Wednesday, June 9, 2021

Angela Rambo, manager of program operations at the School’s Child Welfare Training and Advancement Program (CWTAP), received the 2021 Mary Grembowski Staff Recognition Award on June 8. 

Hailed by colleagues for her leadership, work ethic and compassion, Angela was also singled out for her commitment to the highest ideals of social work. “Angela is an excellent example of the standard set by the award’s namesake,” said Zynovia Heatherington, CWTAP director. “She is relentless in her work to maintain the highest standards of excellence in each area of her job, or shall I say jobs. Angela takes on jobs that we didn’t even realize needed to be done!”

Calling Angela a valuable asset to CWTAP and the School, Gerilyn Myers, CWTAP associate director, cited her professionalism, attention to staff career development and outstanding support of field instructors, field advisors and students. Field instructor Beth Van Fossan mentioned the pride that Angela takes in her daily work. “As an MSW herself, Angela is committed to the values and mission of social work,” said Beth. “She is always positive and willing to assist in any way that she can.” 

Program coordinator Jenna Blankers agrees. “Angela is literally the glue that holds our team together…. In addition to her heavy workload, she seeks to invest in everyone around her. I have recognized this in the way she encourages our team to pursue personal development, in her relationships with others at the school, and in the way she goes above and beyond to invest in our students.”

Angela began working at the UW Office of Minority Affairs in 2001. In 2004, she transferred to the School of Social Work where she worked as a coordinator for both Admissions and Student Services. In 2008, she became assistant to the CWTAP director. Inspired by her work with marginalized families and communities, she pursued a graduate degree at the school and was awarded an MSW in 2010. 

Each year, the School honors an outstanding School employee with the Mary Grembowski Staff Recognition Award. To qualify, nominees must promote the social justice mission of the School; demonstrate extraordinary performance in service to the School, UW or greater community; and contribute to supporting positive working relationships within the School community that encourage a respectful, diverse and collaborative work environment. The School staff award has been given since 1993, but renamed for Mary Grembowski in 2014.