Barry Proud: Celebrating Our 2026 NASW-FL Miami-Dade Award Winners

During Social Work Month 2026, Barry University’s Social Work community is proud to celebrate an extraordinary recognition from the NASW-FL Miami-Dade Unit, where Barry alumni and faculty were honored across multiple categories.

Nelson Santos was named MSW Social Work Student of the Year, Rachel Badilla, LCSW (MSW 2020) received the Social Worker of the Year award, and Patricia Benson (BSW 2023, MSW 2024) was recognized with the Emerging Social Work Leader Award. Most notably, Dr. Michael Alicea, BSW Program Director and full-time faculty member at Barry University—and a proud graduate of the Barry MSW program—received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. Together, these recognitions reflect the lasting impact of Barry-educated social workers who continue to uplift, defend, and transform communities, embodying the mission of the profession and the spirit of Social Work Month.


 

Rachel Badilla, LCSW  ‘2020

Dr. Michael Alicea – BSW Program Director

Nelson Santos BSW:  2025  
MSW student now

Patricia Denson: BSW 2023,  MSW 2024

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