BSW Spring Honors & Awards

Alba Ibarra (Spring ’21)

Daniela Castillo Vazquez (Summer ‘21)

Daisy Guerrero (Fall ’21)

Daisy exhibited excellence in the mezzo practice course. She displays outstanding commitment to both individual and collective goals. She possesses strong abilities in synthesis and application of information. Daisy demonstrates exceptional competence in utilization of practice skills in both group work and work with families. She is a clear leader in mezzo practice.

Hannah Carney (Spring ‘21)

Students in the macro practice course have group assignments, presentation, and exams to develop mastery of engagement in community level practice. Hannah Carney stands out as having displayed excellent team work, presentation, and knowledge application skills.

Angela Shibu (Spring ’21)

The Social Research course is designed to introduce students to research designs and the process of planning and executing a research study. Angela Shibu has displayed outstanding skills on processing, delivering, and applying research knowledge and materials. She has exhibited these skills through a well written research proposal and an excellent presentation. Her splendid knowledge, skills, and professionalism contributed to receiving the Outstanding Research Student Award.

Karla Alejos (Spring ’21) Good Samaritan Society Lake Forest Village

“I feel pretty lucky to have gotten Karla as an intern. She has been great to work with this semester and I am excited to see where her journey takes her. Not once did she back down from a challenge and it’s been exciting to watch her grow and develop a huge heart for the geriatric population. I’m so proud of how hard she’s worked and I have no doubt that she’s going to become a fantastic social worker. .” ~ Jennifer Barton LMSW, Good Samaritan Field Instructor

Leslie Almanza (Spring ’21) Volunteers of America Resolana Program

Leslie spent her internship really honing in her intervention techniques such as group facilitation. She took extra time to be creative in an effort to engage clients through telehealth in a more stimulating way. She is always professional and is constantly looking for ways to continue learning about effective evidence-based treatments. I believe Leslie is going to be a wonderful addition to the social work profession- Sarah Billingsley, VOA Field Instructor

Daisy Gonzalez (Spring ’21) Walk-In Case Management Intern - CitySquare

“Daisy’s commitment to the field of social work was on full display as she completed her field practicum with CitySquare this past semester. She is quick to ask questions, seek consultation and think critically about how systems of inequality impact vulnerable populations. It was an absolute pleasure to be her field supervisor, and we are so proud of all her accomplishments. This is a well-deserved honor, Daisy! .” ~ Hannah Sims, CitySquare Field Instructor

Xiomara Rios (Fall ’20) Volunteers of America Resolana Program

“Xiomara was an exceptional intern. She is empathetic with clients, and demonstrates a deep understanding of the importance of diversity in the work we do. She was most interested in our immigrant population and the hardships immigrants go through while incarcerated in America. She advocated for her clients’ needs and created resource handouts for clients dealing with the unknowns of being an immigrant while incarcerated so that these clients could get the representation and the help they need. Xiomara is intuitive and intelligent which tells me she will go a long way as a social worker. I’m excited to see where her career takes her.”~ Sarah Billingsley, VOA Field Instructor

Mariah Rocha (Spring ‘21)

Ashley Pryor (Spring ’21)

Hannah Carney (Spring ‘21)

Tiffany Ngeny (Spring ’21)

Rachel Tipsword (Fall ’21)

Social work students examine the policy-making process and explore public policy issues. In addition to paid and volunteer experiences, Rachel advocates for access to affordable medical care and treatment for children and adults with diabetes. Rachel’s advocacy efforts preceded her time in the social work program and have developed into a strong desire for working in medical social work.

Jacqueline Valdez Ortiz (Fall ’21)

Jacqueline created, coordinated, and participated in several civic engagement activities this academic year. Jacqueline, along with fellow awardee, Rachel Tipsword, registered students to vote, and created and led virtual information sessions to inform students about the presidential candidates. Jacqueline also participated in other civic engagement activities with student organizations across campus. She remained dedicated to these civic engagement efforts, even when things got tough and she had to work alone. She found the courage to push through and challenge herself. I am confident that her leadership, passion, and time commitment to these efforts made a substantive and positive impact at TWU and on the historic voter turnout among students. I am proud of her exceptional work in the area of civic engagement! ~ Dr. Ricks

Tiffany Ngeny (Spring ’21)

Tiffany mastered the assessment writing in Practice 1 and the Grieving course. Tiffany consistently produced quality work on writing assignments in the Social Issues, Policies, and Programs course, scoring 100% on her opinion editorial and policy analysis paper. Her professional writing complies with standards set for a successful professional social worker.

Daniela Castillo Vazquez (Summer ‘21)

The congenial award is given to the Social Work Student that demonstrates the most friendly and pleasant demeanor. This year’s recipient of the Most Congenial Award, Daniela Castillo Vazquez, has exhibited these qualities and more throughout the year.

Julie Matkin (Summer ’21)

Jacqueline Valdez Ortiz (Fall ’21)

Alba Ibarra (Spring ’21)

Alba Ibarra is truly the epitome of the top Social Work student. Alba has consistently maintained excellent grades and has a genuine desire to do well and ensure that all her classmates do as well. Alba is bright, inquisitive and compassionate, consistently participating and social work activities and completing the Title IV-E internship.

Maria Alejandra Puche Montealegre (Spring ’21)

The Phoenix Award denotes recognition of a student who has overcome significant challenges and risen to the occasion of academic excellence. This year’s recipient of the Phoenix Award is Maria Alejandra Puche Montealegre. Maria has developed the resilience needed to accomplish her academic and professional goals.

Laura Lopez (Summer ’21)

Laura has excelled in her social work courses. She participates thoughtfully in class and provides an example for her classmates. Laura possesses the aptitude for social justice work; this is displayed in her coursework. The social work faculty agree that Laura Lopez deserves recognition for her growth and contributions to the social work program.

Leslie Almanza (Spring ’21) Volunteers of America Resolana Program

As a student member of the National Association of Social Workers, Leslie is also an active member of student organizations including the Child Abuse Prevention Society and Phi Alpha Honor Society. Leslie is an exceptional student, excelling in all courses, and is also committed to many community activities and volunteering.