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Jillian Riley Named Named NASW-NC Advocate of the Year!

Monday, January 29, 2024   (1 Comments)
Posted by: NASWNC Associate

(Raleigh, NC) - The National Association of Social Workers North Carolina Chapter (NASW-NC) is proud to award Jillian Riley, MSW with the 2024 Myrna Miller Wellons Advocate of the Year Award. Jillian Riley was selected to receive this year’s award due to her tireless advocacy to protect abortion access in North Carolina. Jillian received her Master of Social Work in 2021 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work (UNC SSW).

 

Jillian is currently the North Carolina Director of Public Affairs with Planned Parenthood South Atlantic. As the organization’s lobbyist, she was a constant presence at the NC General Assembly, ensuring legislators understood the impact that the monster abortion ban would have on reproductive health care in this state. She developed a statewide political strategy that incorporated organizing and empowering nearly 3,500 individuals and community partners from across the state who were a powerful force during legislative session and at every vote, Governor’s veto, and veto override. NASW-NC opposes government restrictions designed to limit access to reproductive health services, including abortion services.


Allison Kiser, MSW, Executive Director of Planned Parent South Atlantic says, “Jillian was instrumental in the fight against SB 20 in influencing legislators, crafting strategy, and holding elected officials accountable. She also brought her organizing background to bear through her efforts to organize key stakeholders and influencers including health care providers, people of faith and business leaders. Throughout the fight, Jillian stayed true to our shared social work values by centering the needs of impacted people and fighting for the right to self-determination for every person. She is a credit to the social work profession, and to the Planned Parenthood South Atlantic team.”


Representative Julie von Haefen shared “I could always count on Jillian to be available as a resource to answer questions, get last minute guidance and to help us prepare for votes and amendments as this bill moved quickly through the legislature. She was an invaluable resource to me as I organized the House Democratic Caucus floor debate on the bill, keeping us focused on our top messaging points and joint communication strategy. Although we were not successful in stopping SB 20, I was so proud of all the work that Jillian did to assist us and to lead us during this difficult battle. She is an amazing advocate and policy resource for us in the General Assembly."

Ms. Riley will receive the 2024 NASW-NC Myrna Miller Wellons Advocate of the Year Award at the 2024 NASW-NC Virtual Ethics Conference and Awards Celebration on Friday, March 23, 2024.

The National Association of Social Workers North Carolina (NASW-NC) is a membership organization of professional social workers in North Carolina. NASW promotes, develops, and protects the practice of social work and social workers. NASW also seeks to enhance the well-being of individuals, families, and communities through its advocacy.

Comments...

Mary L. Affee says...
Posted Monday, February 5, 2024
Congratulations!!!!!!

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