By Al Dickenson
Patti Schevers has a unique story — growing up in a rural environment as a white woman within the Oneida Nation Reservation. Patti grew up on her family farm, which she and her family have lived on for four generations. After leaving Oneida and pursuing a trade profession for nearly two decades, she returned home, seeking formal education and a new direction. While actively engaging with the community around her, through nonprofits and volunteering, she attended nearby Northwest Technical College and then pursued an undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. Patti is now entering her second year in the UWM Master of Social Work program.
Recently, Patti received the 2025-2026 Consuelo W. Gosnell Memorial Award. This award is granted to social work students focusing on American Indian/Alaska Native and Hispanic/Latino populations. Patti reflects on her connections with the Oneida Nation, her work and volunteering roles within her community.
Patti was gracious enough to share a video and transcript of her testimony about receiving this award, what it means to her, and how she hopes to continue to grow in her social work journey.