History of the NASW-NYC Annual Leadership Awards Gala 

The National Association of Social Workers-New York City Chapter (NASW-NYC), hosts the Annual Leadership Awards Gala to recognize social workers across the city who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in their respective fields, advocate for the improvement of social and human conditions, and are dedicated to upholding the NASW Code of Ethics in both their personal and professional lives. We also honor and recognize individuals, schools of social work, and organizations whose work, mission, and values align with our core values of social justice and equity.

Rising to the Occasion: The 14th Annual Leadership Awards Gala Theme

The 14th Annual NASW-NYC Leadership Awards Gala: Rising to the Occasion honors NYC social workers, schools of social work, and organizations who have demonstrated their dedication to the profession as well as the communities and individuals they serve during one of the most strenuous and uncertain eras in recent history. Over the past two years, we have witnessed the power of social workers and others coming together to stand for justice. We have seen the necessity of community and partnership as we remain on the frontlines of every major human rights and social justice issue, and we have continued to grapple with the growing inequities that plague NYC and the world.

NASW-NYC’s 2022 Gala’s theme: Rising to the Occasion, compliments the National Social Work Theme for 2022, The Time is Right for Social Work. Indeed, the time is right for social work and it is imperative that social workers rise up and take a stand to determine what side of history our profession will be known for. Will we rise up and continue to advocate for the needs of those who are marginalized and oppressed? Will we rise up and be brave in the face of adversity? Will we rise up and boldly lead NYC and the world as diverse advocates, professionals, educators, practitioners, and policy makers? And will we look inwardly at our profession, our education, and ourselves to challenge our biases and truly embody the spirt of anti-racist and anti-oppressive practice? It is time that we rise up and show the world the power of social work and the necessity of our profession!

Social workers have always led and been at the forefront. We remind all social workers and allies that while the tasks may at times be daunting, we must continue the journey and support each other towards justice and equality because together we will rise! This year, NASW-NYC honors all NASW-NYC social workers who continue to embody our values and have continued to rise to the occasion in service to humanity.