NASW-Michigan Welcomes Jess Riley, Policy & Advocacy Manager

Dear members and the broader social work community,

My name is Jess Riley, and I’m excited to introduce myself as NASW-Michigan’s new Policy and Advocacy Manager.

I first got involved with NASW as a BSW intern with the Texas Chapter back in 2020, an opportunity which eventually evolved into a full-time community organizing role where I worked with social workers, students, and community and advocacy partners to grow membership and mobilize our collective power for political action. I also have a background in campaign work and field organizing, which has shaped my approach to relationship-building, political strategy, and people-centered advocacy.

I recently completed my MSW at the University of Michigan, where I focused on community-based policy work related to many issue areas including housing affordability, transportation, food access, and labor rights at the local level. Over the past many years, I’ve centered my work on supporting people in finding their advocacy voice and making policy feel accessible and connected to the realities social workers experience every day.

In this new role, I’m excited to support NASW-Michigan’s legislative priorities, uplift member voices, and help build a strong advocacy infrastructure that reflects the needs and values of social workers across the state. I look forward to meeting and collaborating with many of you in the months ahead.

Please feel free to reach out anytime. Whether you want to get involved, share a policy concern, or talk about issues impacting your community or practice, you can reach me at jriley.naswmi@socialworkers.org or (517) 940-4684.

Thank you for the work you do each day. I’m grateful to join you in this statewide advocacy effort.

Warmly,

Jess Riley, MSW (she/they)

Policy & Advocacy Manager

NASW-Michigan