Dr. Fabio A. Naranjo, assistant professor in Barry University’s School of Social Work, has been selected to receive the 2019 National Association of Social Workers (NASW-FL) Social Work Educator of the Year Award. He will receive the award at the NASW-FL conference in June.
Naranjo has been a member of the Barry University community since 2009. He primarily teaches social welfare policy courses, including Environmental Context for Social Work Practice, Leadership Advocacy and Policy Practice, and Community Organization. Since 2004, Naranjo has been invited by the U.S. Department of State as an expert speaker to conduct seminars in nine Latin American countries in subjects that include Understanding U.S. Nonprofits and Philanthropy; Proposal Writing; Effective Foundation Research; Strategic Planning; and Assessment of Organizational Capacity.
Naranjo’s professional experience includes working as a program officer for local and international foundations; legislative and administrative lobbying; managing community-based social service programs; community-building and development; and community organizing and advocacy.
“Soon after writing the NASW-Florida chapter to thank the organization for the award, I contacted the students whom I suspected had nominated me. I expressed to these three students my most sincere thanks for their nomination for this prestigious award and emphasized to them how honored I was by their vote of confidence,” Naranjo said. “After all, it is the students who nominate social work faculty from across the state — 15 schools of social work — for this honor.”
Dr. Phyllis Scott, dean of the School of Social Work, also expressed her support for Naranjo’s continued work and advocacy in the field of social work.
“This recognition is well deserved. Dr. Naranjo has fully embraced his role as an educator and mentor. His passion for social work and genuine love and concern for his students are expressed in all that he does,” Scott said. “He has influenced the lives of so many students and serves as a model to all of us. His professional poise, enthusiasm, consistent advocacy for social justice, and openness to the needs of others reflects not only his character, but also his heart.”