Mildred “Mit” Joyner, DPS, MSW, BSW, LCSW, President

Raffaele Vitelli, CAE, Vice President, Professional Education and Product Development

Marla Blunt-Carter, MSW, Assistant Professor of Professional Practice

(Social Work CE)

It has been observed that social work as a profession requires leadership skills. Yet, a critical question is where and when are these skills developed? Preparing students for professional social work is a fundamental mission of Schools of Social Work. Yet, what role do these educational institutions have in developing leadership skills for their students? This session will feature a facilitated discussion on this question and many others as the role of schools of social work in leadership development is addressed by both educators and students.

Sandra Edmonds Crewe, PhD, MSW, ACSW, Dean

Martell Teasley, PhD, MSW, Dean, University of Utah College of Social Work

Maryah Thompson, 2023 MSW Graduate

Aaron Quick, MSW, PhD Candidate

Barbara Bedney, PhD, MSW, Chief of Programs

(Social Work CE)

Leadership style refers to a leader’s methods and behaviors when directing, motivating, and managing others. Whether its transformational, strategic, transactional, or servant, knowing your leadership style helps you provide better direction and guidance to your teams and colleagues. This session will explore various leadership styles and how yours will influence how you strategize and implement plans.

Jen Roberts, CEO

(Cross Cultural CE)

Leaders across multiple levels and functions need to learn and understand what is required when working to establish inclusive leadership for their groups and organizations. Inclusion demands active, intentional, and sustainable efforts to promote full participation and a sense of belonging. Creating psychologically safe work environments using the TIC principles fosters employee resiliency and contributes to a sense of belonging and trust among employees, which can lead to increased job satisfaction and productivity. This session will address the importance of setting a direction, creating alignment, and generating commitment to DEI initiatives using a Trauma-informed approach.

Arabella Perez, DSW, LCSW, Vice President, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Jo Seiders, LCSW, CDE, Human Rights Policy Associate

(Social Work CE)

Risk taking is a critical variable in developing great leadership skills. To be innovative, leaders need to take risks. Research has shown that leaders who take risks are more likely to be perceived more positively regardless of whether they succeed. There is an often-repeated line from a popular motion picture which says “failure is not an option.” Yes indeed, it is. This session will address the importance and influence of risk taking in leadership development. 

Gigi Tsontos, MSW, MPA, LCSW, Organizational Consultant and Executive Coach

(Social Work CE)

Social media continues to be a significant force in numerous aspects of our lives. For many people using social media is a daily routine. It has proven to influence decision-making and related outcomes. It opens up channels for more personal communications. This session will discuss the impact social media is having on leadership development and how we can harness it as a useful and productive tool. 

Jonathan B. Singer, Ph.D., LCSW, Professor

(Social Work CE)

An effective leader brings several different core capabilities to their roles ranging from the ability to influence and inspire others to knowing how to act decisively. While these traits are important in your daily role as a leader, they are especially critical during times of pressure. Pressure for a leader is the influences of persuasion, intimidation or circumstances that are trying to force the leader to do something. This session will address how pressure situations impact leadership traits and how to develop appropriate ways of handling it. 

Salome Raheim, PhD, MSW, ACSW, Senior Associate

(Social Work CE)

Leadership is about getting people to understand and believe in your vision and to work with you to achieve your goals. Conversely, managing is more about administering and making sure the day-to-day things are happening as they should. Leadership requires a vision to guide change. This session will address the differences and connection inherent in leadership and management and how you can leverage value in both.

John E. Tropman, PhD, Henry J. Meyer Collegiate Professor of Social Work Emeritus

Anthony Estreet, PhD, MBA, LCSW-C, CEO

Yvonne Elder Chase, PhD, LCSW, ACSW, President, National Association of Social Workers