Kim Howard, MSW, CAPSW

As we prepare to close out the year 2025, I find myself reflecting on the incredible energy and connection we experienced at our Annual Conference in October. Social workers from across Wisconsin came together both in person and virtually, to learn, share, and reimagine what’s possible for our profession.

This year’s conference held special meaning for me: it was my final NASW-WI Annual Conference as President. I still have eight more months before my term concludes in July 2026, and I intend to serve with the same commitment, presence, and purpose that I began with. But standing in that podium knowing it was my last time presiding over the conference caused me to pause and truly appreciate how far we’ve come together.

Each year, our conference reminds me that social work is more than just a profession. It is different from any other profession there is. Social work truly is a calling. It is sacred work that invites us to meet people where they are, to challenge injustice, and to serve with compassion even when the world feels weary, hopeless, and in despair.

This year, our keynote speakers Gary “Trey” Taylor and Dr. Carole Tosone offered so many words that resonated. Gary reminded us of the power of mentorship and the responsibility we carry to pour into the next generation. Dr. Tosone taught us about shared traumatic stress, effective trauma treatments and boundary shifts and educated us on various forms of self-care we can incorporate into our lives.

Our award recipients Tarsha, Michelle, and Dawn delivered heartfelt speeches that truly captured the soul of social work.

• Dawn reminded us to care for ourselves as we care for others.

• Tarsha reminded us of the power of persistence and staying rooted in purpose.

• Michelle reminded us to be the type of social worker who genuinely cares.

Their words reflected our daily challenges, our quiet, often times unnoticed, victories and the unwavering commitment that defines our profession.

I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended, presented, or volunteered. Your presence made this year’s conference unforgettable and gave me so much hope for the future of social work in Wisconsin.

But our work doesn’t stop here.

As we move into the new year, advocacy must remain at the heart of what we do. The policies being shaped today will impact the communities we serve tomorrow and years to come, and your voice is needed in every conversation where justice, equity, and dignity are on the line.

In my final year as your President, I want to encourage you to take some very bold steps:

If you are truly committed to equity, show up in a way that proves it.

1. Get uncomfortable.

2. Give generously.

3. Love radically.

And if you are in a position of power, privilege, authority, influence, or wealth, I encourage you to share it courageously. Open doors for others. Sponsor emerging social workers. Advocate in rooms where their voices are not yet present. This is the kind of leadership our profession and our communities need right now and going into the future.

We are strongest when we speak up, not only for ourselves, but for the individuals, families, and communities who depend on us. Also, for our fellow social workers.your participation matters. Your perspective matters. And together, our collective voice can drive change.

Thank you for all that you do every single day in your agencies, schools, hospitals, private practices, and communities. Because of you, our profession continues to rise, and our impact continues to grow.

With gratitude,

Kim Howard, MSW, CAPSW

President, NASW-WI