2026 History

Photo Gallery

Highlight Video

Lifetime Achievement

John O'Connell, MSW, LSW

Lifetime Achievement

John O’Connell is a dedicated social worker at Pittsburgh Science and Technology Academy, bringing over 24 years of experience to the field. He earned a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Pittsburgh. Throughout his career at Pittsburgh Public, John has served as a school social worker at multiple schools and as Director of Student Support.

He began his professional journey in chemical dependency counseling and contributed his expertise to Mercy Hospital’s emergency room, before dedicating himself as a social worker in schools. John is deeply committed to supporting students and families, using his diverse background to address a wide range of challenges. For him, being a social worker is more than a career—it is a true vocation, fueled by his passion for helping others and fostering positive change in his community.

Entrepreneur of the Year

Kristy Joy Weidner, LCSW, CCTP-1

Entrepreneur of the Year

Kristy Joy Weidner, L.C.S.W., CCTP-1 is the co-owner and clinical director of The Village Center for Holistic Therapy, where she leads a team dedicated to integrating mindfulness, movement, and community care into mental health practice. As a licensed clinical social worker, certified trauma professional, and mindfulness teacher, Kristy specializes in trauma, anxiety, grief, and life transitions, offering both individual and couples therapy rooted in compassion and connection.

A lifelong advocate for accessible wellness, she founded inJOY Meditation at the Rabki Japanese Gardens, creating space for people to slow down, heal, and rediscover joy—both onsite and through corporate wellness programming. Through her clinical leadership, community partnerships, and innovative wellness initiatives, Kristy continues to bridge evidence-based therapy with holistic healing, fostering environments where individuals, families, and communities can thrive.

Andre B Hemby "There For Me"

Bonnie Andrews

Andre B Hemby "There For Me"

The 2026 recipient of the Andre B Hemby "There for Me" Award was presented to Mrs. Bonnie Andrews. Bonnie Andrews is the wife of 2026 SWAG awardee Dr. James Andrews.

Throughout Dr. Andrews’ social work journey—from earning his MSW to leadership in the field and service within the National Association of Social Workers—Bonnie has been a consistent source of encouragement and support. Her steady presence reflects the vital role that partners, family members, and loved ones play in sustaining social workers throughout their careers. Bonnie’s unwavering support and belief in Dr. Andrews’ work embodies the spirit of the Andre B Hemby “There for Me” Award.

Organization of The Year

Steel Smiling

Organization of the Year

Steel Smiling bridges the gap between Black people and mental health support through education, advocacy, and community connection. Through initiatives like Beams to Bridges, Steel Smiling trains community members to become mental health advocates, equipping them with the tools to navigate emotional wellness for themselves and others.

The organization partners with local providers, leaders, and systems to create spaces where mental health conversations are normalized, resources are accessible, and healing is collective.

2026 Awardees

James H. Andrews, PhD, LCSW, LICSW

Forensic and Clinical Social Worker

Dr. James H. Andrews is a clinical social worker with expertise in forensic social work. He has been practicing in the field of behavioral health for nearly forty years as a clinical social worker, therapist, administrator, risk manager, consultant and educator. He provides forensic social work consultation as an expert witness.

Dr. Andrews holds his PhD in applied social science along with degrees in general management, psychology, and social work. His areas of research are threat assessment and violence, its causes, pre-identification and prediction. He also holds advanced licensure in social work including the LCSW in Pennsylvania and the LICSW in Massachusetts.

Dr. Kathi Elliott, DNP, MSW, PMHNP-BC

CEO of Gwen’s Girls

Dr. Kathi Elliott has over 30 years of experience in nursing, social service, community and individual mental health treatment. Since 2002, Gwen's Girls' mission has been to empower girls and young women to have productive lives through holistic, gender-specific programs, education and experiences.

A visionary leader, Dr. Elliott has positioned Gwen’s Girls in becoming a well-recognized forerunner in the integration of evidence-based clinical prevention and intervention policies and practices that enhance the child and social welfare system.

Bethany Hemingway, MSW

Sr. Program Officer Staunton Farm Foundation

Bethany Hemingway is a dedicated advocate and nonprofit leader serving as Senior Program Officer at the Staunton Farm Foundation in Pittsburgh, PA. Since 2010, she has directed $2.3–$3 million in annual grant funding to advance mental health and substance use initiatives, with a strong focus on policy reform and systems-level change.

Bethany is a tireless champion for underserved communities, leveraging her expertise to influence Medicaid policy, expand access to behavioral health services, and educate elected officials on evidence-based solutions.

Dr. Toya Jones, Ed.D, LCSW

BASW Program Director

Dr. Jones is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for the state of Pennsylvania. She is an Assistant Professor and Director of the Bachelor of Arts Social Work program at the University of Pittsburgh. She is the founder and president of Freedom Indeed LLC, an organization that focuses on serving and empowering returning citizens and victims of crime.

She is the Clinical Director of Operation Amini, focusing on providing services needed to prevent future incarceration and gun violence-related criminal activity. Dr. Jones is an expert trauma witness and consultant for the United States Federal Courts.

De’netta Benjamin-Miller, LCSW

Executive Director, Sojourner House

De’netta Benjamin-Miller, LCSW joined Sojourner House as Executive Director in October 2019. She has served as a Behavioral Health Therapist for more than 23 years. Her leadership has been widely recognized; in 2023 she was named one of City & State PA’s 100 Women of Power and Diversity.

Deeply motivated to help others step into their healing, Mrs. Benjamin-Miller has dedicated her career to advancing behavioral health and wellness, owning Focus on Life Counseling Center, LLC where she provides free community services.

Theresa Thao Pham, PhD, LSW

Associate Professor, PennWest University

Dr. Pham has dedicated over 25 years in the social work field. She earned her MSW from Smith College School for Social Work and her PhD from Columbia University. Her passion for social work started as an undergraduate volunteer teaching English to Haitian refugees.

Dr. Pham extended her love of the field internationally to Morocco, Algeria, and Spain where she conducted research on social work practice with immigrants and refugees. She is currently an Associate Professor and the Assistant Director of the MSW Program at Pennsylvania Western University.

2026 Speakers

Michelle McMurray, MSW

Opening Remarks

Michelle McMurray, MSW, is a transformative leader whose career spans academic research, clinical practice, policy advocacy and strategic philanthropy.

Michelle currently serves as the vice president of Program and Community Engagement at The Pittsburgh Foundation where she is responsible for the strategic direction, development and management of the Foundation’s grantmaking programs and community engagement efforts. For more than a decade, Michelle has spearheaded the creation of innovative initiatives that openly acknowledge and address economic and racial injustice and have directed tens of millions in funding toward small, community-led nonprofits and grassroots movements advocating for structural change. She has consistently challenged the traditional, top-down approach to philanthropy, championing community-informed grantmaking, where lived experience is regarded as essential expertise.

Prior to joining the Foundation, Michelle served as the CEO of Mental Health America Allegheny County, where she oversaw programs and advocacy to ensure delivery of recovery-oriented services, increase mental health literacy, and protect the educational rights of students with mental health needs. Michelle’s community leadership is extensive including serving as a co-chair for County Executive Sara Innamorato’s All In Allegheny transition committee in 2024.

She is the recipient of many awards for her work including being honored by the Pennsylvania Governor's Commission on African American Affairs in 2020 and being recognized as one of the Top 50 Women Leaders of Pennsylvania by Women We Admire in 2023 and 2024.

Dr. Aliya D. Durham

Dr. Aliya D. Durham

Keynoke Speaker

Dr. Aliya D. Durham is an Assistant Professor and Director of Community Engagement at the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work. With over two decades of nonprofit leadership and philanthropic experience, she integrates human-centered design, asset-based development, and equity-centered practices into teaching, research, and service.

Dr. Durham teaches courses in grant writing, organizational management, social work practice with diverse populations, and leads the Browne Leadership and Community and Racial Equity Leadership (CREL) Fellowships—two immersive programs preparing students for macro practice in underserved communities. A multi-degreed Pitt alumna, her academic foundation is rooted in Africana Studies, Psychology, Social Work, and Public and International Affairs and augmented with a doctorate in Community Engagement from Point Park University.

Dr. Durham is an award-winning faculty member that has been recognized for championing engaged scholarship and collaboration. She currently serves on numerous academic committees and her research centers on Black mental health practitioners and culturally responsive evaluation.

Mikey Hood

Mistress of Ceremonies

Mikey Hood is a lifestyle and entertainment co-host on KDKA’s afternoon lifestyle show Talk Pittsburgh. She grew up in the East End of Pittsburgh and graduated from Taylor Allderdice High School. She got her start in local daytime TV through a web show she created and produced call Pghspot.com. She says “I always wanted to highlight people from my community.. the feel good stories, the stories of victory and success”.

She is married to actor Georin Oliver and has a son named Logan. She also loves playing with her high energy dog, a Labradoodle named Wilson. Her motto is to focus on the things you can change, not on what you can't.