For Jane Daroff, life is about helping others, whether it’s in her career as a clinical social worker in University Counseling Services or her work locally and nationally for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights. A 21-year employee of Case Western Reserve University, Daroff earned the President’s Award for Distinguished Service in 2010. She’s also a Distinguished Alumna Award winner from the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, where she earned her master’s degree in 1985 and where she serves on an advisory board to the dean as well as its alumni board.
Beyond the university, Daroff serves on the National Board of Directors of the Human Rights Campaign, the largest civil rights organization for LGBT equality, and she co-founded the Cleveland chapter of PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) 26 years ago, which she still helps facilitate to this day.
Learn more about the University of Pennsylvania graduate.
1. What’s on your iPod?
About 15 fast-moving songs that I play while working out.
2. What’s your favorite spot in Cleveland and why?
My home! We moved into a large, bright condo several years ago, and I still feel like I’m playing house.
3. If you could only take three books with you to a deserted island, what would you take?
I’d take two: a dictionary and The Little Engine that Could.
4. What one word would you use to describe yourself, and what one word would your friends use to describe you?
I think we’d all say “friendly.”
5. What’s your favorite thing about Case Western Reserve University?
I love my job in the University Counseling Services. To be able to help young people move on with their lives is a real thrill.