Annual Conference Location Awards

CSWE's 2025 Annual Conference Location Awards recognize the extraordinary impact of local leaders and organizations in Denver, CO, the host city for our 2025 Annual Conference. We honor the awardees' exceptional leadership within their communities and the significant impact of these organizations at local, national, and global levels.

Awardees for 2025 are listed below.
 

2025 CSWE Individual Champion for Social Justice Award: Curtis (Curt) Garret, Atlantis Community, Inc.

Curt Garret, the Disaster Preparedness Coordinator for Atlantis Community, has demonstrated extraordinary leadership by preserving and sharing the history of the disability rights movement in Denver and beyond. He became involved with disaster planning while serving as chairperson for the Denver Commission for People with Disabilities. In 2011, Garret attended the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s “Get Real Conference,” where he heard the tragic stories of how lack of planning forced people with disabilities out of their communities, separated them from families, and in some cases even led to death. His primary goal is to prevent such a scenario from happening in Colorado. Garret’s life and work inspires us all to understand and honor the legacy of disability advocacy. CSWE honors his commitment to community preparedness and inclusion, which exemplifies leadership rooted in purpose and service.
 

2025 CSWE Community Impact Award: Quána Madison, Clyfford Still Museum

Quána is an artist and museum educator known for healing artistry and heartfelt dedication in organizing the Pride Disability Celebration and panel at the Clyfford Still Museum. Through her thoughtful curation and advocacy, Quána created a space that honored intersectionality, celebrated disabled LGBTQ+ voices, and fostered community healing through art and dialogue. Creative expression combined with inner wellness practices can promote physical, emotional, mental and energetic well-being. Quána strives to inspire, educate, empower and uplift people through her work as an artist, consultant and personal stylist. She is passionate about promoting inner wellness, body positivity and personal creative expression.
 

2025 CSWE Community Engagement Partner Award: Atlantis Community, Inc.

The Atlantis Community, Inc., is and has been a fixture in Denver for more than 40 years. The organization provides critical services such as housing support, nursing home transition, advocacy, peer mentorship, and skills training for people living with disabilities. Atlantis Community has worked tirelessly to advance equity and inclusion for the disability community and beyond. The organization’s deep roots in higher education help foster a powerful blend of academic rigor, policy insight, and community connection that builds bridges across organizations, policymakers, and communities across Denver.