Inspirational Leaders
Each year, two inspirational leaders from the profession in
Ontario are profiled during National Social Work Week.
2013
Although now retired from formal employment, Nasim Banu-Ahmed
continues to work tirelessly as a social worker to inspire hope in
both her birth-country of Bangladesh and in her adopted country of
Canada. [more]
It is clear from the very first moment in her presence that
Karen Nelson is a dynamic and vibrant social work leader: "I am
energized by the extraordinary work of my staff and I am driven to
create the best possible place for them to practice and flourish as
social workers." [more]
On Marco Posadas' long-term wish list, two stand out: "More
funding for proper long-term mental health interventions for LGBTT
populations and a more comprehensive and realistic immigration and
refugee system in Canada that doesn't discriminate by country of
origin, but evaluates the person holistically." [more]
2012
For Mary K. Armstrong, making the world a better place has
always been a driving force. [more]
Diane Manii is constantly inspired by the motto: "Do not follow
where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and lead
a trail." [more]
2011
If Lorie Shekter-Wolfson has a motto in life, it likely
is: "Don't be afraid of change - embrace it!" [ more]
Early in her social work career, Brooke Young has already been
singled out as one to watch. [more]
2010
Rhonda Teitel-Payne strongly believes that there are solutions
to poverty. "The biggest challenge we face is that our society
accepts that poverty has always been and always will be. We need to
get past that acceptance and change it. I think we can." [more]
Dr. Julie Woit states: "In my social work practice, I am very
mindful of the lens of the social determinants of health. It
helps me contextualize the stories that I'm hearing." [more]
2009
SWAG (Social Work in Aging and Gerontology) is an informal
network of social workers in the Ottawa region who have a strong
interest in aging issues and work with seniors and their families.
[more]
Linda Jackson draws constant inspiration from seniors and their
families: "They truly have taught me about life." [more]
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]