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NASW-LA Annual Leadership Awards

Chapter Awards Winners 2025

Congratulations to the 2025 NASW-LA Chapter Awardees! We are proud to recognize and celebrate this year’s outstanding social workers, students, and advocates whose dedication and impact continue to strengthen our profession and communities across Louisiana. Thank you for your commitment to social work values and for the meaningful difference you make across our state. All Chapter Awardees will be honored in person at the 2026 NASW-LA Annual Conference in Baton Rouge, March 18–20. We hope to see you there!

Lifetime Achievement Award - Patricia 'Patti' Gates, MSW, ACSW 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award

Social Worker of the Year - Shelly Weaver, LCSW-BACS, ACHP-SW, APHSW-C

School Social Worker of the Year - Taisha D. White, LMSW, C-SSWS

Outstanding BSW Student of the Year - Jordan Cole

Outstanding MSW Student of the Year - Starkeysia Dyes

Public Citizen of the Year - Janice Coleman

2025 Public Citizen of the Year

Public Elected Official of the Year - State Representative Jessica Domangue

2025 Public Elected Official of the Year

You can view the nomination guidelines here, and below you’ll find descriptions and criteria for each open award category.
Important note: All nominations must be submitted by an active NASW member.

Awards Categories/Criteria:

2024 Chapter Award Winners

Lifetime Achievement Award - Marlene Lucas
Organization/Agency of the Year - Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Information Center of Louisiana, Inc.
Outstanding BSW Student of the Year - Caroline Garrett
Outstanding MSW Student of the Year - Kai'Daryia Jackson
Public Citizen of the Year - Phyllis Coleman Mouton
Public Elected Official of the Year - Ed Larvadian III
Champion of Social Work Award - Senator Joseph Bouie
Presidents Award - Ayn W. Stehr

2023 Chapter Award Winners

Dorothy Schenthal Leadership Award - Ronald P. McClain
Social Worker of the Year Award - Gina Rossi
MSW Student of the Year Award - Brittney Moore
Agency of the Year Award - Beacon Community Connections

AWARD WINNERS BY YEAR