2026 Award Recipients

Congratulations to our outstanding 2026 Social Work Award recipients! 

We are thrilled to recognize outstanding individuals who have made a profound impact on the field of social work. These awards highlight social workers in all areas of practice -educators, policymakers, and changemakers who go above and beyond to uplift communities, advocate for justice, and inspire future generations. Each of these individuals exemplifies the true spirit of our profession—transforming lives, empowering communities, and advocating tirelessly for social justice. To our award recipients - We celebrate your achievements and thank you for your continued inspiration and leadership!

Honorees are nominated by peers and members of the social work community across Minnesota. 

• Paul & Sheila Wellstone Award for Social Justice: Katy Armendariz – Honored for her leadership at Roots Wellness Center and her commitment to culturally responsive care and advocacy for immigrant communities, especially in response to Operation Metro Surge.
• Social Worker of the Year: Kayla Schilling – Recognized for her impactful work as a school social worker, ensuring students and communities feel supported and seen.
• Tony Bibus Social Work Faculty of the Year: Alexander Fink – Recognized for innovative teaching at Augsburg University and for making research methods more accessible and community-focused for undergraduate students.
• Social Work Supervisor of the Year: Kia Lee – Honored for mentoring emerging social workers through NASW-MN’s Diverse Workforce Initiative and supporting BIPOC professionals pursuing licensure.
• Policymakers of the Year: Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan – Recognized for advancing policies that support Minnesotans, including free school meals, paid family and medical leave, and protections for reproductive freedom.

 NASW MN 2026 Social Work Award Descriptions

 Social Work Student of the Year

A person who demonstrates outstanding academic achievement in an accredited Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Social Work, Doctor of Social Work, or PhD of Social Work. Additionally, this person shows strong potential to continue as a leader in the social work profession.

 Tony Bibus Social Work Faculty of the Year

A person whose primary social work practice is in academia, has demonstrated exemplary teaching and devotion to preparing students to enter the profession with high standards of ethical practice. This award is presented in memory of Anthony A Bibus III, who had a profound impact on countless social work students throughout his academic career as a Professor of Social Work at Augsburg University.

 Social Worker of the Year Award (Practitioner Focus)

A person whose primary focus is on direct practice of any kind (clinician, case management, ARMHS, school social work, etc.) who exemplifies the best of the profession's values and achievements through specific accomplishments at any level of social work practice. They have also demonstrated outstanding leadership and have broken barriers, allowing more people to thrive.

 Social Worker of the Year Award (Community/Macro Focus)

A person whose primary focus is on community and/or macro practice. This person exemplifies the best of the profession’s values and achievements through specific accomplishments in any area of social work practice. This person is also a demonstrated leader and changemaker, improving systems to allow more people to thrive.

 Social Work Supervisor of the Year Award

A person who has been very influential in providing supervision for licensed social workers entering the field of practice. This person has an extensive knowledge of social work practice, vast experience in the social work profession, and a strong commitment to their role – helping to ensure high standards of competent practice for their supervisees.

Paul & Sheila Wellstone Award for Social Justice

This award is given in memory of both Paul and Sheila Wellstone, who perished in a plane crash in October 2002. The individual has made a specific outstanding contribution to promote and advance social justice for marginalized populations and has personally represented ethics compatible with the NASW Code of Ethics.

Policymaker of the Year

Individual has shown dedication to supporting individuals and communities through advocacy for and/or creation of policies that support social workers and/or the clients they serve.