Vol. 37, No. 7 NASW California News www.naswca.org
April 2011
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CHAPTER ELECTIONS interests and concerns of students and the schools of social work.
STUDENT DIRECTOR SOUTH (BSW) Samantha Chhim
Currently, I am a social work undergraduate at Cal State Long Beach. Before I knew what social work was, I volunteered at a nonprofit organization called Khmer Girls in Action for three of my high school years. Social justice and advocacy for immigrants fascinated me and my interest in social work, as a whole, grew as I learned more about how we, as social workers, could help. Now as the vice president of Educational Opportunity Program Student Organization, I work with first-generation college students from low-income families through heavy contribution in community services. As a strong advocate for student involvement, I wish to be the liaison between my fellow peers and our chapter, so that I may not only distribute vital information, but also help introduce relationships between professionals and students to their dream careers.
2011 DELEGATE ASSEMBLY STUDENT REP
Shammeer J. Dawson
I participated in the 2009 and 2010 NASW California Chapter’s Legislative Lobby Days in Sacramento. In 2009, the conference room was filled with 1,000 social workers and the following year it increased. I was inspired by the conglomeration of students, NASW leaders and professionals. I also learned about the impact that social workers have towards legislation, public and social policy, which further encouraged me to pursue my MPA. I am currently working as an economic case manager for a twoyear pilot program for low-income older adults. The data collected from the program will be utilized towards policy and
legislation to help older adults. I’ve held a student leadership position for the past two years while pursuing my MSW. It would be an honor to serve the NASW in the capacity of Delegate Assembly Student Representative and to learn and focus on social work topics that fuel my passion to help and be of service.
2011 DELEGATE ASSEMBLY STUDENT REP Diana Traub
I am a BASW student at San Jose State University and will be graduating this May. I plan to continue my education and pursue an MSW. I have prior experience working with youth in substance abuse and mental health facilities. I currently work at EMQ Families First as a family specialist where I provide wrap-around services to youth and their families. I am also the current student director for the North NASW-CA chapter. I am dedicated to the profession of social work and have a strong desire to support fellow students. If elected, I will represent the student voice, as a whole, when collaborating with others at the delegate conference. And I will proactively work with the schools of social work to ensure information is effectively communicated and continue to advocate for student needs and interests.
CHAIR, COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS AND LEADERSHIP IDENTIFICATION Catharine Ralph
I received my MSW in 1977 from UC Berkeley and currently serve as Title IV-E project coordinator and field consultant/lecturer at UC Berkeley’s School of Social Welfare. I have been a NASW member for more than 30 years, but really active since one of my students nominated me for Region C director in 1997. I served variously on the regional, chapter and national board
levels, and most recently as the chapter’s first vice president. I am currently Region C’s faculty liaison with UCB. NASW, most importantly, provides leadership for social workers and our clients, especially in challenging economic times. The CNLI chair must work with others to locate and mobilize potential leaders among our talented and dedicated members. We need gifted leaders to achieve our goals. If elected to chair the CNLI, I will encourage the talented members of our chapter to assume leadership roles for the future of our profession and our association. I expect to be in contact with members who will respond to calls for their skills. I will bring perspectives of peace, justice, inclusiveness and activism to the table, along with seasoned experience in practice and education. My effectiveness should be measured by the number of new proficient leaders who agree to listen to members and engage us in our association.
REGIONAL DIRECTOR REGION C
Natasha Wilson
I am a public servant devoted to the wellbeing of people and I want to be your regional director! My personal and professional experiences have afforded me an array of leadership knowledge working with diverse populations of people ranging from gender, culture, age and socioeconomics. I have worked in social services for over five years in the areas of Children and Family Services, Aging and Adult Services, and Workforce Services. My leadership involvement has included working on a variety of committees targeting policies and procedures of public service programs and I have served two terms as a student representative for CalSWEC Student Day. Currently I am on the verge of groundbreaking research in the area of father involvement in child welfare and have been invited to present at two child welfare conferences in Mississippi and New Orleans this spring. I bring