez, director of the CDSC program, and Patrick Murphy, professor of media studies and production, shared a presentation on the history of the program—conceived and designed in 2012 and officially approved by the university in 2015.
Their presentation included photos from each of the 10 cohorts, the two program directors, and the 84 alumni who have come from countries around the world such as Canada, Ethiopia, Benin, South Africa, Indonesia, Colombia, Uganda, China, Panamá, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Liberia, the Dominican Republic, Ukraine, the United States, Bolivia and Taiwan. New developments in the program include the Marge Foti scholarship, community immersion initiatives and blue-book final exams.
Today, CDSC alumni work in a wide variety of fields related to communication for social change, including public health, strategic communication, program management, education advocacy, social justice, art, labor, technology, coffee roasting, environmental mitigation, torture recovery and immigration.
The day concluded with cake and sparkling cider, as Acting Dean Deborah Cai offered a toast and heartfelt congratulations to the program and its vibrant community.
“This year marks a decade of impact and inspiration as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Klein College’s master’s in communication for development and social change,” Cai said. “This program has empowered highly motivated students to drive transformative change in communities around the world. Here's to a legacy of bold ideas and strategic action shaped by students and faculty who are committed to equity, sustainability and social justice.”