NASW Pioneers Biography Index


The National Association of Social Workers Foundation is pleased to present the NASW Social Work Pioneers®. NASW Pioneers are social workers who have explored new territories and built outposts for human services on many frontiers. Some are well known, while others are less famous outside their immediate colleagues, and the region where they live and work. But each one has made an important contribution to the social work profession, and to social policies through service, teaching, writing, research, program development, administration, or legislation.

The NASW Pioneers have paved the way for thousands of other social workers to contribute to the betterment of the human condition; and they are are role models for future generations of social workers. The NASW Foundation has made every effort to provide accurate Pioneer biographies.  Please contact us at naswfoundation@socialworkers.org to provide missing information, or to correct inaccurate information. It is very important to us to correctly tell these important stories and preserve our history.  

Please note, an asterisk attached to a name reflects Pioneers who have passed away. All NASW Social Work Pioneers® Bios are Copyright © 2021 National Association of Social Workers Foundation. All Rights Reserved.

    
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Edith Abbott Photo
Edith Abbott* (1876-1957)

Edith Abbott was born in Grand Island, Nebraska to active, civic minded parents. Her mother was an abolitionist and women's suffrage leader and her father was the first Lieutenant Governor of Nebraska. Her sister, Grace, was born two years later and their lives were intertwined with mutual interests and involvement in the public welfare and federal and state responsibilities involving social problems. Abbott was graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1901 and earned her doctoral degree in economics from the University of Chicago in 1905. She also studied at the London School of Economics. Abbott taught economics at Wellesley College until 1908 when she became Assistant Director of the Research Department of the Chicago School of Civics and Philanthropy, which later became part of the University of Chicago, the School of Social Service Administration. Abbott was Dean of the School of Social Service Administration from 1924 to 1942.

Abbott's contributions were unique, significant, and extensive. She stressed the importance and the essential need of a public welfare administration; the need for a more humane social welfare system; the responsibility of the state in relation to social problems; and the social aspects of legislation. Abbott helped establish the Cook County Bureau of Public Welfare in 1926. She assisted in drafting the Social Security Act of 1935. Abbott was a confidant and special consultant to Harry Hopkins, adviser to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Abbott was President of the National Conference of Social Work and the American Association of Schools of Social Work. She was a founder of "Social Service Review."  Her publications, basic documents in the field of social work and public welfare, are numerous. Additional information may be found in "Two Sisters for Social Justice: A Biography of Grace and Edith Abbott," by Lela Costin.




Newly Inducted NASW Social Work Pioneer Hortense McClinton 2015

Nominate A New NASW Pioneer

Please note, Pioneer nominations made between today’s date through March 31, 2023, will not be reviewed until spring 2023.

Completed NASW Pioneer nominations can be submitted throughout the year and are reviewed at the June Pioneer Steering Committee Meeting. To be considered at the June meeting, submit your nomination package by March 31. To learn more, visit our Pioneer nomination guidelines.


New Pioneers 

Congratulations newly elected Pioneers!  Pioneers will be inducted at the 2024  Annual Program and Luncheon. Full biographies and event details coming soon.


2024