MSW student receives state award

Aayla Alexander, a graduate student in social work, is the 2016 recipient of the Presidents’ Award from the National Association of Social Workers North Carolina chapter (NASW-NC).

According to the association, Alexander was selected for exhibiting a “dedication to the social work profession through her academic excellence, community involvement and professional experience,” and the award honors her “exceptional leadership skills and professional potential.”

Originally from Fayetteville, Alexander completed a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Queens University of Charlotte. But it was her desire to become “a true advocate for those who do not have the ability, education or courage to stand up and speak for themselves,” that brought her to the field of social work.

As founder and president of the UNC Charlotte chapter of Advocates for Change (a student-led organization), Alexander collaborates with MSW students and various other campus and community groups to “enhance the quality of life for oppressed and vulnerable populations through advocacy, human services delivery and research.” Her recent work with Advocates for Change has focused on raising awareness and understanding for the transgender community.

Alexander recently was selected as a student representative for N.C. Rep. Beverly Earle’s Health Disparities Conference in 2016. She is preparing for a study abroad trip to Malawi, Africa, with the University’s School of Social Work, and after graduation, she said she plans to work with the Peace Corps as a part of its Community Youth Empowerment Program.

Leigh Norwood, a licensed clinical social worker at the UNC Charlotte Counseling Center and Alexander’s clinical supervisor, remarked, “Aayla Alexander is an amazing student, advocate and practitioner. She is destined to make exceptional contributions to the social work field.”

Alexander will be honored at the 2016 NASW-NC Ethics Conference and Awards Luncheon in March.