The Neysa Fanwick Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to a master’s degree candidate in social work dedicated to addressing injustices within various systems, including, but not limited to, criminal justice, foster care, healthcare, and education. These candidates will demonstrate a commitment to developing innovative solutions that foster positive change, with experience working in health and mental health settings. Applications will be evaluated based on their alignment with the fund’s mission.The 2026-2027 recipients are:
Mary Kachel, Seattle University
Kachel is a Master of Social Work candidate entering her final year at Seattle University, specializing in macro-clinical practice and systems-level advocacy for youth and families. As a non-traditional student, small business owner, and mother of two teenagers, she brings a rich foundation of lived experience, leadership, and community engagement to her graduate studies.
Deeply committed to structural resource equity, Kachel has served as a grassroots volunteer and community organizer, leading local nonprofit fundraisers, coordinating public school alliance initiatives, and spearheading youth-focused community programs. Within her academic journey, she has contributed to research on human development frameworks, therapeutic program design, and educational advocacy.
Upon graduation, Kachel aims to bridge grassroots community organizing with clinical practice, developing equity-centered frameworks that support the mental health and socioeconomic advancement of the individuals and families she serves. She is committed to advancing the core values of the social work profession through relationship-driven community interventions and policy-level advocacy.