Licensing exam reform, and the path to social work | Luisa Lopez, Jessica Mitchell, and Xai Yang (Social Workers for Justice)

Erica speaks to a panel of social workers (Social Workers for Justice) about what needs to be done to give more opportunities for representation in communities of color in the social work space. Including what can be done to make testing and credentialing more accessible to those representing different cultures. 

• Importance of creating opportunities for new social workers
• Social Workers and the “ASWB LMSW Entry Level” exam
• How the ASWB exam test questions are created
• The emotional, cultural, and financial hurdles of the test
• What can be done to restructure the path toward social work careers 

Guest Bios:

Jessica Mitchell:

Ms. Mitchell is a Clinical Assistant Professor at Stony Brook University, School of Social Welfare. She teaches courses in policy, political action, and campaign management. She also serves as a Practicum Instructor for students interning in legislative and political offices and with nonprofits seeking to make legislative change in several areas. In 2022 she received the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching.  Ms. Mitchell serves as the Co-Chair of the Social Workers for Justice initiative to repeal the licensing exam requirement for Social Workers in New York State.

Luisa Lopez:

Luisa Lopez currently serves as President of the Latino Social Work Coalition and Scholarship Fund. With a robust background in government relations, Luisa has left an indelible mark on New York's social work landscape, having served in pivotal roles at the Office of the Manhattan Borough President, the NYC Council, and the Washington, DC office of former Bronx Congressman José E. Serrano.

Xai Yang:

For over 12 years, Xai has been an experienced social worker who is SIFI certified. Xai is currently a therapist and founding contributor member of KitUp LLC, coaching and DEI consulting. Xai has a broad background that includes union and political organizing, child welfare, ACT team, psychiatric mobile crisis, and consulting for Social Workers for Justice. 

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