(RALEIGH, NC) – The National Association of Social Workers North Carolina Chapter (NASW-NC) has named Tanikia (Niki) Cobb as the recipient of the 2025 NASW-NC Toby Brown Award for Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) undergraduate students for the 2024-20245 academic year. Niki is an outstanding student at East Carolina University (ECU) and within her community.
The award recognizes a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) student in North Carolina who best reflects and represents the ethics, values, and passion in the field of social work through exemplary performance in social work coursework, field placement, student social work associations, and community organizations.
Niki has been an active member of the ECU campus community, serving as treasurer of the Bachelor of Social Work Student Association (BSWSA), as an ECU College of Health and Human Performance (HHP) student ambassador, and as a chaperone for the ECU Air Force JROTC Cadet Academy. Niki’s BSW internship was at the Beaufort County Department of Social Services, in the Adult Protective Services division. Throughout her internship, Niki was able to conduct assessments, develop services plans, and advocate for her clients, ensuring that they received the resources and care they needed. Niki was also able to gain experience working in the Community Alternatives program for adults living with a disability, Guardianship, Special Assistance, and Special Assistance In-Home programs. For Niki, these experiences allowed her to “witness firsthand how systemic barriers can prevent individuals from accessing the care they need. These experiences have motivated me to learn more about policy reform and ways to bridge the gaps in service delivery for marginalized communities.”
Niki’s hard work and dedication to the profession has not gone unnoticed. ECU Director of Field Education LaTonya Gaskins notes that “What sets Niki apart is her ability to connect with people, advocate effectively, and continuously seek opportunities for growth. Her resilience, adaptability, and unwavering demonstration of empowerment align seamlessly with the values of the NASW-NC Toby Brown Award. She is not only a promising social worker but also an emerging leader in the field.”
After graduation, Niki plans to pursue her Master of Social Work degree at East Carolina University. A veteran of the Unites States Army, Niki hopes to “refine my research skills to better understand the challenges faced by veterans and contribute to evidence-based solutions that improve their quality of life. Furthermore, I am particularly interested in learning more about mental health interventions and strategies to support individuals coping with PTSD, substance use disorders, and other challenges that disproportionately affect veterans.”
The National Association of Social Workers North Carolina Chapter (NASW-NC) is a membership organization of professional social workers with over 4,800 members in North Carolina. NASW promotes, develops, and protects the practice of social work and social workers. NASW-NC also seeks to enhance the well-being of individuals, families, and communities through its advocacy.
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