NASW-Michigan Announces 2026 Emerging Social Work Leader Award Recipient: Laurel Hammis, LLMSW

April 3, 2026

LANSING, MI — The National Association of Social Workers – Michigan Chapter (NASW-Michigan) is proud to announce Laurel Hammis, LLMSW, as the recipient of the 2026 Emerging Social Work Leader Award.

The Emerging Social Work Leader Award recognizes outstanding contributions of social workers who are early in their careers. The award honors individuals who have already made meaningful contributions to the social work profession and demonstrate exceptional promise for continued leadership and service.

Hammis has distinguished herself as a rising leader through her work in higher education and behavioral health. A graduate of Adrian College and the University of Michigan School of Social Work, she has quickly built a career focused on expanding access to education, mental health resources, and inclusive learning environments.

Currently serving at Saginaw Valley State University, Hammis has held multiple roles supporting students and professionals across the region. She has worked with first-generation, low-income, and disabled students through TRIO Student Support Services, while also leading initiatives to improve access to healthcare and behavioral health resources.

As Program Coordinator for the YouthWISE grant, a $1.2 million federally funded initiative, Hammis has helped expand behavioral health education and services in rural and medically underserved communities. Her leadership has contributed to increased access to continuing education and professional development opportunities for social workers across Michigan.

In her current roles as MSW Practicum Education Coordinator and Director of Social Work Continuing Education, Hammis has significantly expanded the reach of professional education programs—growing participation from approximately 100 certificates annually to more than 1,600.

Reflecting on her journey into the profession, Hammis shared:

“All I knew was that I wanted to help people. It was in graduate school that I discovered macro social work and how systems-level change can transform communities.”

She credits mentorship as a key factor in her success, noting the support of Dr. Cathy Macomber in helping guide her early career.

“Five years ago, I never imagined I would become a social worker,” Hammis said. “Now, it’s truly what I was meant to do.”

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Hammis remains active in her community as a member of the Board of Directors for Bay City Players, Michigan’s oldest continually operating community theater.

Hammis will be formally recognized at the 2026 Social Work Student of the Year & Emerging Social Work Leader Awards, taking place on April 17, 2026, from 5:30–8:00 PM in Lansing, Michigan.