Thank You, Denver!

On behalf of our membership of students, faculty, staff, and administrators, CSWE expresses deep gratitude to the disability community in Denver for your generosity of spirit and hospitality in welcoming us to your beautiful city for our 71st Annual Conference! Thank you for your hard work, dedication, and commitment to disability justice and the opportunity that we all have to find joy in this vital work. You inspired us all! 

Championing Disability Justice and Disability Joy in Social Work

The Council on Social Work Education's (CSWE) 71st Annual Conference was held in Denver on October 23–26, 2025. The conference theme, "It’s Time to Act: Championing Disability Justice and Disability Joy in Social Work," championed the need for social work conversations around disability joy, justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Preconference Institutes

Five preconference institutes were held on October 22-23, 2025:

• The Center for Diversity Preconference Institute
• Leadership Development Institute
• Field Education Institute
• Assessment Institute
• Student Summit

Speakers

Opening Plenary Panel and Futures Plenary

Dr. Vandana Chaudhry, PhD, MPhil, MSW is an Associate Professor in the Department of Social Work at the City University of New York, College of Staten Island. Her research focuses on disability in the Global South, digitalization, neoliberal governance, disability justice, and culturally competent practices. Her multi-year ethnographic work explores disability at the nexus of digitalization, development, globalization, and the politics of subject-formation in India, through the examination of digital disability pensions, microfinance and community-based approaches. Her scholarship offers analysis of how big data, algorithmic regimes, and biometric technologies are reshaping disability welfare systems, restricting access to government benefits, and in the process reconfiguring the category of disability.  Dr. Chaudhry has published widely across the disciplines of disability studies, social work, and interdisciplinary social sciences, with her work appearing in Disability and Society, International Social Work, and Qualitative Inquiry, among others. Her article “Living at the Edge: Disability, Gender, and Neoliberal Debtscapes of Microfinance in India” received the 2016 Affilia Award for Distinguished Feminist Scholarship and Praxis in Social Work. Her work has been supported by the Center for Democracy and Technology, Ford Foundation, National Science Foundation, and CUNY, among others.  

Dr. Shanna Katz Kattari, PhD, MEd, CSE (they/them) is an associate professor at the University of Michigan School of Social Work and the Women’s and Gender Studies Department (by courtesy), the director of the [Sexuality | Relationships | Gender] Research Collective, and convener of the Social Work Disability Justice League.  A white, AuDHD, disabled, chronically ill, queer, fat, nonbinary femme, they are an esteemed researcher, scholar, and advocate whose work has made significant contributions to the fields of social work, health disparities, and LGBTQ+ studies.  With a steadfast commitment to social justice and equity, Dr. Kattari’s research and advocacy efforts have focused on understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities, particularly within the realms of gender, sexuality, and disability (including neurodiversity). 

Dr. Laura J. Wernick, PhD, MPA, LMSW is an Associate Professor at Fordham University School of Social Service and a life-long organizer/activist. Using predominantly participatory action research, their scholarship uses a disability justice lens to explore how transformative organizing models address intersectional issues of power, oppression, healing and change within their movement organizing.  Dr. Wernick’s work has focused on organizing LGBTQ+ youth, low-income youth of color, young adult activists with wealth, and employers of domestic workers. Their current research is examining ableism & white supremacy culture in the social work academy. 

Lieutenant General (Retired) R. Scott Dingle, MSA, MMAS, MSc is the U.S. Army’s 45th Surgeon General. He retired on March 1, 2024 as the Surgeon General and the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Medical Command in Washington, D.C. Lt. Gen. Dingle served for over 35 years, including two combat tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. He commanded at every level and led an Army medicine team that comprised of over 120,000 soldiers, civilians, and contractors; while consistently establishing standards for medical care management and operations with a budget over $22 billion. Lt. Gen. Dingle earned 18 award medals for distinguished service including the Order of Military Medical Merit, the Recruiters Medallion, Honor from the Order of Kentucky Colonels, and the Army Surgeon General’s prestigious 9A Proficiency Designator. He is a distinguished military graduate of Morgan State University. His degrees include a Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University, a Master of Military Arts and Science from the School of Advanced Military Studies, and a Master of Science in National Security Strategy from the National War College. He and his wife, Sonja, have been married for 37 years and have four children and two grandsons. 

Charles A. Scott Memorial Lecturer

Dr. Cassandra Simon, MSW, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, University of Alabama

Dr. Cassandra Simon is an associate professor at the University of Alabama School of Social Work. Previous to this appointment, Dr. Simon was on faculty at The University of Texas at Arlington. She has a B. S. in Psychology from the University of New Orleans, a MSW from Louisiana State University, and a Ph.D. in social work from the University of Texas at Arlington. A triple negative breast cancer survivor, Dr. Simon remains committed to educating others in the areas of cancer, culture and health care disparities Dr. Simon is a trained diversity and conflict negotiation leader. She has conducted numerous workshops on culture, multiculturalism, diversity and creating inclusive environments. Known for her candor and innovative teaching she has won numerous awards and recognition for her work in and commitments to promoting justice, advocacy, scholarly work, and commitment to students, especially those facing obstacles due to identities. Dr. Simon is the founding editor of the Journal of Community Engagement and Scholarship, a scholarly, peer reviewed research journal that focuses on authentic community engagement. Her current research interests focus on the role and meaning of social justice in social work education, role, and purpose, social justice curriculum development, and the implementation of social justice in practice at every level. She conducts multi-state civil rights tours and is committed to justice for all people. Of all of her accolades her proudest accomplishment is being the first Black valedictorian at Lake Charles High School for which she received a key to the City in 2013. 

Hokenstad International Lecturer

Augustina Naami, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, University of Ghana

Dr. Augustina Naami is an Associate Professor at the Department of Social Work, University of Ghana. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Ghana, a Master’s and Ph.D degrees in Social Work from the Universities of Chicago and Utah respectively. She had previously taught at the University of Northern Iowa in the United States of America for four and a half years. Dr Naami’s research focuses on disability, mental health, the intersection of vulnerabilities, gender, social policy and poverty. She has conducted research locally and internationally and published over 35 peer-reviewed journal articles in high-impact journals and book chapters. Dr. Naami has presented her work globally. She serves on several ad hoc and statutory committees at the University of Ghana. Dr Naami also extends her services to the community and serves on several local and international Civil Society and Faith-Based Organisations. She was a technical committee member reviewing the Persons with Disability Act, 715 of Ghana, to align with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Currently serves on the Advisory Board of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment. She has also consulted for several organisations, including the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Sight Savers, Ghana Somubia Dwomadie, Tropical Health, and African Women Development Fund. Dr Naami is a fellow of the following prestigious entities, Ford Foundation International Fellowship, Australian Awards Fellowship, and Building a New Generation of Academics in Africa. 

Awards

2026 Professional Recognition Awards

The Professional Awards are among CSWE’s highest honors and recognize outstanding educators for significant contributions to social work education.

• Field Education/Practicum Excellence in Innovation Award: University of Michigan School of Social Work, Office of Field Education
• Significant Lifetime Achievement in Social Work Award: Allan Barsky, PhD, JD, MSW, professor at Florida Atlantic University’s Sandler School of Social Work
• Established Faculty Service and Leadership in Social Work Education Award: Lisa Reyes Mason, PhD, MSW, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Social Work.
• Early Career Faculty Service and Leadership in Social Work Education Award: Sherron Wilkes, DSW, MSW, BSW Program Director and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Alabama School of Social Work
• Distinguished Recent Contributions to Social Work Education Award: Tyler M. Argüello, PhD, DCSW, professor at the California State University, Sacramento

Location Awards

The Annual Conference Location Awards recognize the extraordinary impact of local leaders and organizations in the community which we hold our CSWE annual conference. The 2025 CSWE Location Awards recognized the exceptional leadership within the Denver, CO, community and the significant impact of these organizations at local, national, and global levels.

• Individual Champion for Social Justice Award: Curtis (Curt) Garret, Atlantis Community, Inc. 
• Community Impact Award: Quána Madison, Clyfford Still Museum
• Denver Community Engagement Partner Award: Atlantis Community, Inc

Carl A. Scott Memorial Fund

The Carl A. Scott Memorial Fund was established by the Council on Social Work Education's (CSWE's) Board of Directors in recognition of Carl A. Scott’s contributions to CSWE and the social work profession.

• BSW Student Award: Tiffany Bethel
• MSW Student Award: Katrina Castellanos

Commissions and Councils Awards

Every year CSWE commissions and councils honor and celebrate social work scholars, students, and educators for their contributions to social work and social work education. 

• Two-Spirit, Queer, and Trans People of Color (2-QTPOC) Social Work Impact Award:
  • Dr. Alex Washington, PhD, MSSW, MA
• Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression Scholarship Award: 
  • Dr. Tyler M. Argüello, Ph.D., MSW, DCSW, LCSW
  • Dr. Michael P. Dentato, Ph.D
  • Dr. Jennifer L. Kenney, Ph.D, MSW, MPH
• Council on Diversity and Social & Economic Justice Community Partnership Action Award:
  • The University of Maryland, School of Soccial Work (UM-SSW). 
• Council on the Role and Status of Women in Social Work Education (CORSW) Community Impact Award:
  • Dr. Mayra López-Humphreys, Ph.D, LMSW
• CORSW Feminist Manuscript Award: 
  • Dr. Sameena Azhar, Ph.D, LCSW, MPH
• CORSW Student Feminist Manuscript Award: 
  • Megan Fowler, MSW, ACSW 
• CORSW Violence Against Women and Children Manuscript Award:
  • Dr. Kathryn Showalter, Ph.D
  • Dr. Katherine Marçal, Ph.D, MSW
  • Dr. Mi Sun Choi, Ph.D
• CORSW Feminist Scholar Award:
  • Denise McLane-Davison, Ph.D, A.M. 
• CORSW Mentor Recognition Fund:

• 2025 Mentors	Nominators
  Dr. Shelita Jackson	Renessa Banks, Alexis Bell, Tia Glaspie, Lila Elliott, Kimberly Chinn
  Dr. Denise McLane Davison	Anna Ortega-Williams
  Dr. Johnnie Hamilton-Mason	Denise McLane-Davison
  Dr. Saundra Starks	Denise McLane-Davison
  Dr. Dana Wilson	Denise McLane-Davison
  Dr. M. Sebrena Jackson	Laura Hopson
  Dr. Yarnecia Dyson	Crystal Campbell
  Dr. Suk-hee Kim	Sarah Martin
  Dr. Johanna Creswell Báez	Cheryl Aguilar
  Dr. Laneshia Conner	Rujeko Machinga-Asaolu
  Dr. Kathryn Showalter	Rujeko Machinga-Asaolu
  Dr. Debora Ortega	Tyler Han, Stephanie Lechuga-Pena, Ashley Daftary
  Dr. Kristel Scoresby	Blake Conley

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• Council on Racial, Ethnic, and Cultural Diversity Award: 
  • Kasandra Dodd, MSW, LICSW, LCSW, CPM
  • Kerri Evans, MSW, Ph.D., LCSW
• Council on Disability and Persons with Disabilities Disability Manuscript Award:
  • Brendon T. Holloway, MSW, PhD
  • Rose C.B. Singh, BSW, MSW, RSW
  • Laura Wernick, MSW, MPA, PhD
  • Dr. Shanna Katz Kattari, MEd, PhD, CSE
  • Dr. Natasha Lee-Johnson, Phd, MSW, MEd
  • Jessica Curd, PhD, LCSW, ACSW, APHSW-C, ACHP-SW (Honorable Mention)
  • Thu Suong Nguyen, PhD (Honorable Mention)
• Partners in Advancing International Education Awards:
  • Individual Award Winner: Ann Petrila, MSW, MPA
  • Organization Award Winner: Ambedkar Association of North America (AANA)
  • Student Award Winner: Finau Rabuka-Conklin, MSW​​​​​​​

Land Acknowledgment Statement

CSWE acknowledges that we are on the ancestral lands of Indigenous Peoples from time immemorial. Indigenous Peoples once had and continue to have extended networks of relatives that include human and nonhuman life, as well as the seen and the unseen across diverse geopolitical and ecological spaces. CSWE recognizes and respects all Indigenous Peoples, their histories, their sovereign political rights, and their sacred ties to the land and waters. Read more.