(RALEIGH, NC)- The National Association of Social Workers North Carolina Chapter (NASW-NC) has named two North Carolina social work students as the inaugural 2025 NASW-NC Kelly Spangler Student Award recipients. The Kelly Spangler Student Award provides an annual monetary award and NASW membership to Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (BSW) students seeking a career in public health, health care and/or integrated health care social work. This award honors the legacy of Kelly Spangler, a dedicated NASW member and public health social worker, who advocated for social work in public health and enhancements to service delivery at North Carolina Health Departments.
Pazia Harbin
Pazia Harbin is a BSW student at Mars Hill University and is being honored for their commitment to enhancing service delivery outcomes for individuals facing substance use disorders and other intersecting challenges. Pazia is inspired to pursue a career in social work due to their experience serving communities struggling with addiction recovery and their lived experiences. Through their professional experience, Pazia has worked to enhance harm reduction efforts, provide peer support, and deliver dignified outcomes for the communities they serve. Pazia ultimately seeks to pursue a career in law, driven by their passion for social work, where they can integrate a rehabilitative model into the criminal justice system and promote equal justice outcomes for all individuals.
Pazia’s professor, Caroline Twiggs, MSW, Mars Hill University Professor and Assistant Director of the Center for Community Engagement, says “Kelly [Spangler] would have been just as inspired by Pazia’s energy, passion, and commitment as I have been … one senses their dedication to serve the less fortunate fight against social injustices.”
Kate McCarthy
Kate McCarthy is an MSW student at the University of North Carolina School of Social Work and is committed to a future career enhancing public health outcomes through social work practice. Kate’s passion for social work stems from her diverse professional experiences and her passion for social determinants of health, environmental justice, and mental health access. This passion is further developed by her experience with legislative advocacy, research, and engagement. Kate hopes to complete a dual Master of Public Health to further develop her efforts to enhance public health outcomes. Kate is excited about integrating somatic therapies into her practice and working with underserved populations to implement targeted interventions. Through a holistic model, Kate is eager to advocate for systemic change in clinical practice and policy.
Kate’s field placement supervisor at the Legislative Breakfast on Mental Health, Maximilian Shafir, says “Kate’s relentless drive to solve problems, coupled with … her capacity to take on challenges and persevere in the face of adversity is a testament to her character and her potential for future leadership.”
More information about the NASW-NC Kelly Spangler Student Award and how to donate to this award can be found by clicking here.
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.
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