Student, faculty member serving National Association of Social Workers-Florida Chapter
Saint Leo is well-represented in the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) – Florida Chapter thanks to a recent election and appointment by the organization.
Vanessa Navarro, a Bachelor of Social Work student, recently was elected as the BSW student representative for the National Association of Social Workers (NASW)–Florida Chapter. Running against two other BSW students from competitive universities, Navarro won the election and began her term immediately. Her platform included “educating fellow students on the importance of an NASW membership” and “[to] ensure other BSW students understand the importance of demonstrating a commitment to social justice, I would focus on providing information and encouraging involvement in LEAD Day.”
In this role, Navarro will serve as the voice of BSW students during chapter board meetings, take a leadership role in promoting Florida Legislative Education Advocacy Day (LEAD), build a liaison of BSW students from each undergraduate social work program in Florida, and serve as a link from our university to the chapter. This position will continue to build her leadership skills and professional networks.
Navarro worked with the Why Vote? campaign during the 2021-2022 academic year and her most recent conference presentation on promoting civic engagement in the social work profession solidifies the reasons why she deserves such a great honor to represent BSW students in Florida.
Christina Cazanave, director of field education and instructor for the Undergraduate Social Work Program, recently was appointed legislative chair for the NASW-Florida Chapter. In this statewide leadership position, Cazanave will work closely with NASW-FL lobbyists to develop legislative proposals, work with the chapter board to set legislative priorities, track bills relevant to social work practice, prepare testimony on critical bills, assist members in communicating issues to their elected officials, and build relationships with other supportive organizations.
This role allows Cazanave to support Florida social workers, lobby for social justice and equitable policies, and mobilize the profession in Florida to engage in voter and civic engagement. This work includes creating a statewide voter engagement toolkit and leading the charge in voter activities across Florida.
Cazanave has served as co-chair for the Social Work Programs’ LEAD Day committee and chair of the university’s Why Vote? campaign. Additionally, she demonstrated her passion for civic engagement by conducting workshops, conference presentations, and discussions on civic engagement and expanding advocacy within the social work practice.
Congratulations to Vanessa Navarro and Christina Cazanave, and thank you for representing Saint Leo in Florida!
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