Social Work as a Path to Diversity Work

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Keywords:

diversity, equity, inclusion, career, skills

Abstract

We are in an exciting time in our country as we navigate racial tensions and resolve to make our organizations better places for everyone to work and live. One way to do so is professionally as administrative leaders dedicated to this cause (often called chief diversity officers or directors of an office of diversity). Social workers are taught a skillset that is conducive to work in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion. This skillset includes brokering, strategic planning, evaluation, and research. Here, I focus on three essential skills that have been particularly helpful in helping to lead an organization in areas of equity and inclusion: communication, resource-gathering, and self-care. As context for the conversation, I share my journey to leadership. This article ends with implications for research and a call for willing social workers to consider entering this work at any level desirable.

Author Biography

Stephanie Hamm, Abilene Christian University

Stephanie Hamm, PhD (she/her) is Professor and BSSW Program Director, School of Social Work, Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX (stephanie.hamm@acu.edu).

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Published

2026-04-29

How to Cite

Hamm, S. (2026). Social Work as a Path to Diversity Work. Reflections: Narratives of Professional Helping, 32(1), 124–130. Retrieved from https://reflectionsnarrativesofprofessionalhelping.org/index.php/Reflections/article/view/2153

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