2026 Social Work Month Voices: Hannah Rovey, LCSW

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 Hannah’s story and see how this year’s Social Work Month Theme, “Uplift. Defend. Transform.” resonates with them.

Hannah Rovey, LCSW

(She/Her)

Where did you get your degree(s)?

BSW from Illinois State University MSW from University of Illinois Champaign Urbana

Current occupation/practice area

Integrated Care Provider working in Community Mental Health

In what ways are you involved with NASW-IL?

I currently serve as the West Central District Chair for NASW IL. I was the recipient of the NASW IL Social Worker of the Year Award in 2024.

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

I was initially interested in psychology as I have always been fascinated by the human mind and psychopathology. I eventually found my way to social work because I wanted a career where I could serve in a helping role and work directly with people.

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

Social work requires the coalescence of so many different skills. Advocacy, compassion, resilience and trustworthiness come to mind. Developing trusting relationships with our clients is the foundation of the work that we do and what we rely on to help leverage meaningful change in people's lives. They entrust us with the most intimate details of their life experiences, and it is a privilege to walk alongside them as they navigate a new path for themselves.

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

Artificial Intelligence is already having a significant impact on our profession. Just this last year Illinois passed legislation imposing restrictions on the use of AI in the delivery of psychotherapy services. The widespread use of AI will drive more individuals to be disconnected from their communities. One of the things that I am constantly working to combat with my clients is isolation and I anticipate that AI will only exacerbate this issue. I believe so strongly in the power of human connection because it is the foundation of the work that I do and I can't help but worry that AI is already eroding that foundation.

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

This theme strongly resonates with me right now given the current social climate that we are in. I work every day with marginalized populations that are living in fear of losing access to their essential benefits and being stripped of their basic human rights. The world feels very heavy right now for a lot of people and this is especially true for social workers that are painfully aware of how public policy is negatively impacting the most vulnerable in our society. I have the privilege of working alongside a group of passionate and dedicated professionals and have not seen any of them waver in their commitment to the field despite the sometimes-insurmountable pressure that we face. Social workers are resilient and will continue to transform the world one person at a time.