This Social Work Month, we celebrate the social workers who are building boldly, leading visibly, and expanding what our profession can be.
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This year’s Visionary Social Worker Awards is proof...
social workers are no longer staying in one lane.
We are leveraging our broad skill sets in bold, dynamic ways.
Building Businesses---Leading Organizations--- Shaping Policy.
We’re becoming social entrepreneurs, outspoken brands, creatives, authors, consultants, and so much more. There isn’t one corner of corporate or community life or culture where social workers aren’t showing up with impact.
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Hosted by Samara Stone, LCSW-C — entrepreneur, professor, consultant, and mental health leader — the Visionary Social Worker Awards was born from one belief:
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Social workers possess extraordinary leadership capacity — and it’s time the world recognizes it.
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Rather than celebrating one person’s milestones, this platform shines a light on the profession itself.
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This is about all of us!
Mental Health Expert.
Business Coach.
Consultant.
Entreprenuer.
Speaker.
Nominate a Visionary Social Worker Today!
Let’s honor the individuals who are leading the way.
Whether they are:
• Building businesses
• Creating influential brands
• Using art and creativity to transform communities
• Advocating at the policy level
• Mobilizing movements
Their work matters.
And your nomination amplifies it
BUSINESS
BOSS
Recognizing social workers who have successfully built and sustained innovative, impactful businesses that serve the community and inspire others.
STAND OUT BRAND
Celebrating professionals who have created exceptional personal or organizational brands that reflect authenticity, creativity, and a commitment to social work values.
CREATIVE ARTS
Honoring the multi-talented social workers integrating fine arts, graphic design, creative writing, and performance into the field through their unique contributions.
PUTTING THE SOCIAL IN SOCIAL WORK
Highlighting individuals who excel in fostering meaningful connections, community engagement, and collaborative efforts online and in person.
ADVOCACY IN ACTION
Recognizing social workers who have passionately championed causes, driven policy changes, or mobilized resources to create lasting social impact.
Award Categories
Your Nomination Matters
When you nominate a visionary social worker, you:
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• Elevate leadership in our field
• Expand the narrative of what social workers can become
• Inspire the next generation to aim higher
• Affirm that sustainable success is possible
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This is how we reshape how our profession sees itself. This is how we change the story.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHO CAN NOMINATE SOMEONE FOR AN AWARD?
Anyone with knowledge of the nominee’s contributions can submit a nomination.
CAN I NOMINATE MYSELF?
Absolutely! Self-nominations are welcome.
WHAT IS THE DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS?
Nominations close on February 23, 2026.
WHEN WILL NOMINEES BE NOTIFIED?
Nominees will be notified before we begin the voting process on March 1, 2026.