2023 Awardees
We are grateful to these social workers for upholding the integrity of the social work profession and for their tireless efforts to serve in the midst of global pandemics.
Aliya D. Durham, PhD, MSW, MPIA
Dr. Durham earned degrees in Psychology, Africana Studies, Social Work, International Development, and Community Engagement. She’s an assistant professor and Community Engagement Director at Pitt’s School of Social Work. She has 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience with research interests in sense of community responsibility, collective impact, and distributed leadership.
Angela Campbell, MSW
Angela Campbell graduated from Bennett College with her BSW and the University of Pittsburgh with her MSW. She is currently an Education & Enrichment Liaison with Allegheny County Children Youth & Families. Part time she assists individuals with intellectual disabilities in home and community services that promote independence. During her career she has primarily empowered foster youth and homeless youth transitioning into adulthood focusing on permanent housing, life skills, education and identifying natural supports to promote long term positive well-being. She is a former foster youth and trained advocate through Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative, an Annie E. Casey Foundation program and a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Anette Nance, MSW
Anette Nance is a Masters level social worker. She currently works as the District Office Director for State Representative Martell Covington. She has done advocacy work in the veteran space locally, regionally, and nationally. Nance is currently an elected official on Braddock Hills Borough Council.
Kiera Mallett, LSW
Kiera Mallett is originally from Chicago, IL. She is currently the first Director of Field Education for the Bachelor of Social Work Program at Penn State and, a clinician at Outreach Teen and Family Services. Kiera is extremely passionate about training future social workers, serving/supporting youth, adolescents, and their families.
Kimberly Washington. MSW
Kimberly Washington is the Manager of Clinical Social Work at UPMC Children’s Hospital since December 2015. She graduated from Southern University and A&M College, Baton Rouge campus in 1998 with a BS in Social Work. Kimberly earned her MSW from the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work in December 1999. She previously worked at Three Rivers Adoption Council, now TRAC Services for Families, from May 1999 until May 2009. Kimberly has held the positions of caseworker, lead case worker and supervisor. She joined CHP as the Social Worker for Hematology/Oncology, supporting the Sickle Cell team, until she transitioned into her current position. Kimberly was a social work faculty member for the LEND Program from September of 2009 until May of 2016. She is the Board Chair of Children’s Sickle Cell Foundation.
Mikea Wall, LCSW
Mikea Wall is a graduate of Clark Atlanta and Rutgers University. With 8 years in the social work profession, Mikea has worked in various settings including private practice, community health, and inpatient facilities. Mikea is currently a therapist at Alma Illery and is a Clinical Supervisor with the University of Pittsburgh and Staunton Farm Foundation’s supervision program. Mikea plans to expand her role as a mentor and furthering the professional development of those in the helping profession.
Tierra Thorne, LSW
Tierra L. Thorne is a License Social Worker (LSW) who focuses on workforce wellness and implementing trauma-informed practices at an organizational level. Currently, she is the Clinical & Wellness Manager at The Department of Health & Human Services (DHS) Youth Support Partner Unit. In her role at DHS, she creates a culture of wellness and trauma-informed care for staff by implementing wellness programming to decrease burnout, secondary trauma & compassion fatigue. Tierra is also the Founder and CEO of Blanket & Board, an award-winning event-planning company specializing in charcuterie, picnics, and creating intentional experiences where people of all backgrounds can come together, engage in socialization, and prioritize self-care. Tierra has created a niche in curating wellness and self-care opportunities in shared community spaces for families, friends, colleagues, and corporate gatherings. When she is not advocating for social justice and community empowerment, Tierra spends time with her beautiful 8-year-old son Teagen and her partner Adam. Together they enjoy hiking, traveling, reading, and attending live music and cultural arts events.