Social Work Chapter Awards

2025 Nominations NOW OPEN!

The Minnesota Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW-MN) is thrilled to announce that the 2025 Social Work Awards nominations are officially open! This is your opportunity to shine a spotlight on the incredible social workers, social work students, faculty, and policymakers who are advancing our field and leading in transformative ways. Whether it’s an employee, colleague, friend, or even yourself, now is the time to honor their contributions and commitment. Nominate here!

Award Categories Include:

  • Social Work Student of the Year
  • Tony Bibus Social Work Faculty of the Year
  • Social Worker of the Year (Practitioner Focus)
  • Social Worker of the Year (Community/Macro Focus)
  • Social Work Supervisor of the Year
  • Paula & Sheila Wellstone Award for Social Justice
  • Policymaker of the Year

Nomination Deadline:
Submit your nominations by 11:59 p.m. CST on February 14, 2025.

The Policymaker of the Year and Paul & Sheila Wellstone Award for Social Justice will be presented at Social Work Day at the MN Capitol on March 5, 2025. The remaining awards will be presented at our regional networking events in March and April 2025.

Don't miss this chance to elevate and celebrate excellence in social work across Minnesota!


2024 Award Recipients

Tony Bibus

Lifetime Achievement Award

Anothony "Tony" Bibus, III PH.D, LISW

His family accepted his posthumous award at the Mpls/St Paul Region Event on 03/20

Sophia DF Thompson

Social Worker of the Year

Sophia DF Thompson, MSW

Received her award at the Mpls/St Paul Region Event on 03/20

Tracy J. Mongan

Social Worker of the Year

Tracy J. Mongan, MSW, LICSW

Will receive her award at the NE Region Event in Duluth on 04/02

Lucina Kayee

MSW Student of the Year

Lucina Kayee

Will receive her award at a future date-TBD

Bryce Premo

BSW Student of the Year

Bryce Premo

Received his award at the Mpls/St Paul Region Event on 03/20

Kelli Lumley

BSW Student of the Year

Kelli Lumley

Receive her award at the Mpls/St Paul Region Event on 03/20

Theresa Jean Larson

BSW Student of the Year

Theresa Jean Larson

Will receive her award at the NE Region Event in Duluth on 04/02


Paul and Sheila Wellstone Award for Social Justice

Ramsey County Appropriate Responses Initiative

Will receive her award at the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners Meeting on 04/16


Kari Dziedzic

Policy Maker of the Year

Senator Kari Dziedzic

Received her award at MN Social Work Day at the Capitol on 2/29