January, 23 2026
Assistant Teaching Professor Charlotte Sanders was honored as the School of Social Work recipient of the 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Award at a ceremony on January 15th. Sanders, who serves as the Master of Social Work program director, was chosen for her commitment to the social justice principles of Dr. King and commitment to serving those in need.
In her nomination letter, Ph.D. candidate Sarah Porter wrote: “Charlotte embodies the values Dr. King championed, including justice, compassion, service and collective well-being. For more than two decades, Charlotte has built programs that improve conditions by centering racial justice and community partnership. She meaningfully improves the lives of individuals and families across the region, and strengthens the practice of our field of social work, building pathways through which communities can exercise power and shape their own futures.”
“Charlotte also mentors students well beyond her formal responsibilities, ensuring that they have the skills and the confidence to advocate for themselves and their communities. Her efforts directly shape a new generation of social workers equipped to challenge inequities not only in mental health and housing, but in social services and beyond.” – Sarah Porter, Ph.D. candidate
Sanders received her MSW from UW in 2004 and has been with the UW School of Social Work as a faculty member since 2014. A leader in social services for more than 22 years, Sanders primarily focuses on serving Seattle youth in homeless service settings and capacities, including direct service, program management and advocacy.