NASW 2022 National Election Slate

Member-at-Large

Sylvester “Jim” Bowie

Biography: Sylvester “Jim” Bowie, Professor Emeritus, earned his BSW and MSW degrees from California State University, Sacramento (CSUS) and a Doctorate in Education from the University of San Francisco. His social work experiences include; private and public agencies; emergency response, reunification and adoptions. He worked for the Federal Title IV-E Stipend Program at CSUS, as a liaison and coordinator. He joined the CSUS faculty in 2001 and served in many capacities including vice chair and chair of the Faculty Senate, director of the BSW program, and chair of the Faculty Council in the Division of Social Work. He has served as chair and board member of the Center for African Peace and Conflict Resolution (CAPCR) on the CSUS campus. Bowie retired from CSUS in 2021. He has served NASW California Chapter as 1st Vice President and President of the board, and on various sub-committees including CalPace. Bowie serves on the National Audit Committee.

Platform Statement: I am a Social Work Professor (Emeritus), and I am interested in serving on the NASW Board of Directors. My background and experience have prepared me for such service and with the time, interest, qualification, and abilities, I would be an asset to our organization. If elected, I would bring a perspective to the board that reflects the diversity that is beneficial to organizations such as NASW. I would work to strengthen and support the chapters and organization’s leadership by clearly communicating the intent of the organization’s decisions, policies, and practices. As an immigrant, leader, educator, committed social justice warrior and an avowed anti-racist, I would bring these perspectives to the NASW Board.

My leadership style is best described as collaborative and transformative. If given the opportunity to serve the NASW Board, it is my commitment to be effective, supportive, and engaging in the service to our members and organization.

Warren Graham

Biography: Warren Graham is Assistant Dean of Field Education and Clinical Assistant Professor at SUNY Stony Brook, where he chairs the Field Education Committee and co-chairs the Curriculum Committee and Committee on Professionalism. He received his MSW from Fordham University, a BA in Psychology from SUNY at Old Westbury College and is a PhD candidate at Adelphi University where he serves on the Social Justice Committee and Doctoral Program Student Advisory Board. For almost two decades, Graham has been an educator and clinician. As an advocate for social justice and human rights, he co-authored publications that address the need for inclusive human rights considerations in the pursuit of social justice. Warren serves on the NASW-NYS Diversity Committee and NASW Social Work in the Courts Specialty Practice Section. Past service included: Delegate to the Assembly, Nassau Division Director, NYS Program Committee, and Advocacy and Governmental Relations Committees.

Platform Statement: My experiences with the Association have helped shape my understanding of the Association’s responsibilities and contributions to the field. Those contributions include leveraging administrative, clinical, and direct practice experiences over 18 years, to serve at the local and national levels. As Assistant Dean of Field Education, my role allows me to integrate policy, practice, and external relations to further student learning. I would like to highlight the relevance of field education by deepening linkages between students, schools, chapters and national. We have a unique opportunity in this social climate to develop linkages and create opportunities to enhance the next generation of social workers’ learning. To do so, we must reimagine the relevance of field education, collaboration, and change. As an agent of social change, I would also like to facilitate increased diversity and equity conversations to promote social justice and advocacy in a human rights framework.

MSW Student Member

Angela Medrano

Biography: Angela Medrano (she/her) lives in unceded Tongva/Gabrieleño land. She is an MSW student at the UCLA Luskin Social Welfare Department, works as a suicide prevention crisis counselor at Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, and interns as a domestic violence and sexual assault prevention advocate at the Center for the Pacific Asian Family. Previously, she worked as a geriatric care manager at Special Service for Groups - SILVER. Prior to entering the social welfare field, Medrano worked at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and Dallas Museum of Art facilitating inclusive art museum experiences for K-12 students to foster critical cross-cultural discoveries and visual literacy. Medrano served as volunteer board member and Treasurer of the Museum Educators of Southern California where her time was dedicated to fiduciary responsibilities as well as co-producing the 2019 annual professional development conference, Racial Equity and Museums: Creating Structures of Sustained Support for People of Color.

Platform Statement: What excites me most about my candidacy is the possibility of celebrating, empowering, and advocating for the student members of the Association - student social workers who do these same deeds for so many others. Amidst this tumultuous time (read: racism, public health crisis, and increasing inequities), I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve as a liaison between students, schools, chapters and national whose values are rooted in social justice, and more critically, against systems of oppression. My experiences as a crisis counselor, art museum educator, and non-profit administrator indicate that I will be an accountable and passionate board member if elected. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to turn dialogue into action as the potential MSW Student Board Member of the National Association of Social Workers.

Aimee Senise Conners

Biography: Aimee Senise Conners is an MSW student, enrolled in her program of study at SUNY Brockport. In 1998, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Brain and Cognitive Science and Philosophy at the University of Rochester. Since then, she has been a full-time yoga teacher. Currently, she is involved in field work at the University of Rochester Counseling Center, seeing a range of students from undergraduate through medical school. Her goal is to practice clinical social work blending the somatics of yoga and meditation with evidence-based practices in treating complex trauma. She is a member of Omicron Kappa Delta honor society. Her goal is to work with NASW to advocate for all social work students, but especially those who have barriers or experience disenfranchisement due to socio-economic factors, race, or identity.

Platform Statement: I am qualified for the NASW Board MSW student member position because of my close affiliation with my graduate program and its students. I work as a graduate assistant in Facility Operations, serving my fellow students’ needs at our satellite campus location. I hear their concerns, struggles, values, and priorities. I am fair and equitable and understand how to represent the views of groups and interests, even those I do not share personally. I have come to this level of understanding through my volunteer work in my local school district PTSA where I have held leadership roles for the past six years. I look forward to bringing matters to the NASW that will materially help students gain entry to this profession – firstly, considering the pricing of the licensing exam and further examining how dues affect those with lesser or limited means. Please support my candidacy by voting for me.

Director - Region V

Quincy Dinnerson

Biography: Quincy Dinnerson earned a BSW from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, a MSW from the University of Illinois, Urbana – Champaign, and a DSW from the University of St. Thomas - St. Catherine University. He is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Qualified mental health professional-child (QMPH-C), and Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW). His social work practice experience includes school social work, mental health, social work administration, program planning and community based advocacy. His research agenda centers on African American men in social work, social work curriculum and instruction, school social work, mental health, substance abuse and Historical Black Colleges and Universities. His organizational affiliations include: Council on Social Work Education, North American Network of Field Education Directors, North Carolina School Social Work Association and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated. Dinnerson embraces the motto, “To achieve in every field of human endeavor.”

Platform Statement: In the current climate of civil unrest and attacks on black intelligence, I am excited to belong to a profession committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as antiracist practices. Utilizing advocacy and macro expertise, social workers are the beacon of light for hope. In this current digital age, it is imperative that NASW leadership keep a pulse on the ever-changing society to create opportunities that are essential for engaging social work students. NASW provides a platform for social workers to have a voice in creating agendas that include social justice actions, clinical services, and advances in research. My motivation for wanting to serve as the NASW Board Director for Region V centers on my belief and understanding of the shoulders I stand on and the torch I carry, which require active participation, to provide a voice to the voiceless as I engage and participate collaboratively to effect change. Thank you for your support.

Alice Kay Locklear

Biography: Alice Kay Locklear is Associate Professor of Social Work at the University of North Carolina - Pembroke and is the first/only Native American female in the department to hold a PhD. She earned her PhD from Capella University, MSW from East Carolina University and BSW at UNC-Pembroke. Locklear is dedicated to the ethical practice of social and community health and wellbeing. Her organizational affiliations include: Council on Social Work Education; Society for Social Work Research, Phi Alpha (Advisor); the National Association of Professional Women, and the International Women’s Leadership Association. She is a contributing author of NASW’s Social Work Speaks (12th edition). Locklear is enthusiastic about working with diverse populations bringing minority perspective of oppression, social injustices, and disparities. She is a ‘Keeper of the Land’ and is committed to advocacy, health, and well-being.

Platform Statement: As an appointed member of the NASW Board of Directors, Director, Region V, I seek your support for election. My experience as an Indigenous woman committed to listening to diverse perspectives, and providing instrumental leadership, will be an asset to the Board. I bring over 20 years of social work experience in multi-faceted settings and over 15 years in academia at the University of North Carolina-Pembroke. My vision is to address the challenges, necessity for collaborative engagement, and strategic planning to elevate ethical practices. Serving on NASW’s National Committee on Racial and Ethnic Diversity, mindfulness to potential effects on people of color is essential. Advocacy for cultural competence in the revised NASW Code of Ethics is an example. I am a contributing author to NASW Social Work Speaks (12th ed.), NASW-NC LPU Advisor, and served on the Council on Social Work Education’s national nominating committee. I am devoted to you in service on the NASW Board and appreciate your support.

Director - Region VII

Carol Campbell Edwards

Biography: Carol Campbell Edwards is Director of the BSW and Professional Development Programs and Assistant Teaching Professor at Florida State University (FSU) College of Social Work. Carol has been licensed for 30 years. She obtained her BSW and MSW degrees from FSU and has over 35 years of social work experience. Edwards chairs the College’s Student Affairs Committee, coordinates LEAD, and serves on several committees. She also serves on the University Foundation Board’s DEI Task Force. Edwards’ experience also includes: clinical practice, school social work, and 27 years in child welfare leadership. She is past president of NASW Florida (2018-2020) and chair of the national Council of Chapter Presidents (2019-2020); Statewide Conference Chair; Diversity Task Force Member; and Statewide LEAD Committee. Honors include Professor of the Year and NASW Big Bend Social Worker of the Year. Edwards is a member of Leadership Tallahassee Class 39, the National Quality Parenting Initiative, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Platform Statement: In the current climate of civic discord and polarization, I am proud to belong to a profession committed to enhancing the well-being of all people and society. Utilizing clinical and macro expertise, we are the voice of hope and unity. In this defining moment, NASW must lead collaborative initiatives that reflect the Code of Ethics and the Grand Challenges of Social Work. With experienced social workers serving as mentors and supervisors, engaging social work students and new social work professionals in NASW leadership opportunities is essential to remaining relevant and impactful. Through NASW, social workers have a voice in crafting a robust agenda that includes social justice leadership, clinical services expansion, and research investment. My motivation to serve as the NASW Board Director for Region VII centers on my belief that having a voice at the table requires active participation, allowing me to effect member-driven change collaboratively.

Anthony J. Hill

Biography: Anthony J. Hill earned his MSW and PhD degrees in Social Work from Howard University. He is chair of the Department of Social Work at Winthrop University. He holds a clinical license and the Certified Financial Social Worker and ACSW credentials. Hill has held a myriad of leadership roles at the NASW chapter and national levels. At the DC Metro Chapter, he was vice president for Social Action and president of the chapter board; he serves as member-at-large for the South Carolina Chapter board. At the national level, Hill was a member of the Finance Committee, the Modernization Task Force, Human Resource Committee Chair, and the Council of Chapter Presidents’ Chair. Additionally, Hill was a member of the scholarship review panel for the NASW Foundation and Director for Region V on the NASW Board. Hill was the 2021 NASW SC Chapter Social Worker of the Year.

Platform Statement: NASW is part of my professional DNA. I was an employee at the NASW Headquarters when I made the best professional decision of my life – to earn a MSW degree from Howard University. I went on to earn a PhD in social work also from Howard. I have held continuous membership in NASW since 1999 and a myriad of leadership roles, including president (DC Metro Chapter). I serve as the Member-at-Large on the NASW SC Board. I also served on the NASW Board and held several national committee appointments, including the Program Committee and Human Resources Committee. My commitment and dedication to social work and NASW have been steadfast for the last 23 years. If you entrust me with your vote, you have my absolute pledge to advocate for and support policies that benefit the members of Region VII, the profession, and NASW.

Director - Region XI

LaTonya Scriven Charles

Biography: LaTonya Scriven Charles obtained an MSW from Smith College, an MBA from Louisiana State University, and is pursuing her PhD from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She has founded and manages different agencies with the primary purpose of providing behavioral and mental health care to members of the community. Charles has successfully owned and managed Bayou Mental Health Services, LLC for almost a decade, which has become one of the premier and accredited mental health counseling agencies operating in Rapides Parish, Louisiana. She has served on the Louisiana Board of Social Work Examiners where she used her social work knowledge to enhance social work practice. Charles was awarded the “Top Twenty Under 40” in her community as well as other nominations and awards and is consistently tapped by groups and organizations for her vast expertise and contribution. As a licensed clinician, Charles applies diligent analysis, object approach, and strategic thinking in all her endeavors whether dealing with a single client, business entity, or an institution.

Platform Statement: As a member and leader within the organization, I have demonstrated that effective decision making is based on clear strategic thinking as well as an understanding of the issues and concerns that are relative to the profession and community that we serve. This approach has shaped my work over the last 20 years in various positions with nonprofits, agencies, and as an entrepreneur.

If elected the NASW Board Director for Region XI, I would fulfill my responsibilities in a proactive, positive, and informed way. I will continue to be committed to the efforts of moving the profession forward, promote awareness, and engagement with members of NASW. As a former president of the NASW Louisiana Chapter, I understand the decision-making processes that are needed to reflect and foster diversity, inclusiveness, equity, as well as provide constructive and safe environments to address the NASW vision and mission.

Jessica Hope

Jessica Hope is a global justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion practitioner for over 15 years. She holds a master’s degree in Advanced Generalist Social Work from Indiana University – Purdue University, Indianapolis. She further expanded her advocacy conversations into the disparities of poverty by becoming a Certified Financial Social Worker. She uses data science and evidence-based practices, focused on measurable outcomes, to hold leaders accountable and influence change for equality and belonging. Hope is a 20-year army veteran. She served as a suicide intervention specialist, equal opportunity, sexual assault advocate, resiliency advisor, and senior people leader. She counsels on how these issues intersect with the whole person concept, military leadership, culture, resiliency, and wellness. Hope is a diversity and inclusion board member for the Society for Insurance Research, a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Society for Human Resources Management. She has extensive work experience with local, state, and federal government representatives.

Platform Statement: It is a privilege to be a candidate for the NASW Board Region XI position. After military service, I returned to the south as soon as I could and I am excited at the opportunity to tackle issues impacting our region. I am passionate about linking the macro to the micro, sharing the impact of high-level policies on individual people. My breadth of work spans from national policy influence, local government planning, and a myriad of corporate, military, law enforcement, and non-profit experience. I am known for leading with extreme ownership, fierce belief in the goodness of others, listening intently, and saying hard things with the come from of love. I ask the same of those around me and bring these values with me into this position. You can count on me to advocate for our profession and meet complex and challenging topics head on.

Director - Region XII

Esther Langston

Biography: Esther J. Langston received a BA in Business Education from Wiley College, a MSW from San Diego State University, a third-year certificate in social work and gerontology from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles and a PhD in Human Service Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington. She is professor emeritus of social work at the University of Nevada – Las Vegas (UNLV) and director of the Family Support Services Division for the Center of Academic Advancement and Enrichment at UNLV. Langston has held numerous leadership roles at the NASW chapter and national levels including: member-at-large and secretary of the NASW Board of Directors; Council of Chapter Presidents’ chair; member Personnel committee, National Committee on Nominations and Leadership Identification, Audit and Awards Committees and chair of the Legal Defense Board and the National Committee on Women’s Issues. She is also past president of the NASW Nevada Chapter. Her organizational affiliations include: Council on Social Work Education, Association of Baccalaureate Program Directors, American Society on Aging, CIMPAD, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Platform Statement: The primary functions of NASW are to provide service to members, maintain fiscal stability and a governance structure that enhances the program and services of the Association. If elected, my goal will be to work with the membership of Region XII, the Board of Directors, and staff to ensure programs and services reflect the mission of NASW and the diversity of Region XII. I will work diligently to foster collaboration among the states within the region and other parts of the Association. I have served on numerous boards including: NASW, NASW Nevada Chapter, Council on Social Work Education, Baccalaureate Program Directors and other boards at the international, national, state, city and community levels.

My commitment and dedication to the social work profession and my leadership experience have equipped me to carry out the tasks for the position of region XII director.

Michelle Pliske

Biography: Michelle Pliske is assistant professor of social work at Pacific University and director of field education for the BSW program. She received her undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Washington, MSW from Portland State University, and DSW from the University of Pennsylvania. She is a licensed clinical social worker and registered Play Therapy supervisor. Pliske provides clinical supervision to post-graduate mental health professionals and counseling to children and families impacted by trauma and adversity. She has served on the NASW Oregon Chapter board as regional representative, vice president, and president. Pliske is a member of BPD, CSWE, NASW, APT, WPATH, and ISTSS. She has earned post-graduate certifications in animal assisted human health, trauma-informed care, EMDR, and play therapy. Pliske engages in research and scholarship focused on social work leadership, pedagogical practices, and pediatric mental health.

Platform Statement: My intention in wanting to serve on the NASW Board is to support the mission of social work. If elected, I will work diligently to elevate the social work profession, create sustainability practices within social work, and work with leaders to transform policy which better positions social workers in the field to navigate complex social challenges. I believe we need to organize and build opportunities to join our voices for creating social change. My service to the social work profession and NASW at the national level will utilize my academic experience, strong background in clinical practice, and years of successful organizational leadership. I intend to work collaboratively and diligently with social work organizers and allied professionals to develop stronger coalitions in developing new thinking to address large social problems impacting our workforce across the nation. Thank you for your consideration and I appreciate your vote and support in my candidacy.

National Committee On Nominations & Leadership Identification

Region VII

Yterenicka Bell

Biographical Statement: Yterenickia ‘YT’ Bell serves as the Senior Advisor, Voting at the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. She graduated from Georgia State University with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and political science and a master’s in social work and public administration with a focus in economic development and planning. She has worked previously as the national organizing director at Care in Action/National Domestic Workers Alliance supervising state directors and program managers in seven core states, while developing electoral and legislative strategy for state and federal campaigns. Bell is a native Georgian and has worked as a social worker and public policy professional serving vulnerable communities and solving complex problems for over a decade. She is serving her second term as a Councilwoman in the City of Clarkston where she works diligently to create an inclusive city.

Platform Statement: “You do not make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering, and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas.”-- Shirley Chisholm

I am honored to have been nominated for the Region VII NCNLI Representative. I have been a long-standing member of NASW and have held leadership positions at the national and local level. Previously, I served as an alternate member of the National Committee on Nominations and Leadership Identification and the north regional representative for the NASW Georgia Chapter. As such, I am working diligently to cultivate an innovative strategy to engage members and ensure that we have representation at the State Capitol during the legislative session to proactively represent the interest of the members. I am running for Region VII NCNLI Representative to be a liaison between national and local chapters to ensure efficient communication, improve member retention, and recruit qualified candidates for leadership opportunities. If elected, I will strive to ensure that NASW’s policies align with social work’s core values. Thank you for your support.

Neal Sinha

Biography: Neal Sinha serves as a Group Therapist for the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Broward County and RECO Intensive – Delray Beach Addiction Treatment Center. Sinha received his BSW, summa cum laude, from Florida Atlantic University, and is pursuing his MSW at Barry University in Miami. He is the recipient of Barry University’s Dr. Neta Kolasa scholarship awarded for his academic performance, commitment and capability in client empowerment and self-help, leadership ability, and practice and interest in administration and social policy. Sinha’s experience with NASW began as the BSW representative for the Broward Unit, and soon as the BSW representative for the Florida Chapter where he serves as the MSW representative. In 2021, Sinha won the award for Student Social Worker of the Year in his local unit. That same year, Neal co-authored a chapter in “Social Work in Digital Societies,” published by McGraw Hill, and in 2020, was published in the magazine, “Social Work Today.”

Platform Statement: The impetus for my career as a professional social worker began over twenty years ago when I was the client and social workers were there to help me to get to where I am today. Now that I have been on both sides of the table, as client and social worker, I stay involved with NASW to support and uphold the ethics and expectations of our profession. In addition, to assist in helping push us forward to a post-COVID world. As social workers, it is essential that we uphold the same standards that we expect of others and put the right people within our organization in the right places to help lead us to where our profession takes us in this unexpected future. I ask for your support to be elected the Region VII representative for the National Committee on Nominations and Leadership Identification.