Monica Martinez, an MSW student, recently received the 2024-2025 . This prestigious NASW Foundation award honors master鈥檚 degree candidates in social work who have shown a strong commitment to serving public or voluntary nonprofit agencies, grassroots groups in the United States, or who have a special connection with American Indian/Alaska Native and Hispanic/Latino communities.
In addition, Monica was selected as an Albert Schweitzer Fellow. is a leadership development and service-learning program designed for students in health-related fields at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. ASFHG offers a year-long program, guiding and supporting small teams of Fellows as they design and implement public health projects that benefit vulnerable communities in the Greater Houston and Galveston areas.
Monica is pursuing her clinical Master of Social Work degree with a focus on psychotherapy practice. She has a passion for supporting communities of color and underserved populations in achieving their mental health and wellness goals. Monica expressed, 鈥淩eceiving these awards will provide financial support and mentorship as I work to build community partnerships with Hispanic and Native American communities.鈥�
Monica鈥檚 project, 鈥淪isters Building Sisters,鈥� empowers adolescent girls in underserved areas by teaching them psychoeducational tools and techniques to enhance their overall mental health and wellness, while also offering mentorship. Through the ASFHG fellowship, Monica receives guidance and assistance in connecting with both academic and community mentors who offer support and supervision for her project. This initiative has broadened Monica鈥檚 understanding of the role of school social workers and how to effectively work in educational settings.
Monica is currently exploring formal research opportunities and aims to continue her work focused on mental and population health. 鈥淚'm always seeking connections with other social workers, counselors, doctors, and professionals, whether their interests align with mine or differ. There鈥檚 so much we can learn from each other, and working across disciplines strengthens our skills as social workers,鈥� Monica shared. She firmly believes in the power of interdisciplinary teamwork and plans to carry this collaborative approach into her career after graduation.
We applaud Monica鈥檚 remarkable achievements and eagerly anticipate the continued positive impact she will make as a social worker. Congratulations once again, Monica!