UNC Charlotte professor Sonyia Richardson ’85, ’20 Ph.D. has been named the 2021 Social Worker of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers North Carolina Chapter (NASW-NC).
The NASW-NC Social Worker of the Year Award is given annually to a social work professional who has demonstrated commendable social work practice and involvement with NASW and other professional, civic and community organizations.
Richardson, a UNC Charlotte alumna, is an assistant professor in the School of Social Work and has more than 20 years of experience in the field, with much of that time spent at Another Level Counseling and Consultation. At her behavioral health care agency, Richardson and her team have focused on meeting the mental health needs of communities of color. She also has extensive research experience in areas including mental health (specifically suicidality) in regard to Black youth and intersectionality.
Beyond her work and leadership roles within the University, Richardson has a passion for counseling and awareness of Black mental health, which is evident by her many years of experience within the community. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc, Richardson is involved with wellness-based and resiliency initiatives at Novant Health. In 2020, at the recommendation of NASW-NC, she was appointed by Gov. Cooper to the Andrea Harris Social, Economic, Environmental, and Health Equity Task Force, which seeks to address “the social, environmental, economic, and health disparities in communities of color disproportionally impacted by COVID-19.” The task force released its first biannual report in December 2020 and will continue its work in 2021.
Richardson, who has been involved with NASW-NC for 10 years, has served as an NASW-NC delegate for seven years and was a member of the NASW-NC Board of Directors. She also serves on the NASW National Private Practice Specialty Committee.
“Dr. Richardson is a true advocate for the social work profession. I am thrilled we are able to honor her leadership and commitment to our essential profession,” said NASW-NC Executive Director Valerie Arendt. “She embodies what social workers do: promote social justice and social change with and on behalf of individuals and communities. Her contributions to social work and the state of North Carolina are immeasurable.”
NASW-NC Board President Jason Scianno added: “Her impressive resume, dedication to mentoring new social workers, innovative thinking, and commitment to service guided the NASW-NC Board of Directors’ decision to honor her as Social Worker of the Year.”
Richardson will be honored at the 2021 NASW-NC Virtual Ethics Conference and Awards Celebration March 19.
The National Association of Social Workers North Carolina Chapter (NASW-NC) is a membership organization that promotes, develops and protects the practice of social work and social workers. NASW-NC also seeks to enhance the effective functioning and well-being of individuals, families and communities through its work and advocacy.
Richardson holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from UNC Charlotte. Her bachelor’s degree in psychology also is from UNC Charlotte, and she completed a Master of Social Work from UNC Chapel Hill.