NASW Foundation National Programs

NASW Social Work Pioneers^®

Luna B. Leach (1902- )

Leach received a BS degree from the Florida State College for Women in 1926; an MA degree from the School of Education at New York University; and a degree from the Graduate School of Social Work, University of Columbia, 1937.

Leach is best known for her work in public welfare and her work in greater Hartford on the Community Council. She was a history teacher in Orlando, Florida from 1926-1928 and then a field representative chief for the Florida Public Welfare Department in 1929-1930. Leach held a variety of positions: the executive secretary of American Red Cross in Phoenix, Arizona for three years; an emergency relief administrator in New York City; a federal social security administrator for nine years; a professor at the University of Washington School of Social Work; and a professor at the University of Connecticut for six years. She was the associate director for the Greater Hartford Community Council for 14 years.

Leach was on the editorial board of Social Casework, the board of the National Welfare Family in 1952 with the State Welfare Department. She provided consultation to the New England Planning Committee, Child Welfare League of America. She was president of Hartford Mental Health Association and president of American Association of Social Workers in Washington state and Connecticut.

Appointed by the governor for two terms on the Child Day Care Council, she has written many articles for Social Casework, Public Welfare, and she gave many papers at state and national conferences. She participated in service training institutes.

Leach has been the recipient of many awards. She was a delegate to the national Youth and Family Conference. She is listed in Who's Who of American Woman, 2,000 Notable American Women, and Who's Who Among Human Service Professionals. She lives in West Hartford and still does considerable volunteer work.