NASW-NC Announces 2024 Equity and Inclusion Student Award Recipients

For Immediate Release

April 8, 2024

Contact: Valerie Arendt, varendt.naswnc@socialworkers.org

The National Association of Social Workers North Carolina Chapter (NASW-NC) has named five North Carolina social work students as the 2024 NASW-NC Equity and Inclusion Student Award recipients. This award supports the vision of inclusive chapter membership and supports Master of Social Work (MSW) and Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) students pursuing a variety of social work specialties. These recipients were selected based on their commitment to incorporating and promoting equity and inclusion into their social work practice, their high academic achievement, and their leadership.

Rose Amburose - North Carolina State University, BSW Student

Rose Amburose is a BSW student at North Carolina State University is being honored for her remarkable journey and tireless efforts for social justice causes. Rose found her calling for social work from the journey of self-discovery through the experiences of marginalized communities and inequalities. Through her studies and activism, Rose has demonstrated a profound dedication to uplifting marginalized voices and challenging systemic injustices. Rose founded student organizations, led advocacy initiatives on reproductive rights, climate change and voter rights, and inspired others to advocate for a more equitable and inclusive society.

Rose’s professor and mentor Karey Harwood, Ph.D., NC State Associate Professor of Religious Studies, Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies says Rose is “An exceptional student who has overcome many obstacles in her life. She is propelled forward by curiosity, generosity, hard work, and strength of character.”

Evangeline Eure – Johnson C. Smith University, MSW Student

Evangeline Eure will receive her MSW from Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU), where she has led initiatives addressing health disparities within communities of color and served in key leadership roles in student organizations. A U.S. Army Veteran with extensive experience in public service, Evangeline aspires to advocate for systemic change and racial justice within government agencies. Evangeline’s current internship with the Tobacco Prevention and Control Branch of the North Carolina Division of Public Health includes a project on health equity showing the disparities in tobacco use among African Americans in North Carolina. Her commitment to serving vulnerable populations, including unhoused Veterans, is reflected in her post-graduation plans to establish a nonprofit organization aimed at providing transitional services and affordable housing solutions.

JCSU MSW Program Director Melvin Herring, PhD, MSW says, “I have had the pleasure of working with Ms. Eure in her role as a fellow in the Charlotte Racial Justice Consortium (CRJC) during her tenure as an undergraduate student at JCSU... Ms. Eure was a major contributor to our JCSU team... she co-led the development of a presentation on the importance of voting rights and how past and present policies have disproportionately impacted communities of color.”

Jacob Hoyt – UNC Chapel Hill, MSW Student

Jacob is pursuing his MSW from UNC Chapel Hill and is making an impact in the field of social work and is being recognized for his exceptional commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in both academic and professional settings. Jacob obtained his Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from North Carolina State University and his internship at the Raleigh Boys Club and subsequent role as a NC State College Advising Corps College Adviser teaching life skills related to financial aid literacy and empowering students who were often overlooked by the education system. Jacob managed the College Ambassadors Club providing leadership opportunities for historically underrepresented students in their school and local community, and working on initiatives towards higher education attainment.

Jacob is currently a UNC Chapel Hill 1789 Mentor supporting identified first-year students to ensure all academic, social and emotional needs are being met. After graduation, Jacob is interested in working with mixed-status families and conducting research to dismantle barriers to mental health services.

Jacob’s academic advisor Tauchiana Williams, DWS, LCSW describes him as "An outstanding individual with powerful personal experience that ground his desire to work with a mixed-race population whose academic prowess, leadership acumen, and unwavering dedication to social work make him a truly exceptional candidate.”

Nylia Jeffreys – East Carolina University, BSW Student

Nylia Jeffreys will graduate in May 2024 with her BSW from East Carolina University (ECU). As a Youth Staff member at her local Boys and Girls Club, Nylia consistently demonstrates a commitment to underserved populations with cultural sensitivity and humility. In her future career as a School Social Worker, she aspires to remove barriers to academic success for students from underrepresented communities, providing crucial support and resources to improve their overall well-being.

Nylia’s volunteer work and field experience have further solidified her dedication to social work ethics and values working with diverse populations, including youth, families, groups, and organizations, showcasing both her versatility and passion for service and outreach.

ECU School of Social Work Director of Field Education LaTonya Gaskins says of Nylia, “Her service to the community and university is exemplary. In her role as President of ECU’s Bachelor of Social Work Student Association, Nylia demonstrated exceptional leadership, steering the organization to make a significant impact through community service and philanthropy.”

Amaria Rankins – UNC Wilmington, BSW Student

Amaria Rankins is a BSW student at UNC Wilmington and is the current president of the Black Women’s Association (BWA) and a mentor in the Black Excellence Project which has allowed her to spearhead initiatives to foster a sense of belonging and support among Black women on campus. Additionally, as a student representative on UNCW Psychology’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee, Amaria advocates for her peers and collaborates with faculty and staff to promote diversity and inclusion initiatives campus wide.

Amaria’s dedication extends beyond campus borders, she plans to establish a nonprofit organization focused on community outreach and resource advocacy in predominantly Black neighborhoods. This award recognition will provide support for Amaria as she continues her studies and pursues her mission of creating positive change in her community.

UNC Wilmington Associate Profession Dr. Tiffany Lane says of Amaria, “As one of few Black women students on campus, she has made a presence on campus as a leader who inspires community human agency among other women on campus. I admire her desire to engage incoming students and provide support to African American students and students from other racial and ethnic groups who are interested in social work.” 

More information about the NASW-NC Equity and Inclusion Student Award and how to donate to this award can be found here: www.naswnc.org//EquityAward

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