Celebrating Social Work Excellence: The 6th Annual SWAG Awards Announce 2026 Honorees

 

Co-founded by award-winning social worker, author, and speaker Sharise Nance, LCSW, CCTP, and William Nance, the SWAG Awards were created to uplift and celebrate the “heart work” of helping professionals whose contributions often go unrecognized. Each year, the ceremony brings together hundreds of professionals, organizations, and community supporters to highlight the impact of social work in transforming lives and systems.

 

This year’s honorees represent a powerful legacy of leadership, service, and commitment to community wellness.

 

 

Heart Work Legacy Awardees
James Andrews, PhD, LCSW, LICSW
De’Netta Benjamin, LCSW
Dr. Kathi Elliott, DNP, MSW, PMHNP-BC
Bethany Hemingway, MSW
Dr. Toya Jones, Ed.D, LCSW
Dr. Theresa Tho Pham, PhD, LSW

 

Entrepreneur of the Year
Kristy Weidner, MSW, LCSW

 

Lifetime Achievement Awardee
John O’Connell, MSW, LSW

 

Organization of the Year
Steel Smiling

 

“The SWAG Awards were born out of a desire to honor the people who give so much of themselves to others, often without recognition,” said Sharise Nance, LCSW, CCTP, founder of the SWAG Awards and the SWAG Alliance Foundation. “Each honoree represents the heart of this profession—leaders who not only serve but inspire. Our goal is to continue building a culture that values social workers as essential to community health and healing.”

 

“Being recognized by my peers with the Lifetime Achievement Award was such an honor. As social workers, our work is often underappreciated or taken for granted, so this recognition meant a great deal. The SWAG Team’s professionalism and passion made the event truly special for honorees and guests alike. Seeing Sharise Nance’s vision come to life made me even prouder to be a social worker and a Pitt grad.”
— Daphne Salter-Austin, MSW, LSW, LMT, 2024 Lifetime Achievement Awardee

 

The SWAG Awards highlight individuals and organizations advancing the social work profession through leadership, advocacy, innovation, and impact. This uplifting evening includes awards presentations, networking, entertainment, and a heartfelt celebration of those who make a difference through their compassion and service.

 

Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Sheraton Station Square, Pittsburgh, PA

 

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available now at: www.theswagawards.com

 

The SWAG (Social Worker Appreciation of Greatness) Awards were established to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of social workers across Western Pennsylvania and beyond. What began as a local recognition event has grown into a movement celebrating excellence, elevating visibility, and strengthening the social work workforce through advocacy, education, and wellness.

 

The event is presented by Vitamin C Healing, LLC, and the SWAG Alliance Foundation, with generous support from partners and sponsors committed to advancing workforce wellness and social work leadership.

 

The 6th Annual SWAG Awards are made possible through the support of the Allegheny County Department of Human Services, the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work, the Heinz Endowments, the Staunton Farm Foundation, UPMC, and other community partners dedicated to strengthening and sustaining the social work profession.

 

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