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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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Irene Grant (Dalrymple) Photo
Irene Grant* (Dalrymple)

Irene Grant* (Dalrymple) can rightly be called the mother of the Social Work Service of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). After service in the American Red Cross, during and following World War I, she was selected as the first Director of the program in 1922. At her first meeting with the Administrator of the Bureau of Veterans Affairs, she was asked if being a social worker was anything like being a socialist.

From this meager beginning and primitive understanding of the nature of social work within the agency, Grant somehow managed to forge a program of individual, group, and community social work for veterans and their families during the euphoric 1920s and throughout the dark and austere days of the great depression. First and foremost in her administrative philosophy was her dogged adherence to professional standards of performance and her insistence on professional education as the basic qualification for employment.

Under her leadership, the program grew in size and professional stature. It was the first federal social work program to gain affiliation with professional schools of social work. It became a leader in community care for the mentally ill, and in developing the social aspects of medical care, and rehabilitation. This was the heritage left by Grant which became the foundation for the post World War II programs.

Following World War II and the unprecedented outpouring of benefits to veterans by a grateful nation, the VA's medical programs, along with social service, were greatly expanded. With characteristic modesty and with her vision for the future, Grant passed the leadership role to younger social workers, many of whom served in the military during the war, or in the American Red Cross. She served out her VA career as advisor, counselor, and historian to the new leaders.

Photo rights belong to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.




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