The Early Career Achievement Award honors outstanding alumni of the University of Washington School of Social Work who have graduated in the last 10 years and who have demonstrated exceptional promise, leadership and impact within the first ten years following graduation. This award recognizes individuals who are making significant contributions to the field of social work early in their careers and exemplify the values and mission of the School.

Nominees will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Leadership and Dedication: Demonstrated leadership and initiative in professional or volunteer roles that contribute to the advancement of social work practice or community well-being.
• Impact on Communities: Evidence of meaningful, positive influence on individuals, families, or communities, particularly through work that addresses inequity, promotes justice, and uplifts underserved populations.
• Professional and Educational Engagement: Active participation in efforts that strengthen the social work profession or educational community, such as involvement in advocacy groups, committees, community organizations, task forces, or professional associations.
• Innovation and Influence: Contributions that reflect new thinking, creative approaches, or emerging best practices that are shaping the future of social work.
• Alignment with the School’s Mission: Clear demonstration of the School’s mission to promote social and economic justice for poor and oppressed populations and to enhance the quality of life for all.
• Advocacy and Representation: The nominee’s role in positively representing and elevating the reputation of the School of Social Work and/or the University of Washington to external audiences.
• Recognition and Achievement: Additional accomplishments, awards, publications, or milestones that highlight the nominee’s excellence and trajectory in the profession.

We welcome nominations of early-career alumni who are already leaving a mark on the field, serving as change-makers in their communities, and embodying the future of social work leadership

The Established Impact Award recognizes University of Washington School of Social Work alumni who have demonstrated a sustained and exceptional career—spanning 10 to 30 years post-graduation—marked by service, innovation and leadership in the field of social work. This award honors individuals who have made a significant impact locally, nationally, or globally through research, administration, education, direct practice, policy advocacy, or community and public service.

Nominees will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Real-World Impact: The degree to which the nominee has positively influenced the individuals and communities they serve through professional and/or volunteer roles across their career.
• Professional and Educational Engagement: Active participation in advancing the profession through contributions to educational and professional communities, such as involvement in advocacy groups, committees, task forces, community meetings, or professional organizations.
• Innovation and Systems Change: Evidence that the nominee has contributed to new methods, practices, or systems that have reshaped or advanced the field in meaningful ways.
• Embodiment of the School’s Mission: The nominee’s work should reflect the School of Social Work’s mission: to promote social and economic justice for poor and oppressed populations and to enhance the quality of life for all.
• Representation and Advocacy: Demonstrated commitment to elevating the visibility and reputation of the UW School of Social Work and/or the University of Washington to broader audiences. This may include serving as a thought leader, mentor, public advocate, or ambassador for the profession and the institution.
• Recognition and Achievement: Consideration will be given to additional professional milestones, awards, publications, or honors that highlight the nominee’s long-standing excellence and influence.

We encourage nominations of alumni whose careers exemplify leadership, innovation, and impact—those who have helped shape the field of social work and uplifted communities through decades of dedicated service.

The Social Work Legacy Award honors alumni and retired or retiring faculty of the University of Washington School of Social Work who have made sustained and meaningful contributions to the field of social work over the course of their careers. This award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a deep and lasting commitment to social justice, innovation and community impact—locally, nationally or globally—typically 30 or more years after graduation.

Nominees may be recognized for a wide range of contributions, including a lifelong commitment to advocacy for underserved populations, transformative policy work, leadership in behavioral health or a demonstrated passion for education and mentorship. This award is open to alumni and retired faculty regardless of whether they retired from the University of Washington.

Nomination criteria include:

• Community Impact: The extent to which the nominee has positively influenced the lives of individuals and communities through professional work and/or volunteer service.
• Professional Engagement: Active and sustained contributions to the profession, such as involvement in advocacy groups, professional associations, task forces, community-based initiatives or mentoring future generations of social workers.
• Innovation and Leadership: Evidence of leadership that has shaped new ideas, practices, or systems in social work, or led to transformative outcomes in areas such as research, education, policy, administration or direct practice.
• Embodiment of the School’s Mission: A career that reflects the values of the UW School of Social Work, including a commitment to promoting social and economic justice for marginalized populations and enhancing the quality of life for all.
• Ambassadorship and Reputation: The degree to which the nominee has represented and elevated the School of Social Work and/or the University of Washington through their work, leadership and public presence.
• Career Distinction: Consideration of other significant milestones, awards, honors, publications, or achievements that mark a career of exceptional service and excellence.

This award celebrates those who have not only advanced the field of social work but have also inspired others through a legacy of integrity, advocacy, and lifelong impact.