NASW Virginia Announces 2025 Annual Awards

Congratulations to the recipients of the 2025 NASW Virginia Annual Awards!

Honorees were celebrated during the Annual Awards Luncheon at the 2025 Annual Conference in Charlottesville, Virginia.

"These role models deserve all of our praise and admiration for their excellence and commitment to clinical practice, academic achievement, volunteerism, and more," said Executive Director Debra Riggs.

2025 Award Recipients

• Public Citizen of the Year: Sheba Williams, Nolef Turns

• Virginia Legislator of the Year: Del. Rodney Willett (D-District 58)

• Outstanding BSW Student of the Year: Nallely Calles Ortega, BSW, George Mason University

• Outstanding MSW Student of the Year: Betzy Balladares Oviedo, MSW, George Mason University

• Social Worker of the Year: Gretchen Garber, LCSW

• Lifetime Achievement in Social Work Award: Dr. Ellen Fink-Samnick, DBH, MSW, LCSW, ACSW, CCM, CCTP, CRP, FCM

Nominations for the 2026 Annual Awards will open this fall.