The NASW Ohio Annual Statewide Social Work Conference brings together 400+ social workers and related behavioral health professionals and 60+ sponsoring organizations from around the state of Ohio for two days of learning, resource sharing, and connection. Attendees can earn up to 30+ Social Work CEUs by attending in-person and virtual content, with a wide variety of workshop options to choose from, ranging from clinical to macro practice.
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Thursday Keynote - Dr. Lakeya Cherry, DSW, MSSW, PCC
"Reimagining
Social Work: Leading with Purpose in a New Era"
Dr. Lakeya Cherry, DSW, MSSW, PCC, is the CEO/Founder of Lakeya Cherry LLC, a Partner at
Evolution, and an executive leadership coach who has dedicated her career to the growth and
development of individuals and their organizations. As an ICF Certified Coach, a StartingBloc
Fellow, a Rmrkblty #IAmRemarkable Facilitator, and a Certified Dare to Lead™ Facilitator, she
believes that when leaders are empowered to reach their fullest potential, they will be able to
support those around them more effectively.
Her experience with coaching ignited her passion for supporting individuals, teams, and
organizations to lead more authentically and courageously. Her former clients include
Glassdoor, LA Cleantech Incubator (LACI), Snap, Cisco, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Southern
Veterinary Partners (SVP), The Trust powered by the NFL Players Association, The Gates
Foundation, Chicago Foundation for Women, Seattle Children’s Hospital, UCSD Palliative Care,
Black Administrators of Child Welfare, and the National Child Welfare Workforce Institute
amongst many others.
Dr. Cherry is the former Chief Executive Officer of The Network for Social Work Management,
an international organization dedicated to strengthening and mobilizing diverse social impact
leaders through education, leadership development, networking, and community-building. Under
her leadership, the Network has expanded globally and introduced transformative programming
that has produced better leaders and enhanced organizational cultures.
She also serves as a Commissioner on San Diego’s Commission on the Status of Women,
which helps to address the needs of San Diego women in their social, economic, and vocational
pursuits.
Her approach is informed by her Doctorate in Social Work from the University of Southern
California, where she was honored with the coveted Order of Arête award, her M.S. in Social
Work from Columbia University, and her B.A. in Psychology and Legal Studies from the
University of California at Santa Cruz. Additional qualifications: iEQ9 Enneagram, Team
Coaching, Psychological Safety, EQi 2.0 and EQ 360 certification, Diversity and Inclusion and
Women's Entrepreneurship certification (eCornell), and Nonprofit Executive Leadership
certificate (National Human Services Assembly).
Keynote Description: The
future of social work calls for a bold reimagining of the profession, where
social workers step into their roles as purposeful leaders and visionary
change-makers. This session will inspire social workers to embrace leadership
with renewed purpose, redefining how the world sees social work. We'll explore
strategies to lead with conviction, challenge outdated stereotypes, and drive
social innovation that addresses the complexities of our modern world. By
leading with purpose, social workers can revolutionize the profession and
create a lasting, meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.
Friday Keynote - Amy Jo Hutchison
"Poor Understanding: When Their Poverty Makes You Uncomfortable"
Amy Jo Hutchison is a born and raised West Virginian. She began organizing in poor and marginalized communities across the state in 2017, using her lived experience of poverty to connect with people who share the same experience. In February 2020, Amy Jo spoke to the United States House Committee on Oversight and Reform regarding the poverty level in Washington D.C. Her testimony went viral and has provided the opportunity to discuss poverty on a much broader stage. She is building a movement grounded in West Virginia, Rattle the Windows, with folks impacted by the issues, focused on economic justice. In October of 2021, she appeared in episode 3 of "The Problem with Jon Stewart," "The Economy," in which she discussed the issues affecting the working poor. More recently, Amy Jo was named the 2024 recipient of the 2024 T. Berry Brazzelton Friend of Children Award by the board of directors for the Southern Early Childhood Association (SECA). At the start of 2024, Amy Jo stepped into the role of WV Campaign Director for MomsRising. Amy Jo can be reached at amyjo@momsrising.org. Check out her testimony that started a movement below.
Keynote Description: This keynote presentation, based on the speaker's lived experience of poverty, will incorporate experiential learning to help challenge the idea that poverty automatically equates to neglect. A lack of resources does not mean a lack of love, effort and values to raise a child well. Participants will learn strategies for recognizing their own poverty bias and assumptions to better communicate with people experiencing poverty.
Up to 5.5 CEUs can be earned in-person each day. The remaining CEUs will come from the recorded access provided after the live in-person event. Two-day attendees get access to a total of 30 CEUs between in-person and recorded content. One-day attendees get access to 15 CEUs total.
Our conference offers a practical solution for your licensure renewal needs. With our 30+ unique workshops covering a wide range of topics from clinical to macro practice, two-day attendees get access to 30 CEUs (15 CEUs for one-day attendees) between in-person and virtual recorded content - all you need for licensure renewal, including ethics and supervision! We offer a flexible CEU-earning process. Attendees can earn up to 5.5 CEUs in person per day during the conference and then get access to workshop recordings to watch at their convenience.
The annual conference always has amazing opportunities to network and fun conference bonuses! Stay tuned for more information over the coming months.
"Tee Up" for Connection: NASW-OH Annual Conference Pre-Networking Event
Date: Wednesday, November, 12th
Time: 5:30pm - 8:30pm
Location: Top Golf, 2000 Idea Way, Columbus, OH 43240
Hosted by the NASW Ohio Executive Board and Regions 5, this event is the perfect opportunity to kick off the 2025 Annual Conference with some fun! A free round of golf will be provided to the first 12 players to arrive. Appetizers will be provided, alcoholic beverages will be self-pay. This event is open to all, including those who are not attending the conference. If you are already registered for the conference separate registration for this event is not required - just show up! If you are not attending the conference, please register here for this event>>>
Thursday Evening Networking Event at Smash Park Polaris
Date: Thursday, November 13th
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: Smash Park, 495 Polaris Parkway, Westerville, OH 43082 (5 minutes from Quest Conference Center)
The conference isn't all business- join us for some fun at Smash Park! Come play darts and throw axes for free and connect with other conference attendees. Appetizers will be provided. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages can be purchased. Check out Smash Park here>>>
Chair Massages
Take a break from learning and networking with a free 5-minute chair massage!
Available on a first-come first-serve basis, from 10:30am - 1:30pm both Thursday and Friday!
Professional Headshots
This year NASW Ohio has increased the number of opportunities for attendees to get a free professional headshots, by adding slots on Thursday of the conference as well! Each day a photographer will be present for two hours to take headshot photos of attendees who claimed a spot on the sign-up sheet. On October 29th, the sign-up sheet was be emailed out to those already registered. If you do not think you received the email, please contact info.naswoh@socialworkers.org. If you register on October 29th or after, the link to the sign-up sheet will be in your confirmation email.
Since 2009, the NASW-Ohio Chapter has hosted the Research Forum as a core component of its Annual Conference, providing an opportunity for students, practitioners, faculty, and researchers to present scholarly work that advances the profession of social work. Through poster sessions and oral presentations, the Forum supports the development and dissemination of research that informs practice, influences policy, and strengthens the bridge between education and the field.
BSW Students, MSW Students, Doctoral Candidates, Academics, and Professionals are all welcome to apply to submit their research. Recognition for best undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral candidates research will occur during the Friday morning conference welcome. Academics and Professionals will be given a certificate of participation but are not included in competition.
The 2025 virtual recorded content is made up of video recordings of the conference content that are asynchronous and self-passed. The recorded conference content includes access to 30 CEUs (all you need for renewal!), including 3+ Ethics CEUs and 3+ Supervision CEUs. Access to the CEUs does not expire.
Not all the workshops available at the in-person conference will be available in virtual format. Please note that the schedule is subject to change as we finalize with presenters.
Attendance at the in-person conference, with access to 5.5 in-person CEUs each day!
Access to the recorded virtual content, available following the in-person event. One day attendees will get access to a minimum of 9.5 virtual CEUs (15 total between in-person and virtual content), and two day attendees will get access to a minimum of 19 virtual CEUs (30 total between in-person and virtual content).
Access to at least 3 Ethics and 3 Supervision CEUs each day, between virtual and in-person content.
Breakfast, lunch, and a snack break each day of the conference.
Access to conference extra's including the Thursday evening networking event, chair massages, and professional headshots! (Chair massages and headshots do have availability limits, more details to come).
In-Person
Both Days
30 CEUs between in-person and virtual content
One Day
15 CEUs between in-person and virtual content
NASW Member
$298
$178
Non-Member
$425
$255
Student/Retiree Member
$205
$123
Student/Retiree, Non-Member
$240
$145
Those currently enrolled in an MSW, BSW, or Associate degree program or those who are fully retired are eligible for the discounted student/retiree rate.
Named after social work hero and civil rights activist, Whitney M. Young Jr., this scholarship will provide free conference registration to a limited number of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) social workers and social work students.
In nearly every occupation BIPOC men and women earn less than their white counterparts. Even in female dominated fields like social work Black women, for example, are paid less than white, non-Hispanic males. And when it comes to educational debt, Black social workers and other social workers of color have vastly more student loan debt than their white counterparts with the same level of education.
Individuals and organizations can contributing to this fund in support of our BIPOC members and colleagues. You can add on a donation with your registration or contact hware.naswoh@socialworkers.org to contribute independently.
Those who choose to donate to the Whitney M. Young Jr. Scholarship Fund will have their name listed as a donor on the conference webpage and program.
The Scholarship Application is Currently Closed
Due to the overwhelming number of applications in years past, which far outpaced funds available, we have capping the number of scholarship applications to twenty. Scholarships are not guaranteed for all twenty applicants. If funds become available beyond funding for the initial twenty applicants, we will re-open the application, though this is unlikely.
NASW Ohio has launched a merch store through Bonfire! Represent your social work values at the conference by ordering a t-shirt, sweatshirt, or bag. Order soon to receive your merch in time! Please note that we cannot guarantee that your order will arrive on time, make sure to check the estimated arrival on Bonfire.
To view all the options and make your purchase, click here>>>
NASW Ohio is committed to creating inclusive and accessible events. If you have a disability (including but not limited to concussion, vision, mobility, hearing, physical or other health related disabilities), require communication access services for the deaf or hard of hearing, or believe that you require a reasonable accommodation to be able to participate in this event fully, please contact NASW Ohio at info.naswoh@socialworkers.org by Wednesday, October 22nd to discuss your accessibility needs. We will also attempt to implement late requests, but we cannot guarantee they will be met, depending on the requested service availability.
Sponsoring the conference is a great opportunity to:
Highlight your organization's job opening, uplift the benefits of joining your team, and build genuine connections that can lead to great job matches.
Promote your organization's services, programs, and mission to increase referrals, partnerships, and engagement.
Show your support for Ohio Social Workers! Your sponsorship helps foster community, learning, and collaboration amongst social workers and advances advocacy on behalf of social workers and their clients.
Gaining valuable exposure by marketing your products and services to a diverse, highly engaged audience who are eager to discover brands aligned with their values and interests.
Share the unique benefits of your university's program with those looking to take the next step in their social work education journey.
Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences
As the #12 ranked School of Social Work in the country, Case Western Reserve University’s Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences is a leader in social work and nonprofit management education committed to equity, innovation and transformation. Our graduates learn to uplift individuals, influence policy and transform society.
With online and on-campus MSW formats, innovative paths and certificates, including Trauma-Informed Practice, the Mandel School offers students the opportunity to tailor their education while preparing to lead meaningful change.
At the University of Cincinnati’s School of Social Work, we provide comprehensive BSW and MSW programs that equip students with the skills needed to lead in diverse social work settings. Join a community dedicated to advancing social justice and making a difference in the lives of individuals and families.
The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health exists to provide statewide leadership of a high-quality mental health and addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery system that is effective and valued by all Ohioans.
As a partner of choice, Community Health & Wellness Partners (CHWP) mission is to provide quality whole-person patient centered health care to anyone and everyone in the community. CHWP is a community health center that provides primary care services with integrated behavioral health, and other ancillary services including pharmacy, chronic care management, and social services to 13,000 patients in rural central Ohio. Our depth of knowledge and the innovative and tenacious way in which we serve our patients is what changes lives.
CHWP is also a teaching health center that supports students of medical and mental health disciplines including social work and psychiatry rotations. To learn more about CHWP visit CHWPcares.org.
Dr. Lakeya Cherry, DSW, MSSW, PCC, is the CEO/Founder of Lakeya Cherry LLC, a Partner at
Evolution, and an executive leadership coach who has dedicated her career to the growth and
development of individuals and their organizations. As an ICF Certified Coach, a StartingBloc
Fellow, a Rmrkblty #IAmRemarkable Facilitator, and a Certified Dare to Lead™ Facilitator, she
believes that when leaders are empowered to reach their fullest potential, they will be able to
support those around them more effectively.
Her experience with coaching ignited her passion for supporting individuals, teams, and
organizations to lead more authentically and courageously. Her former clients include
Glassdoor, LA Cleantech Incubator (LACI), Snap, Cisco, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Southern
Veterinary Partners (SVP), The Trust powered by the NFL Players Association, The Gates
Foundation, Chicago Foundation for Women, Seattle Children’s Hospital, UCSD Palliative Care,
Black Administrators of Child Welfare, and the National Child Welfare Workforce Institute
amongst many others.
Dr. Cherry is the former Chief Executive Officer of The Network for Social Work Management,
an international organization dedicated to strengthening and mobilizing diverse social impact
leaders through education, leadership development, networking, and community-building. Under
her leadership, the Network has expanded globally and introduced transformative programming
that has produced better leaders and enhanced organizational cultures.
She also serves as a Commissioner on San Diego’s Commission on the Status of Women,
which helps to address the needs of San Diego women in their social, economic, and vocational
pursuits.
Her approach is informed by her Doctorate in Social Work from the University of Southern
California, where she was honored with the coveted Order of Arête award, her M.S. in Social
Work from Columbia University, and her B.A. in Psychology and Legal Studies from the
University of California at Santa Cruz. Additional qualifications: iEQ9 Enneagram, Team
Coaching, Psychological Safety, EQi 2.0 and EQ 360 certification, Diversity and Inclusion and
Women's Entrepreneurship certification (eCornell), and Nonprofit Executive Leadership
certificate (National Human Services Assembly).
