NASW-NY Social Work Awards

Celebrate excellence in social work across New York State • Nominations open October 17, 2025 – January 31, 2026

Thank you for your interest in visiting the NASW NY Social Work Awards web page. We hope that you are considering nominating a candidate for the 2026 Celebration of Social Work Awards. The New York Chapter of NASW (NASW NY) seeks nominations from across New York State beginning October 17, 2025 through January 31, 2026. This document provides important information to assist you in completing nominations.

Here you will find information on each NASW NY award which outlines the specific eligibility and criteria required for you to address in your nomination. You will also find information on the process involved in submitting a nomination.

Thinking of nominating? This page provides award descriptions, eligibility, step-by-step instructions, and tips for success.

1. Steps in Completing a Nomination

Follow these steps to ensure your submission is complete and routed to the correct award committee:

  1. Choose an award – Each award page outlines expectations for nominations.
  2. Identify yourself – Select if you are a nominator or a self-nominee.
  3. Complete the Nomination Form – Provide contact information and upload required documents.
  4. Answer award-specific questions – Ensure you’ve addressed all required criteria.

2. Ingredients of a Successful Nomination

Pro Tips from the Awards Committee

  • Directly address each award criterion.
  • Support claims with specific, concrete examples and evidence.
  • Highlight the nominee’s impact on individuals, communities, or the field.
  • Include a copy of the nominee’s resume (or a relevant website for officials/organizations).
  • View our Nomination Tips Video for additional guidance.

3. What a Completed Nomination Includes

  • Completed Nomination Submission Form
  • Contact information for nominator, nominee, and references (two required for self-nominations)
  • Resume or website link verifying eligibility

4. Selection & Review Process

Nominations are reviewed by the NASW-NY Awards Committee using a blind review process. All submissions are de-identified before review. Resumes are used to confirm eligibility and are not circulated to reviewers; they are referenced only after final selections are made.

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Awards Overview

Browse the awards below and click a card to jump to full details and nomination information.

Award Details & Nomination Criteria

Review each category below and click to expand the full eligibility details and submission criteria.

Social Worker of the Year

Overview

The Social Worker of the Year Award recognizes the commitment and significant achievements made during the past 12–24 months by an outstanding member of our profession. Individuals considered for this award demonstrate exceptional professional qualities and an active pursuit of the values, knowledge, ethics, and skills of social work as defined by the NASW Code of Ethics.

Eligibility

NASW-NY member 5+ years practice
  • Current NASW-NY member in good standing
  • More than 5 years of social work practice experience

CRITERIA TO BE ADDRESSED IN YOUR NOMINATION

  • Exemplifies professional social work values & ethics in their chosen method and level of practice.
  • Demonstrates a persistent commitment to anti-oppressive practice and advancing social, environmental, and/or economic justice.
  • Shows consistent and progressively outstanding leadership.
  • Contributes to the public’s knowledge and understanding of social work.

What Makes a Social Worker of the Year?

This award honors a social worker who brings the heart, values, and ethics of our profession to life — someone who doesn’t just talk about making a difference but lives it through their work, community engagement, and daily interactions. In particular, their achievements in the past 12–24 months have made a significant impact, whether through a specific initiative or a sustained effort aligned with core professional values.

How they may stand out
  1. Stands up for fairness and justice — takes on meaningful challenges, expands access, and advocates for equitable laws and systems. Example: Ensuring disaster aid reaches the hardest-hit neighborhoods.
  2. Treats every person with dignity and respect — reduces stigma, honors culture and identity, and ensures people feel safe and valued. Example: Creating affirming services for LGBTQ+ youth or language-accessible supports for elders.
  3. Listens first, then acts — co-creates solutions with individuals and communities. Example: Building programs with community partners instead of imposing them.
  4. Uses skills to help people heal and grow — integrates professional expertise and compassion to address complex needs. Example: Trauma-informed support paired with practical resources like housing or employment connections.
  5. Speaks up for those who may not be heard — amplifies voices, builds self-advocacy, and communicates with the wider public. Example: Policy advocacy that expands accessibility for people with disabilities.
  6. Goes above and beyond — mentors others, leads collaboratively, and takes principled risks to advance change. Example: Launching a weekend food program for homebound seniors while coordinating community stakeholders.

Thinking of Nominating Someone?

  • Who goes the extra mile for others — even when no one is watching?
  • Whose actions (big and small) inspire others and create real impact?
  • Who consistently stands up for justice and fairness, even when it’s hard?
  • Who uses skills, compassion, and creativity to solve community problems?
  • Who empowers others and shows a clear pattern of commitment over the past 12–24 months?

If an NASW-NY member with 5+ years of practice comes to mind, they may be our next Social Worker of the Year.

Who Can Be Nominated?

Any NASW-NY member in good standing with more than 5 years of practice, including self-nominations, who reflects the profession’s core values:

  • Service
  • Social Justice
  • Dignity & Worth of the Person
  • Importance of Human Relationships
  • Integrity
  • Competence

How to Nominate

  1. Tell us who you’re nominating (or nominate yourself).
  2. Use the award criteria to describe impact with specific examples.
  3. Share real stories (big or small) that show values in action.
  4. Explain why this person inspires you — and why they deserve the award.
Public Elected Official of the Year

Overview

The Public Elected Official of the Year Award honors an elected official who demonstrates a strong commitment to social justice by addressing public policy issues that negatively impact individuals, families, and communities within the NASW-NY Chapter region. These issues may be long-standing concerns—such as housing insecurity, lack of healthcare access, or racial inequities—or emerging challenges from the past 12–24 months—such as pandemic recovery, climate justice, or youth mental health. The honoree listens directly to constituents, engages them in problem-solving, and incorporates their voices into real solutions. They lead by creating, advancing, or strengthening policies that reduce inequities, protect civil and human rights, and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion across New York State.

Eligibility

Current elected official New York State
  • Currently serving elected official at the local, state, or national level in New York State (e.g., City Council Member, State Assembly Member, State Senator, U.S. Representative, School Board Member, County Official).
  • Has made a significant contribution to public service while in office.
  • Demonstrates leadership in advancing public policy related to:
    • Civil and human rights
    • Social welfare and social work values
    • Social justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion
  • Creates opportunities to listen to constituents and elevate their voices.
  • Shows leadership on behalf of the protection and advancement of social work practice.

CRITERIA TO BE ADDRESSED IN YOUR NOMINATION

  • Exhibits fairness & justice — acts to fix unfair policies and protects marginalized communities. Ex: tenant protections.
  • Listens to constituents — creates avenues for input and follows through. Ex: town halls informing a bill.
  • Amplifies overlooked voices — reduces stigma and expands access. Ex: youth mental health campaign.
  • Co-creates solutions — partners across sectors for sustainable change. Ex: coalition on housing insecurity.
  • Goes beyond expectations — responds in crises; takes principled risks across divides. Ex: equitable disaster response.

Who Can Be Nominated?

  • New York State elected officials currently serving at the time of nomination (local, state, or national).
  • Significant contributions to advancing civil/human rights and social welfare.
  • Demonstrated collaboration, leadership, and commitment to social work values: Service, Social Justice, Dignity & Worth of the Person, Importance of Human Relationships, Integrity, Competence.

How to Nominate

  • Tell us why you are nominating this person.
  • Use the award criteria to explain how they have made an impact.
  • Provide real examples and stories that bring their leadership to life.
  • Explain why they inspire you and why they deserve this award.
  • Don’t worry about perfect writing—your stories and details matter most.

Why Your Nomination Matters

By nominating someone, you help NASW-NY honor and elevate officials who champion fairness, justice, and the dignity of all people. Your nomination shines a light on leaders who go above and beyond to improve the lives of New Yorkers.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Overview

The Lifetime Achievement Award honors a current social worker who has devoted their career to the profession and consistently demonstrated NASW Code of Ethics values and practice. Recipients exemplify social justice, equity, inclusion, and diversity. Their accomplishments have a lasting impact and are recognized within and beyond social work.

Eligibility

NASW-NY member 15+ years practice
  • Member in good standing of NASW-NY.
  • 15 or more years of social work practice.

CRITERIA TO BE ADDRESSED IN YOUR NOMINATION

  • Professional ethics per the NASW Code of Ethics.
  • History of exceptional leadership (vision, motivation, support, goal achievement).
  • Creativity & courage advancing anti-oppressive practice and social, environmental, and/or economic justice.
  • Repeated, outstanding achievements with lasting impact, expanding public understanding of social work, recognized inside and outside the profession.

What Makes a Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient?

This award recognizes a career-long pattern of service, justice, dignity and worth of the person, the importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence. The honoree consistently breaks down barriers, lifts up unheard voices, treats people with dignity and respect, and leads with vision—showing that social work is a calling lived daily across roles and settings.

Hallmark Qualities

  1. Justice & fairness: Acts to fix unfair policies; expands access. Ex: Disaster-recovery programs that reach the hardest-hit neighborhoods.
  2. Dignity & respect: Meets people with compassion; reduces stigma; supports staff well-being. Ex: Culturally and linguistically affirming services.
  3. Listens, then acts: Co-creates solutions with communities and teams. Ex: Convenes staff/partners to design programs together.
  4. Healing & growth: Combines expertise and empathy to meet complex needs. Ex: Trauma-informed care with practical supports (housing, jobs).
  5. Amplifies voices: Lifts needs to decision-makers; builds self-advocacy. Ex: Policy changes improving access for people with disabilities or undocumented residents.
  6. Above & beyond: Mentors, builds coalitions, and takes principled risks; recognized as someone the community can count on. Ex: Launches a weekend food program with community stakeholders.

Who Can Be Nominated?

A current NASW-NY member with 15+ years of practice who has demonstrated the profession’s core values over the course of their career:

  • Service
  • Social Justice
  • Dignity & Worth of the Person
  • Importance of Human Relationships
  • Integrity
  • Competence

What matters most is a sustained pattern of excellence, commitment, and impact.

How to Nominate

  1. Tell us who you’re nominating (self-nominations welcome).
  2. Address each requirement using specific, real examples from across their career.
  3. Share brief stories showing values in action and lasting impact.
  4. Explain why this person inspires you and merits this award.

Thinking of Nominating Someone?

  • Who has a track record of going the extra mile—consistently, over years?
  • Where do you see a clear pattern of courageous leadership for justice and fairness?
  • How have they used skills, compassion, and creativity to solve community problems?
  • How have they empowered others and been recognized as a trusted leader?
Meritorious Human Service Organization Award

Overview

The Meritorious Human Service Organization Award honors a human service organization that demonstrates a strong, values-aligned commitment to understanding and addressing issues faced by the communities it serves. Whether long-standing or recently established, the organization has shown measurable impact in the past 12–24 months within the NASW-NY Chapter boundaries and a sustained drive to improve service effectiveness and quality of life.

Eligibility

Mission aligns with social work values Operating 5+ years Impact in New York
  • Mission, goals, and ethics reflect social work values (civil/human rights; social justice, equity, inclusion, diversity).
  • Ongoing commitment to stakeholder feedback and collaboration with community partners.
  • In continuous operation for at least 5 years.
  • Work demonstrably impacts social issues/communities/people within NASW-NY Chapter boundaries.

CRITERIA TO BE ADDRESSED IN YOUR NOMINATION

  • Collaboration — works with community stakeholders to identify needs and co-create solutions; direct, meaningful interaction with those affected.
  • Innovation — preventive and/or remedial approaches that improve service effectiveness and address issues of concern to social work.
  • Impact — demonstrable difference in advocacy, policy, practice, program development, administration, and/or innovative research.

What Makes a Meritorious Organization of the Year?

This award recognizes organizations whose mission and daily practice bring social work values to life. Leadership and staff break down barriers, elevate community voices, center dignity and respect, and inspire others through sustained, values-driven impact.

Hallmark Qualities

  1. Mission-driven & just: Tackles inequities; ensures access to resources; engages public processes. Ex: Outreach after disasters to ensure aid reaches hardest-hit neighborhoods.
  2. Dignity & ethical care: Programs safeguard respectful, stigma-free services; staff supported to navigate ethical dilemmas. Ex: Culturally and linguistically affirming practices.
  3. Listening first: Incorporates consumer/community voice before designing programs. Ex: Co-creating initiatives with community groups.
  4. Healing & resilience: Integrates training and compassion to address complex needs. Ex: Preventive supports for those at risk of domestic violence, including child witnesses.
  5. Systems leadership: Improves accessibility, accountability, and coordination; amplifies overlooked voices. Ex: Policy advocacy expanding access for people with disabilities or undocumented residents.
  6. Beyond minimums: Extends reach, mentors staff/volunteers, builds coalitions, and takes principled risks. Ex: Weekend food delivery launched with community partners.

Who Can Be Nominated?

A social or human service organization serving New York State for at least 5 years whose mission aligns with the core values of the profession:

  • Service
  • Social Justice
  • Dignity & Worth of the Person
  • Importance of Human Relationships
  • Integrity
  • Competence

What matters most is a pattern of commitment and meaningful impact.

How to Nominate

  1. Tell us which organization you’re nominating.
  2. Use the criteria to show impact with specific, real stories (big or small) that reflect values in action.
  3. Explain why this organization inspires you and merits the award.

Thinking of Nominating an Organization?

  • Which organization consistently goes the extra mile and inspires others?
  • Where do you see clear, recent (12–24 months) impact and a long-term pattern of commitment?
  • How does the organization empower staff, consumers, and community voices?
  • What examples show preventive approaches and collaboration that improved outcomes?
Doctoral Student of the Year

Overview

The Doctoral Student of the Year Award is presented to a PhD or DSW candidate in social work who demonstrates excellence and an active pursuit of the values, knowledge, ethics, and skills of the profession as defined by the NASW Code of Ethics. The honoree exemplifies the mission of social work through scholarship, leadership, and service—engaging in research, policy, and practice activities that advance knowledge, enhance equity, and promote systemic change. They embody the integration of scholarship and practice to eliminate barriers to justice, protect human rights, and strengthen the profession’s future.

Eligibility

PhD or DSW Current student or ≤6 months post-grad NASW-NY Chapter region GPA not considered
  • Current doctoral student (PhD or DSW) in social work, or graduated within six (6) months of the nomination deadline.
  • Has social work practicum education and/or work experience within the boundaries of the NASW-NY Chapter.

CRITERIA TO BE ADDRESSED IN YOUR NOMINATION

  • Exemplifies professional ethics through the use of social work knowledge, values, and skills.
  • Commits to anti-oppressive practice and advances social, environmental, and/or economic justice.
  • Advances human rights — employs knowledge/research/practice to eliminate structural barriers to justice.
  • Demonstrates outstanding leadership within the university/college or the greater community.
  • Engages in sustained service — professional/volunteer commitments that improve the lives of others.

What Makes a Doctoral Student of the Year?

  • Ethics & values in action: Applies NASW values (Service, Social Justice, Dignity & Worth, Relationships, Integrity, Competence) to research and practice. Ex: collaborates across disciplines to address a complex community issue.
  • Anti-oppressive practice: Centers cultural humility, human rights, and equity in methods and engagement. Ex: co-designs projects with impacted communities.
  • Human rights impact: Uses knowledge/research/practice to remove structural barriers. Ex: develops policy briefs/toolkits adopted by service agencies.
  • Leadership & involvement: Leads initiatives on campus or in the community; mentors peers; builds coalitions. Ex: organizes research seminars for MSW students.
  • Service & engagement: Sustained volunteer/professional commitments that deliver tangible benefits. Ex: expands access to services for underserved groups.

Who Can Be Nominated?

  • PhD or DSW social work student (current) or recent graduate (within six months of the nomination deadline).
  • Has social work practicum education and/or work experience within NASW-NY Chapter boundaries.
  • Demonstrates a pattern of excellence and contributions that advance equity and improve practice—GPA is not considered.

How to Nominate

  • Tell us who you’re nominating (self-nominations welcome).
  • Use the award criteria to explain their impact, with real examples and stories.
  • Share outcomes (knowledge advanced, equity enhanced, practice/policy changes).
  • Explain why they inspire you and why they deserve this award.

Why Your Nomination Matters

By nominating a candidate, you help NASW-NY spotlight emerging scholar-practitioners who advance knowledge, protect human rights, and lead systemic change. Your nomination lifts up leaders whose work strengthens communities today—and the profession’s future tomorrow.

Champion of Justice

Overview

The Champion of Justice Award honors a social worker who has made significant strides on a prominent social, environmental, and/or economic justice issue within the NASW-NY Chapter boundaries. Nominees promote sensitivity to and knowledge about cultural and ethnic diversity, work to ensure equitable access to needed resources and equality of opportunity, eliminate oppressive structural and institutional barriers to protect human rights, and encourage meaningful participation in decision-making—above and beyond the standard commitment.

Eligibility

Impact in New York 12–24 months Social / Environmental / Economic Justice
  • The nominee’s work impacts social issues, communities, and/or people within the NASW-NY Chapter boundaries.
  • Demonstrates a pattern of seeking more just and effective services and/or policies to enhance quality of life for individuals, families, groups, or communities.
  • Shows sustained commitment to advancing social justice, with measurable impact in the past 12–24 months.

CRITERIA TO BE ADDRESSED IN YOUR NOMINATION

  • Exhibits creativity & courage in focusing on social, environmental and/or economic justice, and implements anti-oppressive strategies—including a willingness to advance human rights, take risks, and advocate for improved human services and justice.
  • Demonstrates compassion & leadership to promote equitable access, equality of opportunity, protection of human rights, and meaningful participation in decision-making.
  • Displays a strong, continual commitment to anti-oppressive practice and to advancing social, environmental, and/or economic justice.
  • Pursues justice change with and on behalf of those served—centering lived experience and power-sharing.

What Makes a Champion of Justice?

Champions of Justice bring social work values to life—fighting for fairness in laws, policies, and systems; elevating community voice; and ensuring resources and opportunities reach those with the least access. They pair professional skills with compassion, lead collaboratively, and inspire others to join sustained, values-driven change.

Hallmark Qualities

  1. Promotes justice: Tackles meaningful challenges and expands access. Ex: Ensures disaster aid reaches hardest-hit neighborhoods.
  2. Embodies social work values: Dignity, respect, and stigma-free services. Ex: Language-accessible, culturally affirming supports.
  3. Innovative leadership: Fills service gaps and builds public understanding. Ex: Launches a new program to address unmet needs.
  4. Courageous advocacy: Takes principled risks, mentors others, and leads coalitions. Ex: Partners with community to co-create solutions.

Who Can Be Nominated?

A social worker whose work impacts communities within New York State and reflects the profession’s values:

  • Service
  • Social Justice
  • Dignity & Worth of the Person
  • Importance of Human Relationships
  • Integrity
  • Competence

What matters most is a pattern of commitment and meaningful impact.

How to Nominate

  1. Tell us who you’re nominating.
  2. Address each criterion with specific, real examples—especially from the past 12–24 months.
  3. Share outcomes (policy/practice change, access expanded, participation increased).
  4. Explain why this person inspires you and deserves the award.

Thinking of Nominating a Champion of Justice?

  • Who has advocated for justice and social work values—and mobilized others to do the same?
  • Who consistently goes the extra mile, even when no one is watching?
  • Where do you see courageous leadership and power-sharing with impacted communities?
  • What recent (12–24 months) examples show measurable change?

Why Your Nomination Matters

By nominating a Champion of Justice, you help NASW-NY recognize social workers who go above and beyond to advance human rights and equity—lifting up work that strengthens communities today and catalyzes change for tomorrow.

MSW Student of the Year

Overview

The MSW Social Work Student of the Year honors a master’s-level student who demonstrates excellence and an active pursuit of the values, knowledge, ethics, and skills of the profession as defined by the NASW Code of Ethics. The honoree exemplifies the mission of social work through advanced practice in their chosen specialization—clinical, policy, administration, group work, community practice, or another field. They analyze complex factors affecting practice settings, advocate effectively for people facing barriers, and are preparing for advanced professional roles (licensure, clinical assessment, supervision, policy practice, and leadership in social change).

Eligibility

Current MSW or ≤6 months post-grad NASW-NY Chapter region Practicum/work in-region GPA not considered
  • Current MSW student, or graduated within six (6) months of the nomination deadline.
  • Has social work practicum education and/or work experience within the boundaries of the NASW-NY Chapter.

CRITERIA TO BE ADDRESSED IN YOUR NOMINATION

  • Exemplifies professional ethics through the use of social work knowledge, values, and skills.
  • Commits to anti-oppressive practice and advances social, environmental, and/or economic justice.
  • Advances human rights and advocates for improved human services and justice.
  • Applies theoretical perspectives in practice to promote well-being and advocates with and on behalf of those served.
  • Demonstrates leadership within the university/college or the greater community.
  • Engages in sustained service—work or volunteer commitments that make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

What Makes an MSW Student of the Year?

Honorees integrate classroom learning with field experience, demonstrate leadership, and apply specialized knowledge to address injustice and improve systems. This recognition does not consider GPA; it celebrates students in good standing who create positive change for the communities they serve.

Hallmark Qualities

  1. Justice-driven: Stands up for fairness, expands access, and navigates complex systems. Ex: Uses supervision to secure equitable disaster-recovery supports for hardest-hit families.
  2. Dignity & respect: Culturally responsive, stigma-reducing, and strengths-based. Ex: Ensures language-accessible, affirming services for LGBTQ+ youth and elders with limited English.
  3. Listens, then acts: Co-creates solutions with people served. Ex: Tests options in supervision/field seminar before implementing a program change.
  4. Healing & growth: Integrates coursework and field skills to address complex needs. Ex: Trauma-informed support paired with practical resources.
  5. Amplifies voices: Builds self-advocacy and engages decision-makers. Ex: Works with partners to expand accessibility for people with disabilities or undocumented residents.
  6. Above & beyond: Volunteers, mentors, and collaborates while guarding against burnout. Ex: Helps launch a weekend food program with community stakeholders.

Who Can Be Nominated?

An exceptional graduate social work student or recent MSW graduate whose work reflects the profession’s core values:

  • Service
  • Social Justice
  • Dignity & Worth of the Person
  • Importance of Human Relationships
  • Integrity
  • Competence

What matters most is a pattern of commitment and meaningful impact.

How to Nominate

  1. Tell us who you’re nominating (self-nominations welcome).
  2. Address each criterion with specific, real examples—especially from the past 12–24 months.
  3. Share outcomes (access expanded, participation increased, policy/practice improvements).
  4. Explain why this person inspires you and deserves the award.

Why Your Nomination Matters

By nominating an MSW student, you help NASW-NY spotlight emerging professionals who bring social work values to life—strengthening communities today and shaping the profession’s future.

Emerging BSW Leader of the Year

Overview

The Emerging Social Work BSW Leader award honors a NASW-NY Chapter member at the early phase of their career as a generalist social worker who actively pursues the values, knowledge, ethics, and skills of the profession as defined by the NASW Code of Ethics. Honorees demonstrate behaviors essential to effective and socially just practice, engage in ethical thinking and self-reflection, and commit to life-long learning. Recognition centers on commitment and significant achievements made in the past 12–24 months.

Eligibility

NASW-NY member BSW degree ≤ 5 years post-BSW 12–24 months impact
  • Member in good standing of the NASW-NY Chapter.
  • BSW degree from an accredited undergraduate social work program.
  • Five (5) or fewer years of post-degree BSW generalist practice experience.

CRITERIA TO BE ADDRESSED IN YOUR NOMINATION

  • Exemplifies social work ethics & values, knowledge, and skills with a commitment to make a difference in:
    • Community service/leadership
    • Advocacy
    • Social work practice
    • Education
    • Research
    • Management & leadership
  • Contributes steady, progressive leadership to the growth and visibility of the social work profession.

What Makes a BSW Emerging Leader?

Awardees bring core values and skills to life at the start of their careers. They provide outstanding community service, encourage and advocate for those they serve across settings, act ethically and responsibly, and continuously strengthen their practice through education and inquiry. Their leadership lifts the profession’s visibility.

Hallmark Qualities

  1. Ethics & values in action: Pursues ongoing learning, leads through difficult conversations, centers client voice, and mobilizes resources. Ex: Advocates for a community’s identified need through education, research, and collaboration to reach an ethical resolution.
  2. Progressive leadership: Collaborates effectively, shows up when work is tough, communicates vision, and is a reliable source of support. Ex: Steps into leadership and also collaborates on difficult cases/causes to achieve outcomes.
  3. Justice-driven practice: Fights for equity, ensures no one is left out, and treats everyone with dignity and respect.
  4. Listening & co-creation: Works with communities, inviting them to shape solutions.
  5. Healing & empowerment: Helps people rebuild and reach goals; shares power and resources.
  6. Beyond the role: Volunteers, mentors, leads projects, and contributes outside of work hours while practicing self-care to prevent burnout.

Examples in Practice

  • Co-creating a new program to address a service gap with community partners.
  • Ensuring affirming, language-accessible supports (e.g., LGBTQ+ youth in shelter; elders with limited English).
  • Advocating for policy changes protecting vulnerable groups or expanding access.
  • Leading or assisting grassroots projects; building coalitions to deliver resources (e.g., weekend food delivery for homebound seniors).
  • Supporting survivors of trauma with both emotional support and practical resources (housing, employment).
  • Contributing to public understanding of social work through outreach, education, or media.

Who Can Be Nominated?

An outstanding BSW social worker at the beginning phase of their career whose work reflects the profession’s core values:

  • Service
  • Social Justice
  • Dignity & Worth of the Person
  • Importance of Human Relationships
  • Integrity
  • Competence

Must be a NASW-NY member in good standing, hold a BSW from an accredited program, and have ≤ 5 years post-degree practice.

How to Nominate

  1. Tell us who you’re nominating (self-nominations welcome).
  2. Use the criteria to describe impact with specific, real stories from the past 12–24 months.
  3. Show outcomes (access expanded, participation increased, policy/practice improvements).
  4. Explain why this person inspires you and deserves the award.

Thinking of Nominating?

  • Who goes the extra mile—even when it’s difficult and daunting?
  • Who consistently lives the profession’s values and NASW-NY goals?
  • Who shows up with heart, collaborates well, and advocates when it’s hard?
  • Who has spearheaded or collaborated on projects that measurably improved their community?

Why Your Nomination Matters

By nominating an Emerging BSW Leader, you help NASW-NY honor early-career professionals who strengthen communities, elevate our profession, and inspire others through values-driven leadership.

Emerging MSW Leader of the Year

Overview

The Emerging Social Work MSW Leader award honors a NASW-NY Chapter member at the beginning phase of their career as an advanced generalist social worker who actively pursues the values, knowledge, ethics, and skills of the profession as defined by the NASW Code of Ethics, and who demonstrates outstanding leadership qualities commensurate with their level of education. Recognition centers on commitment and significant achievements made during the past 12–24 months.

Eligibility

NASW-NY member MSW degree ≤ 5 years post-MSW 12–24 months impact
  • Member in good standing of the NASW-NY Chapter.
  • MSW degree from an accredited graduate social work program.
  • Five (5) or fewer years of post-degree MSW advanced generalist practice experience.

CRITERIA TO BE ADDRESSED IN YOUR NOMINATION

  • Exemplifies social work ethics & values, knowledge, and skills with a commitment to make a difference in:
    • Community service/leadership
    • Advocacy
    • Social work practice
    • Education
    • Research
    • Management & leadership
  • Contributes steady, progressive leadership to the growth and visibility of the social work profession.

What Makes an MSW Emerging Leader?

Honorees demonstrate core values and skills at the start of their careers through advanced practice in their chosen specialization (clinical, policy, administration, group work, community practice, etc.). They function in advanced professional roles—licensure preparation, clinical assessment, supervision, policy practice, and leadership in social change—analyzing complex practice contexts and advocating effectively for those facing barriers. They act ethically and responsibly, provide outstanding community service, and pursue ongoing learning and inquiry that strengthen their practice and elevate the profession.

Hallmark Qualities

  1. Ethics & values in action: Pursues ongoing education, leads through difficult conversations, centers client/community voices, and mobilizes resources. Ex: Advocates for an identified community need through education, research, and collaboration to reach an ethical resolution.
  2. Progressive leadership: Collaborates effectively, shows up when work is tough, communicates vision, and is a reliable source of support. Ex: Steps into leadership while partnering on complex cases/causes to achieve outcomes.
  3. Advanced generalist practice: Applies systems, policy, and clinical perspectives to promote well-being and access; advocates with and on behalf of those served.
  4. Listening & co-creation: Works with people and communities—inviting them to shape solutions and decisions.
  5. Healing & empowerment: Helps people rebuild and reach goals; shares power, builds capacity, and reduces stigma.
  6. Beyond the role: Volunteers, mentors, leads projects, and contributes outside of work hours while practicing self-care to prevent burnout.

Examples in Practice

  • Assisting in creating new programs that fill a gap in services.
  • Sitting down with a community group to co-create a program instead of imposing one.
  • Ensuring affirming, language-accessible supports (e.g., LGBTQ+-affirming shelters; elder services with interpretation).
  • Advocating for policy changes that protect vulnerable groups and expand access.
  • Leading or assisting grassroots projects; partnering with the community to create solutions that work for them.
  • Supporting survivors of trauma with emotional support and practical resources (housing, employment).
  • Expanding mental health and addiction treatment in underserved areas.
  • Contributing to public understanding of social work through outreach, education, or media.
  • Working with others to start a weekend food delivery program for homebound seniors, building coalitions to address the need.

Who Can Be Nominated?

An outstanding MSW social worker at the beginning phase of their career whose work reflects the profession’s core values:

  • Service
  • Social Justice
  • Dignity & Worth of the Individual
  • Importance of Human Relationships
  • Integrity
  • Competence

Must be a NASW-NY member in good standing, hold an MSW from an accredited graduate program, and have ≤ 5 years post-degree practice.

How to Nominate

  1. Tell us who you’re nominating (self-nominations welcome).
  2. Use the criteria to describe impact with specific, real stories from the past 12–24 months.
  3. Show outcomes (access expanded, participation increased, policy/practice improvements).
  4. Explain why this person inspires you and deserves the award.

Thinking of Nominating?

  • Who goes the extra mile—even when it’s difficult and daunting?
  • Who consistently lives the profession’s values and NASW-NY goals?
  • Who shows up with heart, collaborates well, and advocates when it’s hard?
  • Who has spearheaded or collaborated on projects that measurably improved their community?

Why Your Nomination Matters

By nominating an Emerging MSW Leader, you help NASW-NY honor early-career professionals who strengthen communities, elevate our profession, and inspire others through values-driven leadership.

BSW Student of the Year

Overview

The BSW Social Work Student of the Year honors a baccalaureate-level social work student who demonstrates excellence and an active pursuit of the values, knowledge, ethics, and skills of the profession as defined by the NASW Code of Ethics. The honoree exemplifies the mission of social work through their understanding of social welfare needs across diverse settings, engages in ethical thinking and self-reflection, and shows a commitment to life-long learning. They are prepared to enter the workforce as a beginning generalist professional. This recognition focuses on commitments and significant achievements made in the past 12–24 months.

Eligibility

Current BSW or ≤6 months post-grad NASW-NY Chapter region Practicum/work in-region GPA not considered
  • Current BSW student, or graduated within six (6) months of the nomination deadline.
  • Has social work practicum education and/or work experience within the boundaries of the NASW-NY Chapter.

CRITERIA TO BE ADDRESSED IN YOUR NOMINATION

  • Exemplifies professional ethics & values through the use of social work knowledge and skills.
  • Commits to anti-oppressive practice and advances social, environmental, and/or economic justice.
  • Advances human rights and advocates for improved human services and justice.
  • Demonstrates leadership within the university/college or the greater community.
  • Engages in work or volunteer commitments that make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

What Makes a BSW Student of the Year?

This award recognizes an exceptional undergraduate who lives the mission of social work inside and outside the classroom. Understanding that learning exceeds academic performance, GPA is not considered; we celebrate students in good standing who create positive change in their communities and with those they serve.

Hallmark Qualities

  1. Justice-driven: Stands up for fairness, expands access, and persists through barriers. Ex: Uses supervision/advisement to ensure disaster aid reaches the hardest-hit neighborhoods.
  2. Dignity & respect: Meets people with compassion; reduces stigma; practices cultural humility. Ex: Ensures language-accessible, affirming services for LGBTQ+ youth and elders with limited English.
  3. Listens, then acts: Co-creates solutions with people served. Ex: Tests options in supervision before implementing a change.
  4. Healing & growth: Integrates classroom and field skills to meet complex needs. Ex: Trauma-informed support paired with practical resources.
  5. Amplifies voices: Brings needs to decision-makers; builds self-advocacy. Ex: Policy advocacy to expand accessibility for people with disabilities.
  6. Above & beyond: Volunteers, mentors, and collaborates while guarding against burnout. Ex: Helps launch a weekend food program for homebound seniors with community partners.

Who Can Be Nominated?

A current BSW student or recent BSW graduate (within 6 months) with practicum/work experience in the NASW-NY Chapter region who reflects the profession’s core values:

  • Service
  • Social Justice
  • Dignity & Worth of the Person
  • Importance of Human Relationships
  • Integrity
  • Competence

How to Nominate

  1. Tell us who you’re nominating (self-nominations welcome).
  2. Use the criteria to describe impact with specific, real stories—especially from the past 12–24 months.
  3. Share outcomes (access expanded, participation increased, policy/practice improvements).
  4. Explain why this person inspires you and deserves the award.

Thinking of Nominating?

  • Who goes the extra mile—even when no one is watching?
  • Who consistently stands up for justice and fairness, even when it’s hard?
  • Who uses skills, compassion, and creativity to solve community problems?
  • What recent (12–24 months) examples show a clear pattern of commitment?

Why Your Nomination Matters

By nominating a BSW student, you help NASW-NY spotlight emerging professionals who bring social work values to life—strengthening communities today and shaping the profession’s future.

2025 Honorees Gallery

Christine Soto — MSW Student of the Year
Christine Soto MSW Student of the Year
Diana Trotman — BSW Student of the Year
Diana Trotman BSW Student of the Year
Evelyn Bautista-Miller, LMSW, SDA, SIFI, ITP, MPhil, ABD — Doctoral Student of the Year
Evelyn Bautista-Miller, LMSW, SDA, SIFI, ITP, MPhil, ABD Doctoral Student of the Year
Gabriela Amaral Lis — MSW Student of the Year
Gabriela Amaral Lis MSW Student of the Year
Justyna Rzewinski, LCSW, PhD(c) — Champion of Justice
Justyna Rzewinski, LCSW, PhD(c) Champion of Justice
Riquelmy Lamour, LCSW — Social Worker of the Year
Riquelmy Lamour, LCSW Social Worker of the Year
Erica P. Sandoval, LCSW-SIFI — Champion of Justice
Erica P. Sandoval, LCSW-SIFI Champion of Justice

Meet the 2025 Honorees

Flip through highlights from our statewide 2025 Celebration of Social Work Awards. The slideshow showcases each honoree, their role/affiliation, and a snapshot of impact in the past 12–24 months.

Open Slideshow Full-Screen

Tip: Use the arrows to navigate. If the embed doesn’t load, open the slideshow full-screen.