2021 OASW Beverley Antle Leadership Award Recognizes Kennes Lin 

Presented at the 2021 OASW AGM

OASW is pleased to honour Kennes Lin as the 2021 recipient of this award. Kennes has demonstrated the possibilities of engaging in traditional social work roles, while simultaneously working towards systemic change. At the young age of 30, she has become an inspiration for Asian activists and community workers. As the co-chair of the Chinese Canadian National Council Toronto Chapter, Kennes led the organization during unprecedented times, as the Council worked tirelessly to address the growing violence towards Asian communities and the rise of anti-Asian racism through media and political advocacy. Kennes’ exposure in the media and in the movement has provided the public and the Asian community with a new and inspiring image of what a social worker is and can be in the community. In addition to her advocacy work, she has served as a mental health clinician at the Hong Fook Mental Health Association, where she most recently took on the role of Lead in Youth and Family Services.