2026 Social Work Month Voices: Jasmine Chandy, MSW, 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 Jasmine’s story and see how this year’s Social Work Month Theme, “Uplift. Defend. Transform.” resonates with them.

Jasmine Chandy, MSW, LCSW

(She/Her)

Where did you get your degree(s)?

B.S. Biology & Spanish from University of Illinois at Chicago MSW from Loyola University Chicago

Current occupation/practice area

Founder and Therapist at socialworkup Therapy

In what ways are you involved with NASW-IL?

Chicago District Chair of NASW-IL

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

From a young age, I knew I wanted to show people they're valued and understood, particularly after a moment when volunteering at a rehabilitation center in high school. I noticed an older woman sitting by herself during a group event and walked over to have a conversation with her. Afterwards, she thanked me and said I was the first person to talk to her all week - and I volunteered on Fridays. This widened my lens on how a little intention could uplift another person in remarkable ways. Social work aims to value the dignity and worth of every human being - promoting self-empowerment through a comprehensive exploration of one's biopsychosocial background and implications on the micro mezzo and macro level. This level of respect and service drew me to the social work profession and I've loved every moment of it!

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

To be an effective social worker, it's imperative to be reflective. It's only when we reflect that we can prevent desensitization, think outside the box to tend to the needs of others, and ensure we are operating in a caring, ethical, and professional way.

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

I see social work as being at the forefront of embracing yet protecting the balance between artificial intelligence and our innate abilities to evolve. While AI can run with directions productively, clinical social workers can help individuals challenge their thinking and where it comes from. They are skilled to support a level of calibration that can only come with meeting people where they are. Social workers are skilled at building bridges and breaking barriers with humility and can be an asset in any environment.

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

Yes! The theme resonates with the mission of socialworkup Therapy - to provide approachable and accessible mental health care to Illinois Residents and communities through high-quality service, education, and support. I aim to uplift the self-determination of my clients, defend the ethics of our profession, and transform the stigma associated with receiving mental health care.