Congratulations to the 2025 NASW-Michigan Social Worker of the Year Award Recipient, Debra Morgan, LBSW, MPA
The National Association of Social Workers–Michigan Chapter (NASW-Michigan) is proud to announce Debra Morgan, BSW, as the recipient of the 2025 Social Worker of the Year Award. This honor recognizes a member whose career exemplifies the best of social work values, leadership, and commitment to human dignity.
"Never could I have imagined that the work I love would lead to a nomination from the National Association of Social Workers. Serving others is not something that you seek recognition for doing. I am who I am by the grace of God. I believe in the principle of loving my neighbor; my neighbor is mankind. The tenets of Social work that everyone has a value aligns with my personal beliefs and values that no one is expendable."
A tireless advocate for seniors and families in Genesee County, Morgan has spent decades ensuring that older adults have access to essential services, from Meals on Wheels and MI Choice Waiver supports to community art therapy and healthy food resources. As a supervisor at the Valley Area Agency on Aging, she is known for her deep compassion, relentless advocacy, and belief that every person deserves to age with dignity and respect.
Beyond her professional impact, Morgan co-leads Well of Hope, a family nonprofit dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty. Her service extends far beyond her job description—filling community food pantries, mentoring young women healing from trauma, and embodying the social work principle of service even through personal health challenges.
“Debra is the embodiment of social work—selfless, compassionate, and dedicated to uplifting others,” shared Brianna Carpenter, LMSW, who nominated her. “She transforms lives every day through her work with the elderly, her mentorship of women, and her unwavering service to her community.”
Her daughter and fellow social worker, Chia Morgan, LLMSW, MPA, added, “Even while undergoing chemotherapy treatment, my mother continued serving others. She is my greatest inspiration and the social worker I admire most.”
Morgan’s life and career stand as a testament to resilience, leadership, and the enduring power of compassion in action. NASW-Michigan proudly recognizes her contributions to the profession and the countless lives she has touched.
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