Dear NASW Members and Colleagues,

Throughout our profession, social workers make lasting contributions that transform practice, education, research, advocacy, and public policy. The NASW Foundation invites you to recognize these extraordinary leaders by nominating them for the NASW Social Work Pioneers® Class of 2027.

The NASW Social Work Pioneers® program honors social workers whose trailblazing and innovative contributions have advanced the profession. Since its founding, the program has recognized more than 700 practitioners, educators, researchers, and advocates who have helped shape social work across diverse settings and communities.

This past June, the NASW Foundation celebrated both the 2025 and 2026 classes of NASW Social Work Pioneers® during a special recognition ceremony held in conjunction with the NASW National Conference in Washington, D.C., honoring leaders whose work continues to inspire and strengthen the profession.

Social work has trailblazers. Do you know one?

Nominate a Social Work Pioneer® by November 14, 2026.

Anyone with personal knowledge of a nominee's career, including colleagues, students, former supervisees, and community partners, may submit a nomination.

Learn more about the nomination process:

https://www.naswfoundation.org/Our-Work/NASW-Social-Work-Pioneers/Nominate-A-Pioneer

Submit a nomination:

https://www.naswfoundation.org/Our-Work/NASW-Social-Workers-Pioneers/Nominate-A-Pioneer/Pioneer-Nominate-Form

Thank you for helping ensure that the social workers whose vision, innovation, and leadership have shaped our profession receive the recognition they deserve.

NASW Foundation