Innovative Women Shaping Social Work Today: Celebrating Education and Innovation this National Social Work Month

In honor of National Social Work Month, Let It Be Us celebrates three trailblazing women whose advanced education and innovative approaches are redefining the field of social work. Their academic achievements, combined with decades of practical experience, empower them to lead transformative initiatives that uplift vulnerable populations and drive systemic change. These inspiring leaders exemplify how rigorous education can serve as the foundation for impactful, compassionate practice.

Dr. Nancy Boyd-Franklin, PhD, LCSW
Dr. Nancy Boyd-Franklin is renowned for her groundbreaking work addressing race, culture, and family dynamics in social work. She earned her PhD in Social Work from the University of Michigan and holds an MSW from Howard University, credentials that have underpinned her influential research and clinical practice. She has been instrumental in bridging the gap between academic research and frontline practice by developing culturally responsive therapeutic interventions that address the unique challenges faced by minority families. Additionally, her advocacy has led to policy reforms that target systemic inequities, and she has fostered partnerships between academic institutions and community organizations to expand access to social services. These initiatives not only promoted a more inclusive approach to social work but also empowered communities by ensuring that marginalized voices are heard and supported. Her innovative methodologies have reshaped culturally sensitive practices in the field, as noted in a recent feature by The Chicago Tribune, which highlighted her contributions to advancing social justice and community empowerment. (cite_ChicagoTribune2023)

Amber Duncan, LCSW
Amber Duncan has become a leading advocate for integrating digital technology into social work practice, forging new pathways for client engagement and inter-agency collaboration. She earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where her academic background fueled her passion for leveraging modern innovations to expand the reach of social services.Specifically, she has integrated secure telehealth platforms—such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams—to facilitate virtual client sessions and real-time inter-agency meetings. Additionally, she has implemented cloud-based case management systems that streamline communication, allowing for seamless tracking of client progress and resource allocation. Furthermore, by leveraging social media and mobile applications, she has expanded outreach efforts, ensuring that vulnerable communities can access support and information more easily. These innovations exemplify how modern technology can be harnessed to enhance service delivery and foster collaboration across agencies (cite_NASWBlog2022)

Patricia Calhoun, MSW, LCSW
Patricia Calhoun is celebrated for her policy innovation and commitment to advancing trauma-informed practices in child welfare. She earned her MSW from the University of Chicago, which laid the groundwork for her career dedicated to improving case management and resource allocation for at-risk youth. A 2022 Chicago Tribune article highlighted Calhoun’s forward-thinking approach. She leveraged advanced case management systems to streamline resource allocation and improve communication across agencies, ensuring that at-risk youth receive timely and comprehensive care. Additionally, her commitment to integrating trauma-informed care into these systems represents a significant shift toward more compassionate and responsive service delivery. This approach not only enhanced operational efficiency but also created a more collaborative environment among stakeholders, ultimately elevating the standard of care in Illinois, emphasizing how her educational training and practical experience are setting new benchmarks in effective social work practice.  (cite_ChicagoTribune2022)

A Legacy of Educational Empowerment and Innovation
The achievements of Dr. Boyd-Franklin, Amber Duncan, and Patricia Calhoun serve as a powerful reminder that advanced education is a catalyst for innovation in social work. Their dedication to learning and their commitment to applying their academic insights to real-world challenges continue to inspire current and future social workers. As we celebrate National Social Work Month, let their stories encourage us all to harness our educational experiences and strive for transformative change in our communities.

Dr. Susan A. McConnell, DSW, MBA

Dr. Susan A. McConnell is the Founder and Executive Director of Let It Be Us, an Illinois licensed child welfare agency with the mission of providing collaborative, innovative solutions of effective recruitment and placement within Illinois foster care and adoption. Susan has an MBA from DePaul University and a Doctorate Degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California, where her work focused on permanency within child welfare.  She is the Chair of the Permanency Committee of the Illinois Statewide Foster Care Advisory Council, appointed by the Director of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) in 2017. She is also an adoptive parent with over 30 years of open adoption experience. She can be reached at susanmcconnell@letitbeus.org.

Sources and References: 

cite_ChicagoTribune2023 The Chicago Tribune, 2023 Feature on Dr. Nancy Boyd-Franklin.
cite_NASWBlog2022 NASW Blog, 2022 Post on Digital Innovation in Social Work by Amber Duncan.
cite_ChicagoTribune2022 The Chicago Tribune, 2022 Article on Innovative Child Welfare Practices by Patricia Calhoun.