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Social work in the United States is a profession dedicated to enhancing the well-being and quality of life for individuals, families, and communities. Social workers play a crucial role in addressing a wide range of social issues, providing support, counseling, advocacy, and resources to those in need.

10 Inspiring Social Workers Who Shaped the Profession in USA

Social work is a vital profession in the United States, serving vulnerable populations and advocating for social justice. Over the years, numerous social workers in the US have made significant contributions to the field, helping to shape the profession and improve the lives of countless individuals, families, and communities. In this article, we will explore the stories of some of the great social workers of the USA and the impact they have had on the profession.

social work in USA

Hereunder is an overview of 10 inspiring social workers who have significantly shaped the profession in the United States:

Jane Addams (1860–1935)

Jane Addams is often considered the mother of social work in the United States. She co-founded Hull House, a settlement house in Chicago, in 1889. Hull House provided a range of social services and programs to help immigrants and the urban poor. Addams was a tireless advocate for social reform and women’s rights. Her work emphasized the importance of community-based approaches to addressing social issues and inspired the development of the social work profession.

Whitney M. Young Jr. (1921–1971)

Whitney Young was a prominent civil rights leader and social worker who focused on addressing racial inequalities. He served as the executive director of the National Urban League from 1961 until his death. Young played a crucial role in promoting economic empowerment for African Americans, advocating for equal employment opportunities, and pushing for social and political change to address systemic racism.

Dorothy I. Height (1912–2010)

Dorothy Height was a dedicated civil rights and women’s rights activist. She served as the president of the National Council of Negro Women for 40 years. Height worked to improve the lives of African American women and their families through education, advocacy, and empowerment. Her efforts highlighted the intersectionality of gender and racial disparities, making her a significant figure in the advancement of social justice.

Harry Hopkins (1890–1946)

Harry Hopkins was a key architect of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal programs. As the head of the Works Progress Administration (WPA), he oversaw the creation of jobs and public works projects during the Great Depression. Hopkins also played a crucial role in the development of the Social Security Act, which established a foundation for social safety nets and assistance programs in the US.

Frances Perkins (1880–1965)

Frances Perkins made history as the first female cabinet member in the United States. As Secretary of Labor under President Roosevelt, she championed labor rights and workplace safety. Perkins was instrumental in the creation of Social Security and unemployment insurance programs, shaping the trajectory of social policy and worker protections.

Ida B. Wells (1862–1931)

Ida B. Wells was a pioneering African American journalist, suffragist, and civil rights activist. She used her investigative reporting to expose the horrors of lynching and racial violence, advocating for justice and social change. Wells’ work laid the groundwork for anti-lynching campaigns and contributed to the broader civil rights movement.

Eunice Kennedy Shriver (1921–2009)

Eunice Kennedy Shriver founded the Special Olympics in 1968, creating a platform for individuals with intellectual disabilities to showcase their talents and abilities. Her work promoted inclusivity, challenged stereotypes, and raised awareness about the potential of people with disabilities. The Special Olympics has grown into a global movement that celebrates diversity and advocates for equal opportunities.

Nancy A. Humphreys (b. 1937)

Nancy Humphreys is a leading advocate for LGBTQ+ rights within the social work profession. She co-founded the National Association of Social Workers’ LGBTQ+ Task Force in 1979, promoting LGBTQ+-inclusive policies, education, and support for social workers. Humphreys’ efforts have contributed to greater acceptance, understanding, and inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals in the field.

Frances Lomas Feldman (1911–2001)

Frances Lomas Feldman was a pioneer in the field of geriatric social work. She established the first geriatric social work program in the United States at the University of California, Berkeley. Feldman’s work focused on addressing the unique needs of the elderly population, including health care, housing, and social support, and contributed to the development of geriatric social work as a specialized practice.

Gloria E. Anzaldúa (1942–2004)

Gloria Anzaldúa was a Chicana feminist, scholar, and social worker whose work emphasized cultural diversity and intersectionality. Her writings, including the influential book “Borderlands/La Frontera: The New Mestiza,” explored the experiences of marginalized communities, challenging traditional boundaries and identities. Anzaldúa’s insights have enriched the social work profession’s understanding of cultural competence and social justice.

These inspiring social workers have left a lasting legacy, shaping the profession through their advocacy, compassion, and commitment to addressing social issues and promoting equality and justice.