For over a week, I’ve been thinking about what I want to say about the public launch of the new Master of Social Work program at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) and the 2026 Strengthening Black Families and Urban Communities Social Work Symposium.
I have spent much of my professional life working in interdisciplinary teams, so it’s always a great experience when I get to spend the day with social workers.
I am so proud that I was able to join the amazing seniors and my colleague Toni Denae Owens, Ph.D., LMSW from Trinity Washington University undergraduate social work program.
The collaboration and partnerships were a real life example of social work in action.
For those of you who don’t know, I began my social work education in the BSW program at the University of the District of Columbia. And honestly, I was unprepared for the full circle moment that happened when I walked onto campus.
And lastly, for almost a decade, I have incorporated the environment and sustainability into my work and teaching. I was excited by and affirmed by this new MSW program. For those of you who don’t know UDC offers:
-Concentration: Civic and Community Engagement
-Specialization: Urban Environmental Social Work
UDC is the only HBCU and second school of social work in the country offering an environmental specialization.
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Nicki Sanders, MSW is the Founder and CEO of Nicki Sanders Leadership Consulting and the creator of the S.O.F.T. Leadership™ framework – a liberation-centered approach to people-first, aligned leadership. With over 20 years of professional experience including nonprofit leadership, organizational development, and higher education, she works passionately with high-performing Women of Color leaders and values-driven organizations to build cultures rooted in wholeness, purpose, and lasting impact. Nicki is a nationally recognized thought leader, professor, coach, and facilitator proving that sustainable success does not require self-sacrifice.
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