SWAG: Social Worker Appreciation of Greatness Awards

07/30/2026

💚

One of our favorite moments from the 2026 6th Annual SWAG Awards.

Every year, we're reminded of the incredible social workers, organizations, and leaders who make a lasting impact in our communities. The SWAG Awards exists to celebrate them—and we can't wait to do it again foe the 7th Annual in 2027.

Planning is already underway, and we'd love for you to be part of it.

Join our SWAG Awards Interest List to be among the first to receive updates on:
• 2027 award nominations
• Sponsorship opportunities
• Event announcements
• Ticket information

We look forward to celebrating with you again. 💚

https://swagfoundation.org/interest/

07/02/2026

🌟 Introducing SWAG Alumni Spotlight

At SWAG, we believe the impact of social work doesn't end when an award is presented or a professional milestone is achieved.

Beginning this month, on the first Thursday of each month, we'll be highlighting members of the SWAG community who continue to lead, serve, and create meaningful change. Through this series, we'll celebrate the accomplishments of former SWAG Awards honorees and participants in SWAG Alliance Foundation initiatives while sharing the incredible work they're doing in their organizations and communities.

Our first spotlight features Dr. Rikell S. Ford, a member of our inaugural 2021 SWAG Awards class who recently earned her Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential through SWAG Alliance Foundation's Licensure Support Initiative.

Today, Dr. Ford serves as a Clinical Manager for Allegheny County Children, Youth, and Families, owns Kindred Healing Collective, provides psychotherapy, and leads Kindred C.U.L.T.U.R.E., a nonprofit committed to mental wellness and community empowerment.

After recently earning her LCSW, she shared:

"SWAG supported my test preparation both financially and by providing access to high-quality study materials. The one-on-one study sessions were especially helpful in understanding and applying the bronze, silver, and gold test-taking strategies. I entered the exam confident in my approach, equipped with strong test-taking strategies and a solid knowledge base as a result of the resources SWAG provided."

Congratulations, Dr. Ford! Thank you for continuing to lead with excellence and inspire our profession. 💙

06/16/2026

People often ask what makes SWAG different.

It's not just the awards.

It's the connections. The celebration. The stories. The feeling of being in a room full of people who understand the work.

Some of our favorite feedback from this year's attendees included:

⭐ "This felt like the Oscars for social workers."
⭐ "The networking alone was worth attending."
⭐ "I've never experienced anything like this in our profession."

Those comments remind us why this work matters.

Thank you to everyone who helped make the 2026 SWAG Awards such a memorable experience.

We're already looking ahead to 2027.

06/02/2026

100% of attendees surveyed said they would attend again or recommend SWAG.

That tells us something important.

People don't return to spaces where they don't feel seen. They don't recommend events that don't provide value. And they certainly don't invite colleagues into experiences they wouldn't attend themselves.

SWAG has continued to grow because it's about more than an awards ceremony.

It's about recognition. Connection. Community. And reminding social workers that their work matters.

As we begin preparing for the 7th Annual SWAG Awards, we're grateful for every person who has helped build this community.

05/19/2026

Some of the most important conversations in mental health care are the ones people are often uncomfortable having.

Power. Bias. Inequality. Who gets believed. Who gets labeled. Who gets overlooked.

That’s why we’re excited to host this upcoming training with Dr. Darla Timbo PsyD, LPC

WHO HOLDS POWER? Unpacking Bias & Inequality in Mental Health Care

Supporting helping professionals also means creating space for deeper reflection about the systems we work inside of.

🗓 May 29
⏰ 10AM–12PM EST
💻 Virtual
Cost: $10.00

2 CEUs provided by University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work

https://www.theswagawards.com/trainings

05/06/2026

What happens when 200+ social workers are in one room?

Everybody sees the photos.

The dresses. The awards. The celebration.
But what people don’t always see is what’s actually happening in the room.

Connection.
Recognition.
People who have been carrying a lot… finally being seen.

And not just seen—supported.

👇🏾 I broke down what that actually looked like this year in the comments.

05/06/2026

What happens when 200+ social workers are in one room?

Then your caption:

Everybody sees the photos.

The dresses. The awards. The celebration.
But what people don’t always see is what’s actually happening in the room.

Connection.
Recognition.
People who have been carrying a lot… finally being seen.

And not just seen—supported.

👇🏾 I broke down what that actually looked like this year in the comments.

04/28/2026

This is what it looks like when the work keeps speaking.

We’re proud to celebrate one of our SWAG awardees, Dr. Kathi Elliott, on this well-deserved recognition.
Honored alongside leaders, athletes, and changemakers during one of Pittsburgh’s biggest weekends… and still rooted in community, impact, and legacy.

That part matters.

At SWAG, we don’t just recognize people for a moment.
We recognize the consistency, the commitment, and the kind of work that continues long after the award is given.

Congratulations again, Dr. Kathi. Well deserved.

04/16/2026

Social workers—quick reminder.

Registration closes at 12PM for today’s Su***de Assessment training.
If you’ve been thinking about joining, this is your window.

Official SWAG Alliance Foundation training event details and sign up