NASW Ohio Chapter

NASW Ohio Chapter NASW Ohio Chapter works to advance the social work profession in Ohio through advocacy and profession
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Congratulations to the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award Winner: Dr. Jacquelyn C.A. Meshelemiah 👏Dr. Jacquelyn C.A. Meshel...
01/13/2026

Congratulations to the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award Winner: Dr. Jacquelyn C.A. Meshelemiah 👏

Dr. Jacquelyn C.A. Meshelemiah is a licensed social worker and professor in the College of Social Work at OSU, as well as a longstanding member of NASW. Her extensive body of work includes publications and presentations on social work practice and education, human rights, social justice, leadership, and human trafficking. As a scholar-activist in the field of anti-trafficking, Dr. Meshelemiah has contributed her expertise in more than half of the U.S. and in regions of Africa, Asia, Central America, and Europe, serving as a visiting scholar, presenter, and researcher. Her efforts have focused on raising awareness of s*x and labor trafficking, aiming to enhance support for trafficked individuals whose experiences are often mischaracterized.

Across decades of service, Dr. Meshelemiah has held senior leadership roles, built global partnerships, and mentored generations of social workers whose practice and scholarship continue to shape the profession. Her legacy reflects sustained ethical leadership, institution-building, and a lifelong commitment to advancing social work’s role in promoting human dignity worldwide.

Join us in celebrating Dr. Meshelemiah and the rest of the fantastic winners at the Social Work Celebration Gala! https://www.naswoh.org/page/gala

Ohio’s legislature returns to Columbus soon and NASW Ohio will be there every step of the way. We are tracking key bills...
01/13/2026

Ohio’s legislature returns to Columbus soon and NASW Ohio will be there every step of the way. We are tracking key bills impacting social workers and the communities we serve, including legislation on AI use in therapy, documentation fees for people experiencing homelessness, insurance clawbacks, and banning conversion therapy. We will also be following the House and Senate Health Committees closely. Stay tuned for updates, alerts, and opportunities to take action.

Congratulations to the 2025 Social Worker of the Year: Bryanta Spencer 🎉Bryanta L. Spencer, Licensed Independent Social ...
01/12/2026

Congratulations to the 2025 Social Worker of the Year: Bryanta Spencer 🎉

Bryanta L. Spencer, Licensed Independent Social Worker and founder of Fortitude Wellness and Consultations, LLC, is the Social Work Manager at Cuyahoga County Public Library (CCPL), the first known social worker to be employed by a library system in the state of Ohio. Bryanta completed undergraduate studies at The Ohio State University, earning dual degrees in Social Work and Communications with a minor in Criminology, in addition to a Master of Science degree in Social Administration from Case Western Reserve University. Bryanta is also certified in Clinical Trauma, Integrative Medicine, and Mental Health First Aid. She takes pride in giving others the tools and resources to become the best versions of themselves.

Bryanta Spencer was selected as the 2025 Statewide Social Worker of the Year in recognition of her groundbreaking leadership in integrating social work into Ohio’s public library system and her measurable impact across 27 branches serving diverse communities in the Cleveland area. Her work has transformed how libraries support individuals and families experiencing crisis, positioning social work as a vital, equity-centered resource within public institutions. Bryanta is highly respected among her colleagues, receiving a record-breaking 33 pages of letters nominating her for this award.

Join us in celebrating Bryanta and the rest of the fantastic winners at the Social Work Celebration Gala! https://www.naswoh.org/page/gala

Here is what’s happening at NASW Ohio this week. From advocacy to CEUs to community care and regional celebrations, ther...
01/12/2026

Here is what’s happening at NASW Ohio this week. From advocacy to CEUs to community care and regional celebrations, there are multiple ways to get connected, learn, and take part in the work. Visit naswoh.org to learn more or register.

Congratulations to the 2025 Outstanding Service to NASW Ohio Award Winner: Rosalynda Dina ✨Rosalynda Dina is a committed...
01/11/2026

Congratulations to the 2025 Outstanding Service to NASW Ohio Award Winner: Rosalynda Dina ✨

Rosalynda Dina is a committed and compassionate Social Worker who has demonstrated exceptional service to NASW and to the broader social work community. Her work reflects a strong belief in the power of advocacy, human connection, and ethical practice to create meaningful change in the lives of individuals and families. Throughout her career, Rosalynda has remained aligned with NASW values, especially those that support the dignity, rights, and well-being of vulnerable populations. She is passionate about elevating the voices of both clients and colleagues, ensuring the needs of those on the front lines of care remain central in policy and system-level development.

In her years of service as Region 4 Director and now Co-Director, Rosalynda has strengthened NASW Ohio’s presence across a large and largely rural region by building meaningful connections and expanding leadership engagement. She is especially recognized for mentoring emerging social workers and creating opportunities for younger professionals to grow into leadership within NASW.

Join us in celebrating Rosalynda and the rest of the fantastic winners at the Social Work Celebration Gala! https://www.naswoh.org/page/gala

Join us for NASW Ohio’s 2026 Social Work Advocacy Day on March 31 in Columbus. This year’s advocacy priorities are clear...
01/11/2026

Join us for NASW Ohio’s 2026 Social Work Advocacy Day on March 31 in Columbus. This year’s advocacy priorities are clear: Paid Internships, Protecting Social Work Practice, and Protecting Clients. Stand with us at the Statehouse and make your voice heard. Register now at naswoh.org/advocacyday

Join us on January 22 at 6pm for BIPOC Holding Space, a statewide virtual gathering created for BIPOC social workers to ...
01/10/2026

Join us on January 22 at 6pm for BIPOC Holding Space, a statewide virtual gathering created for BIPOC social workers to connect, reflect, and support one another. This year we are partnering with the National Association of Black Social Workers Columbus to expand access and community. All BIPOC social workers are welcome, whether NASW members or not. Registration is free and required to receive the Zoom link. naswoh.org/calendar

Congratulations to the 2025 Emerging Leader Award Winner: Joanna OrozcoJoanna Orozco is an accomplished school social wo...
01/10/2026

Congratulations to the 2025 Emerging Leader Award Winner: Joanna Orozco

Joanna Orozco is an accomplished school social worker recognized for her dedication to improving student outcomes and fostering a culture of success within the school community. With a strong focus on attendance, engagement, and graduation readiness, Joanna works collaboratively with students, families, and staff to remove barriers to education and ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive. Her data-driven and compassionate approach has led to measurable improvements in attendance rates and overall student achievement. Joanna’s leadership and commitment to the profession have earned her the Emerging Leader Award in Social Work, highlighting her as a visionary advocate for educational equity and student well-being.

Having played a key role in increasing post-pandemic attendance at West High School, from 59% to 82%, Joanna’s leadership and impact are undeniable. Her work exemplifies how emerging leaders can achieve measurable outcomes while centering client voice, belonging, and long-term success.

Join us in celebrating Joanna and the rest of the fantastic winners at the Social Work Celebration Gala! https://www.naswoh.org/page/gala

Don't forget! It's your last chance to register for our free ethics training tomorrow, Saturday January 10th from 9:30am...
01/10/2026

Don't forget! It's your last chance to register for our free ethics training tomorrow, Saturday January 10th from 9:30am-4:30pm. This training is open to providers based out of or serving clients in the Columbus area and is approved for 6 ethics CEUs for social work, counseling, marriage and family therapy, and chemical dependency licensees. To register, visit naswoh.org/event/NNLColumbus110. The $10 registration fee will be refunded to you upon attendance to the training. For other dates, please visit naswoh.org/navigatingnewlawsprogram

The National Association of Social Workers Ohio Chapter stands in deep solidarity with our colleagues, communities, and ...
01/09/2026

The National Association of Social Workers Ohio Chapter stands in deep solidarity with our colleagues, communities, and the people of Minnesota as we mourn the killing of Renee Nicole Good, a woman shot and killed in Minneapolis by federal agents. No community should have to witness violence. The trauma reverberates far beyond one neighborhood- affecting families, children, schools, and everyone who believes in dignity, safety, and human rights.

This Violence Is Not an Isolated Event
We have horrific video documenting Renee’s death- a wrenching and undeniable record of harm. While this moment has drawn national attention, we must also name the larger truth: this is not the only death. It is not the only violence. People are harmed and killed by immigration enforcement every single day in ways that are not captured on camera:
-People have died in ICE detention from medical neglect, preventable illness, brutality, and despair
-Families are ripped apart through detention, transfer, and deportation
-Children are locked in facilities, traumatized, and separated from parents

Immigrant communities live under constant threat- where a simple traffic stop, workplace raid, or knock can mean permanent separation or death. ICE is violence. Deportation is violence. And what happened to Renee Nicole Good is violence. Every person deserves to live free from government-inflicted harm.

Take action by:
-Support local organizers protecting immigrant families, workers, and school communities.
-Build skills for collective safety.
-Prioritize mental health and mutual support. Trauma ripples across families and practitioners.

NASW Ohio urges elected officials, public agencies, and policymakers to:
-Immediately halt violent federal enforcement actions in neighborhoods, homes, and schools
-Demand full accountability for the preventable killing of Renee Nicole Good
-End policies that criminalize migration and traumatize families
-Redirect resources from militarized enforcement systems to community-rooted care, safety, and support

Congratulations to the 2025 Statewide Student of the Year: Aaron Thomas 🎊Aaron is currently pursuing a Master of Social ...
01/09/2026

Congratulations to the 2025 Statewide Student of the Year: Aaron Thomas 🎊

Aaron is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work at The Ohio State University. He brings over a decade of experience in equity-centered program leadership and community advocacy into his graduate social work training. Currently serving as the Program Manager for the ASPIRE Program at the OSU College of Medicine, Aaron leads a high-impact initiative designed to support and prepare students from underrepresented backgrounds for careers in medicine and research. In this role, he leads strategic planning, manages a complex operating budget, coordinates national recruitment efforts, and facilitates longitudinal mentorship, all while centering Diversity, Equity, Belonging, and Inclusion (DEBI) across every level of the program.

In addition to his academic and professional leadership, Aaron serves as the MSW Student Representative on the NASW Ohio Board of Directors, contributing a strong student voice to statewide governance. His ability to bridge systems-level leadership with direct service experience reflects a deep commitment to advancing equity, mentorship, and the future of the social work profession.

Join us in celebrating Aaron and the rest of the fantastic winners at the Social Work Celebration Gala! https://www.naswoh.org/page/gala

Address

400 W Wilson Bridge Road, Ste 103
Columbus, OH
43085

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

(614) 461-4484

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