Leaders in the Social Work Community

Every year, in honour of National Social Work Week, OASW features two leaders in the social work community.

2008

Cindy Blackstock believes that ethics are the foundation of social work - they give life and shape to our relationships and skills. [more]

Patricia O'Connor, Helen Wong, June Ying Yee of the Internationally Educated Social Work Professionals Bridging Program. [more]

The resilience of children and families is what keeps Micheal Hardy inspired. [more]

2007

Sonia Pouyat believes that social work leaders must have passion and remain open-minded to manage the challenges and the issues they face on a daily basis. . [more]

Laurel Rothman believes that a vibrant community role is crucial for the health of our society. [more]

2006

Angela Townend believes that clients are relying more and more on social workers' expertise and their professional networking to help meet both their immediate and long-term needs. [more]

Rose Piacentino believes that social workers at all levels can make a difference, regardless of their degree or setting or location: "It's what you put into it". [more]

2005

Dr. Akua Benjamin has been in social work her whole life in varying formal and informal capacities. [more]

Cheryle Partridge is a social work educator in the Native Human Services Programme at Laurentian University and an Anishinaabe-Kwe (Ojibway woman) from Wasauksing First Nation, near Parry Sound. [more]

2004

In the summer of 2003, Judy Finlay, Chief Advocate of the Office of Child and Family Service Advocacy in Ontario, made the headlines in major newspapers and newscasts across the country. [more]

Peter Dudding sees a very important role for social work in the future. He believes that with the pace and scope of change now evident in society, social workers can help individuals to manage change and deal with life stressors. [more]

2003

Viewed by her peers as a leader within the social work profession, Jeanette Lewis is currently the Executive Director of the Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies and has been a social worker for more than 30 years. [more]

Hugh Drouin is confident that the future of social work looks bright if social workers market their skills. [more]