SWAG: Social Worker Appreciation of Greatness Awards

12/23/2025

Some people don’t just work in social work, they shape it.

Dr. Theresa Thao Pham has spent over 25 years walking alongside communities, students, and systems with deep intention. Her journey started as an undergraduate volunteer teaching English to Haitian refugees and grew into decades of service across clinics, schools, psychiatric hospitals, and classrooms.

Her work has taken her from Houston to New York City to Pittsburgh and across the globe to Morocco, Algeria, and Spain; always centering immigrants, refugees, and culturally responsive care.

Today, she continues that legacy as Associate Professor and Assistant Director of the MSW Program at Pennsylvania Western University.

This is what long-term commitment to the field looks like.
Join us as we celebrate Dr. Pham and others doing this heart work at the 6th Annual SWAG Awards.

If you supervise or lead a team, consider sending your staff to experience this night of appreciation and connection.
🎟️ Tickets available at theswagawards.com

(Early Bird rates available for a limited time).

PennWest California

12/22/2025

Appreciation shouldn’t feel rushed.
Or performative.
Or like an afterthought.

Beyond the Thank You is a moment to slow down and truly honor the heart work social workers do every day.

This room?
It’s full of care, connection, and deep exhale energy.

🎟️ Tickets are still available.
(Link in comments)

12/19/2025

Early Bird tickets for the 6th Annual SWAG Awards are officially available. 🤍

Each year, this night becomes more than an awards ceremony.
It’s community.
It’s laughter, joy, and a room full of people who understand the heart work of social work.

If you’ve joined us before, you already know the energy.
If this would be your first time, we’d love to welcome you.

🗓️ March 7, 2026
📍 Sheraton Station Square
🎟️ Early Bird tickets available through 1.16.26

🔗 Tickets link in comments / bio

12/17/2025

If you’ve ever wondered what makes the SWAG Awards different from other recognition events…

⬇️
Check the comments

12/16/2025

We are honored to celebrate Dr. Kathi Elliott at the 6th Annual SWAG Awards.

With more than 30 years of experience across nursing, social work, and mental health, Dr. Elliott is the definition of heart work in action. As CEO of Gwen’s Girls, she has spent decades creating spaces where girls and young women in Greater Pittsburgh can heal, grow, and thrive.

Her leadership, advocacy, and commitment to evidence-based practice have shaped systems and changed lives quietly, consistently, and with deep intention.

This is what Social Worker Appreciation of Greatness looks like. 🩶

Join us on March 7, 2026 as we honor Dr. Elliott and so many others doing the work.

Early Bird tickets available through 1.16.26
www.theswagawards.com/tickets

Gwen's Girls

Get ready for the 6th Annual Social Worker Appreciation of Greatness (SWAG) Awards in 2026! This highly anticipated event honors the heart work of social workers who go above and beyond to support individuals, families, and communities. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this empowering celebrat...

12/13/2025

Last night was Beyond the Thank You 🩶

A special evening dedicated to honoring the sponsors and partners who believed in SWAG Awards from the very beginning.

These supporters didn’t wait for perfection or proof. They showed up early, stayed consistent, and understood that recognizing the heart work of social workers requires more than applause; it requires commitment.

The room was filled with alignment, community, and a shared belief that social workers deserve to be seen, celebrated, and supported year-round.

We were honored to present awards to several partners who have stood with SWAG Awards since its inception. Their belief helped build this celebration into what it is today.

Grateful feels too small.
Proud feels closer. 🤍

12/12/2025

At the SWAG Awards, we don’t just hand out awards, we create an experience.

Each year, employers choose to show gratitude to their teams by sending them into a room filled with celebration, affirmation, and community. For many, it’s a rare moment to simply be honored for the heart work they do every day.

We hear it from former awardees who tell us they felt truly seen and that the recognition opened doors to new opportunities and connections. We hear it from guests who say they could feel the love, pride, and joy the moment they walked into the room.

That’s the SWAG experience.

🗣Tickets are already 50% sold out
Early bird pricing for tickets and tables ends January 16th

We would love for you and your team to be part of this celebration.

🔗 Link in comments

12/11/2025

Here’s why recognition isn’t just “a nice gesture;” it’s a retention strategy, a morale booster, and a real part of workforce wellness.
Check the comments⬇️

12/10/2025

Former SWAG Awardee Dr. Aliya Durham shared what being honored meant to her and to the entire helping-profession community she represents.

Her words remind us why the SWAG Awards matter.
Why recognition matters.
Why investing in the people who care for our region matters.

The work continues and we need our community behind it.

Join us on March 7, 2026 at Sheraton Station Square as we celebrate the helpers who keep our communities moving.

🎟️ Tickets & Sponsorships: www.theswagawards.com

12/09/2025

Meet Dr. James H. Andrews; one of our 2026 SWAG Awardees. 🖤

For nearly 40 years, Dr. Andrews has been a force in forensic social work; lending his expertise to some of the most complex cases touching trauma, violence, wrongful death, and healing.
Researcher. Clinician. Educator. Advocate.
A leader whose work has shaped both policy and practice across the country.

His dedication to ethical, trauma-informed, and justice-centered social work has changed lives, supported families, and influenced systems far beyond Pennsylvania.

We are honored to recognize his lifetime of impact at the 6th Annual SWAG Awards.

Join us March 7, 2026 as we celebrate Dr. Andrews and the leaders who strengthen our communities.

🎟️ Tickets + Tables: theswagawards.com/tickets
🤝 Sponsorship Opportunities Available

Let’s uplift the people who carry some of the heaviest stories with compassion and care.

Get ready for the 6th Annual Social Worker Appreciation of Greatness (SWAG) Awards in 2026! This highly anticipated event honors the heart work of social workers who go above and beyond to support individuals, families, and communities. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this empowering celebrat...

12/08/2025

If you’ve never been to the SWAG Awards…
Let us show you what the night feels like.
Check the comments. 🖤

12/06/2025

If you’ve ever wondered what makes the SWAG Awards different…
Check the comments.