2026 NASW-Illinois Chapter Statewide Awards
The National Association of Social Workers, Illinois Chapter (NASW-IL) today announced the recipients of the 2026 NASW-Illinois Chapter Social Work Awards. The awards will be presented on Friday, November 13, 2026, at the chapter’s quarterly leadership council meeting.
Established as an honor to give recognition to Illinois social workers and citizens whose work support and uphold the prime mission of the social work profession—to enhance human well-being, meet the basic human needs of all people, and put special attention on the needs and empowerment of people are vulnerable, oppressed and living in poverty. This year’s awardees were selected based on their achievements and its impact on the individuals, families, and communities they serve.
In alignment with the 2026 National Professional Social Work Month theme, “Social Workers: Uplift. Defend. Transform,” the National Association of Social Workers, Illinois Chapter (NASW-IL) is proud to recognize three outstanding Illinois social workers whose leadership and dedication exemplify the values of the profession.
Many thanks to this year’s NASW-Illinois Chapter Awards Committee members as well: Patrice Bonner, Jennifer Gazda, Kimberly Keenan, and Anjanette Young.
Congratulations to this year's 2026 NASW-Illinois Chapter Statewide Award winners!
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT: Joseph J. Harper, MBA, LCSW, DCSW, ACSW
Joseph J. Harper, MBA, LCSW, DCSW, ACSW (he/him), is currently a member of the faculty of Southern Illinois University-Carbondale where he serves as director of the undergraduate social work program. He has been a long-term member of the National Association of Social Workers and previously served as NASW-Illinois Chapter First Vice-President; he also served as chair of the chapter’s Political Action Committee (PAC), the NASW-IL Metro East St. Louis District Chair, and has represented Illinois in past NASW Delegate Assemblies. Harper is a member of the clinical examination committee with the Association of Social Work Boards.
SOCIAL WORKER OF THE YEAR: Franshandra Owens, MSW, LCSW
Shannon Goold, LCSW (she/her), a graduate of Washington University (MSW, 2010), brings more than 15 years of experience in housing stabilization and mental health services. As chief program officer at BEDS Plus, a member agency of the Suburban Cook County Continuum of Care for homeless services, she leads a team supporting nearly 6,000 individuals and families experiencing homelessness and housing instability each year. Shannon’s work reflects the heart of social work: turning compassion into action, creating opportunity, and helping people build lives of stability and dignity.
EMERGING SOCIAL WORK LEADER: Latesha Lillie Newson, MSW, LCSW
Latesha Lillie Newson, MSW, LCSW (she/her) is a lecturer and BSW Field Coordinator at Governors State University. She served as NASW-IL Chapter President from 2023 to 2025. A mental health and social justice advocate, she advances equitable, transformative policy change. Since 2021, she has championed Treatment Not Trauma, advocating for humane crisis response and the reopening of clinics in underserved Chicago communities. In 2023, Mayor Brandon Johnson appointed her to the City’s Mental Health System Expansion Working Group, which developed a roadmap for expanding behavioral health and crisis response. Her work helped reopen clinics in Pilsen and Roseland, add services at the Ledger Library, and expand C.A.R.E. across Chicago’s 77 communities.
The NASW-Illinois Chapter celebrates this year’s honorees whose leadership, compassion, and advocacy strengthen the social work profession and the communities they serve.
