LANSING, MI – The National Association of Social Workers – Michigan Chapter (NASW-Michigan) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Student Leadership in Diversity Scholarships, recognizing outstanding social work students who demonstrate exceptional commitment to advancing equity, inclusion, and social justice in their communities.
Vanessa Howard, a Master of Social Work student at Capella University, was selected as the MSW award recipient. Vanessa’s academic excellence and extensive experience working with justice-involved youth, survivors of domestic violence, and underserved populations reflect her deep dedication to building trauma-informed, culturally responsive systems of care. Her leadership embodies the values of social work and the ongoing fight for equity and representation across Michigan. Vanessa is also serving as a Student Ambassador for the NASW-Michigan Chapter in 2025.
Kate Greif, a Bachelor of Social Work student at Hope College, was named the BSW award recipient. Kate has demonstrated exceptional leadership and advocacy through her work with Hope’s LGBTQIA+ organization Prism, Special Olympics, and campus ASL and accessibility initiatives. Her efforts to increase inclusion and representation for queer and disabled individuals exemplify the next generation of compassionate, justice-driven social workers.
Both recipients will be recognized during NASW-Michigan’s 2025 Virtual Legislative Education and Advocacy Day (LEAD) on Thursday, October 16, 2025.
“Each year, we are inspired by the creativity, compassion, and courage of social work students across Michigan,” said Duane Breijak, LMSW, Executive Director of NASW-Michigan. “Vanessa and Kate reflect the heart of our profession—using their education, lived experience, and advocacy to create meaningful change in our state. We are proud to invest in their future as we know their impact will be tremendous”
The NASW-Michigan Student Leadership in Diversity Scholarship supports emerging social workers who demonstrate outstanding leadership in promoting diversity, cultural awareness, and social justice through service, research, and advocacy.
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