Garett Michael Brownlee
Assistant Clinical Professor; MSW@Denver Program Director
What I do
I am the Director of the MSW@Denver program and a member of the clinical faculty at the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Social Work. My work centers on creating human-centered, equity-focused learning experiences that empower students and professionals to drive meaningful change in their communities. I’m passionate about fostering belonging, advancing equity, and co-creating systems that prioritize dignity and justice for all.
My approach is deeply informed by my lived experiences and professional journey, which have shown me the transformative power of storytelling, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Whether coaching future social workers or facilitating organizational change, I strive to cultivate spaces where people feel valued and supported as they create innovative solutions to complex social challenges.
I believe that lasting social change happens when we design systems and processes with equity at their core—work I pursue every day through my leadership, teaching, and community engagement.
Professional Biography
Garett Brownlee Plantz is the Director of the MSW@Denver program and a Professor of the Practice at the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Social Work. With over a decade of experience in equity-driven leadership and social work education, Garett brings a passion for creating human-centered systems that foster justice, collaboration, and belonging.
A certified social worker, Garett holds a journalism degree from Utah State University and an MSW from the University of Texas at Austin. Her career spans leadership roles at the “I Have a Dream” Foundation of Boulder County, grant-making with Whole Foods Market Foundations, and coaching with High Tech High Graduate School of Education.
Garett is a parent of two fierce young people and resides in Denver, where she remains committed to sustainable change, storytelling, and empowering others to thrive.
