2026 Social Work Month Voices: Diane Williams, MSW, AM, PHD

As the NASW celebrates 70 years of advocacy and advancement, this upcoming Social Work Month we want to continue to collect stories from across the profession. Read Diane’s story and see how this year’s Social Work Month Theme, “Uplift. Defend. Transform.” resonates with them.

Diane Williams, MSW, AM, PHD

(She/Her)

Where did you get your degree(s)?

PHD - Loyola University Chicago, School of Social Work AM - University of Chicago, Harris School of Public Policy MSW - Columbia University, School of Social Work BA - State University of New York at Albany

Current occupation/practice area

Instructor - Education

In what ways are you involved with NASW-IL?

Current NASW-IL Board Member, former Delegate, SIG member

How did you choose the social work path? What inspired you?

I chose social work because it sits at a powerful intersection—between policy and people, systems and lived experience—and that complexity has always drawn me in. I was inspired by communities navigating structural barriers, especially older adults and global populations, and by how access to support, fair policies, and strong social networks can reshape life trajectories. Those experiences made the work feel deeply personal and purposeful. My training in both social work and public policy strengthened my commitment to connecting research, practice, and leadership to create more inclusive systems. Serving on the NASW-Illinois Board feels like a natural extension of that path—working collaboratively to support the profession and advocate for communities across the state. Social work, to me, is about building bridges, holding complexity with integrity, and believing that thoughtful policy and compassionate practice can create meaningful change.

What are some of essential skills needed to be an effective social worker?

At the heart of effective social work are a few deeply human skills: cultural humility, self-awareness, communication, and critical thinking. Cultural humility means approaching every person and community with genuine curiosity and respect, understanding that each individual’s experiences, values, and identities shape how they see the world. It requires self-awareness—the ongoing practice of reflecting on our own assumptions, biases, and reactions—so that we show up thoughtfully rather than automatically. Strong communication skills are what turn that awareness into action: listening carefully, speaking with clarity and compassion, and building trust with clients, colleagues, and community partners. Critical thinking then helps social workers make sense of complex situations, consider ethical dimensions, and choose responses that are both practical and just. Together, these skills allow social workers to connect authentically with people, navigate challenging systems, and make decisions that honor both individual dignity and the broader context of each person’s life.

What changes or innovations do you see coming to the social work profession?

One of the biggest shifts I see coming to the social work profession is the thoughtful integration of technology into everyday practice, not as a replacement for human connection, but as a tool that can expand it. We’re already seeing telehealth, digital case management systems, and data dashboards reshape how services are delivered, making it easier to reach clients in rural areas, coordinate across agencies, and track outcomes in real time. Artificial intelligence will likely play a growing role in screening, resource matching, and administrative tasks, which could free social workers to spend more time on the relational, human-centered parts of the work. At the same time, technology will push the profession to deepen its ethical thinking—around privacy, digital equity, algorithmic bias, and access—because tools are never neutral; they reflect the values of the systems that create them. Social workers will increasingly need to be both practitioners and translators of technology, helping clients navigate digital systems while also advocating for policies that ensure those systems are fair and inclusive.

Does the 2026 SW month theme "Social Workers: Uplift. Defend. Transform." resonate to you? Is it already integrated in your work?

Uplift. Defend. Transform.” resonates with me because it reflects the everyday spirit of the profession. At its core, social work is about helping people feel seen, supported, and capable of moving forward, whether that’s a student in the classroom, a family navigating a difficult transition, or an older adult trying to stay connected and purposeful. I see the idea of uplifting as creating opportunities and encouragement, defending as standing beside people with integrity and respect, and transforming as helping systems work a little better than they did before. Those ideas show up in my teaching, where I try to support students’ growth and confidence, in my research on aging communities and older adult populations, and in my service with NASW-IL. For me, the theme is a meaningful human reminder of why the profession exists: to strengthen people, support communities, and help build more responsive and compassionate systems over time.

Words of wisdom for someone considering the SW profession?

If you are considering social work, know that it is not always about saving the world in one grand gesture—it is about showing up consistently, thinking critically, and caring deeply in small moments that add up over time. Stay curious about the people, and stay grounded in ethics and evidence. The profession needs steady bridge-builders—and if you can hold compassion and critical assessment at the same time, social work can be one of the most meaningful paths you can choose.

Anything else we should know about you or NASW-IL or social work?

What stands out most about NASW-Illinois is the amazing and dedicated people behind it. The chapter is driven by a strong staff and a volunteer board made up of social workers from hospitals, schools, agencies, private practice, academia, and policy settings. That mix brings real-world insight to every decision which are grounded in what is happening across the state. It is an honor to serve with such a tremendous and inspiring team of social work professionals.