John S. Gill, M.S.W. '07

John Gill is the chief operating officer of Beats Rhymes and Life in Oakland, California, an organization, developed by Smith College School for Social Work alum Tomás Alvarez III, that uses the process of creating rap music to engage troubled teens in mental health services. He is also dean of the BRL Academy, which is a career pipeline program to train young adults between the ages of 18 and 26 to become social workers and leaders. In this role, he has designed course tracks in clinical practice, clinical theory, social justice, teaching artistry and professional development.

Gill earned his M.S.W. at the SSW in 2007, and spent many years working with youth and families involved in foster care and the juvenile justice system before beginning his work with BRL.