The year 2025 was an extraordinary milestone for the NASW–New York Chapter. The unification of the New York City and New York State Chapters was successfully achieved in June; a historic accomplishment made possible through the leadership and dedication of the national board of directors, the Unification Taskforce, the Chapter’s exceptional staff team, and engaged members from both New York City and across the state.
Throughout the year, NASW–NY continued to advance social work practice, advocate for just public policies, and strengthen support for the social work profession statewide. The Chapter expanded its legislative advocacy efforts, enhanced professional development opportunities, worked to advance equity in licensure, and deepened member engagement across New York.
Student Leadership and Engagement
Our student board representatives were equally active and impactful throughout 2025. MSW Board Representative Gabriela Amaral Lis, alongside her colleague Nathel Sims, helped establish the first NASW–NY student caucus at Columbia University, creating a new space for student leadership, advocacy, and collective organizing.
BSW Board Representative Kamilah Pasha brought a powerful student voice to civic engagement efforts, presenting at Stony Brook University and offering a student perspective on leadership and advocacy. She was also featured in the NASW–NY Currents Newsletter, where she reflected on the historic unification of the NASW–NY Chapters.
These contributions underscore the vital role students play in shaping the future of the profession. The Chapter is stronger when students step up to lead, and NASW–NY remains committed to elevating student voices as partners in this work.
Community Engagement
Throughout 2025, NASW–NY deepened its presence across the state by engaging in more than 20 community-based activities. These efforts included speaking engagements, panel discussions, and strategic partnerships with labor unions, public school districts, and education-focused organizations experiencing critical social work workforce needs. These engagements reinforced NASW–NY’s role as a trusted leader and advocate for the profession across diverse regions of New York.
Advancing Advocacy and Public Policy
NASW–NY elevated its advocacy efforts through statewide initiatives, including the launch of the 2025 Policy Series, designed to mobilize social workers around key legislative priorities. Members engaged directly with policymakers on issues such as workforce sustainability, mental health access, student loan forgiveness, and economic justice. Capitol Action Day 2025 brought social workers and students to Albany to advocate directly with legislators, reinforcing the profession’s critical role in shaping public policy and community well-being.
Professional Development and Member Engagement
The Chapter continued to expand professional development opportunities, offering continuing education programs that reflected the evolving needs of social workers. Through newsletters, statewide programming, and collaborative events, NASW–NY fostered connection, learning, and leadership among its members.
Looking Ahead
As NASW–NY moves into 2026, the Chapter remains committed to building on this momentum, strengthening advocacy, expanding professional development opportunities, and amplifying the voices of social workers across New York. We extend our deepest gratitude to our partners in this work, including our members, volunteers, coalition partners, unions, educational institutions, community organizations, and policymakers. Your collaboration, leadership, and shared commitment to social justice make this work possible.