Social Work Warriors celebrate Social Work Month - March 2025
For over a century, social workers have driven social change, advocating for programs that impact us all. Every March, led by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), we recognize the over 700,000 social workers in the U.S. and three million worldwide who make a difference every day. The 2025 theme, “Social Work: Compassion + Action,” calls on social workers to transform compassion into action to address pressing societal challenges. From rising mental health needs to substance use disorder treatment and increasing economic and political divides, social workers play a critical role in strengthening communities in a variety of ways.
This March, we invite you to put Compassion into Action and answer our 90th Anniversary Call to Action. But we’re not just celebrating social work in March—2025 is our year. Join us in a year-long celebration of our unwavering commitment to creating a more just and equitable world. From special events and community initiatives to exclusive anniversary gear and storytelling spotlights, we’re honoring the past, celebrating the present, and shaping the future. Together, let’s make 2025 a year of action, advocacy, and lasting change!
Celebrating Social Work Month
We encourage our Warrior Strong alumni, students and friends to celebrate social workers this March in the following ways:
- Attend an event held this March, including our signature 90th Anniversary event “Empowering Change: The Role of Social Work in Social Justice and Advocacy” on March 27, 2025.
- Expand your expertise and earn some CE’s with an event or online course from the Office of Continuing Education
- Show your Social Work Warrior pride with exclusive WSU School of Social Work 90th Anniversary gear! Shop our March 17–31 apparel pop-up with proceeds benefiting Social Work, and items ship to your home. Check your email or social media for the link. (update your alumni email here)
- Get involved via social media:
- Follow, like, and share: (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X)
- Share the essential work you do in your everyday lives through posts, pictures, and videos. Use the phrase: "I became a Social Work Warrior because..." or share who inspired you to become a social worker and be sure to tag us!
- Looking for some quick template posts? View the NASW Social Media Toolkit and be sure to use the hashtags for this March: #SWMonth2025 #SocialWorkMonth
Celebrating 90 years as Detroit’s Social Work School
Our 90th Anniversary serves as a call to action regarding the many challenges our communities face. This is a critical moment for all of us to support the changes we wish to see in the world. We must seize this opportunity to inform, uplift, and support the School of Social Work. Together, let’s harness the power of social work to build a more just and equitable world! – Dean Sheryl Kubiak
March 27, 2025 from 4 - 6 pm (Program) and 6:00 - 7:30 pm (Afterglow)
WSU Law School Spencer M. Partrich Auditorium
In recognition of this milestone anniversary, the School of Social Work will host “Empowering Change: The Role of Social Work in Social Justice and Advocacy,” led by keynote speaker U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow and a panel of social workers elected to public office, who exemplify Compassion + Action by advocating for justice, equity, and systemic change that uplifts communities. Whether you are a seasoned professional, a student, or simply passionate about social change, this event will inspire and empower you to take action and make a difference. Tickets are on sale now. RSVP's are required and space is limited. Two social work CE's are available to attendees for free.
Celebrating the 2025 Social Work Warrior Students of the Year
Meet Our 2025 Students of the Year! We are proud to highlight two remarkable students whose passion for social change and community impact set them apart. Their work reflects the heart of social work—Compassion + Action.
MSW Student of the Year: Ezra Mitchell (they/them)
Ezra has demonstrated exceptional dedication to integrating clinical practice with advocacy and systems change. Their internships at the International Institute of Metro Detroit and Corewell Health's Center for Exceptional Families highlight their commitment to supporting clients and families. As Vice President of the Coalition of Community Social Workers and Secretary of the Social Work Disability Justice Coalition, Ezra has showcased remarkable leadership in organizing events and fostering community engagement.
BSW Student of the Year: Zahraa Alrafish (she/her)
Zahraa founded Arab Women United, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women in immigrant and minority communities. She also established the student organization Arab Women United WSU, creating a platform to educate others about Arab heritage and promote cultural awareness on campus. Her leadership and advocacy efforts have significantly contributed to community engagement and support for underrepresented groups.
Events
March 3: Arab Women United Ramadan Iftaar with the Muslim Women's Social Work Association student org
5:30 – 7:30 pm in the Student Center Ballroom A
March 4: Medical Ethics in Behavioral Health (3 free CECH)
9 am – 12 pm on Zoom
March 6: Imposter Syndrome (students only)
3:30 – 4:30 pm in the School of Social Work #001
March 12: Self-Care for Child Welfare Workers (1 CECH)
3 – 4 pm on Zoom
March 18: Lived Experience Series Part 2: The Road Less Traveled: From Prison Cells to University Halls (2 free CECH)
4 – 6 pm on Zoom
March 19: Pizza with the Dean (students only)
10:45 – 11:45 am in the School of Social Work in the Community Room
March 19: Shani Saxon Social Work Dissertation Defense
12 – 2 pm on Zoom and in the School of Social Work #233
March 20: Strike Up Some Fun: a Social Work Bowling Night Out
5:30 – 7:30 pm at The Majestic Theatre – Garden Bowl
March 26: 8th Annual WSU Social Work Research Symposium
11:00 am – 2:30 pm at the School of Social Work
March 27: Empowering Change: The Role of Social Work in Social Justice and Advocacy (2 free CECH)
4 – 6 pm: Program and 6:00 – 7:30 pm: Afterglow at the Law School Spencer M. Partrich Auditorium
View more events on the WSU Event Calendar and Get Involved.