The field of social work has always been shaped by the social, cultural and political forces of its time. From addressing the legacies of colonialism and systemic inequities to advocating for community empowerment, the contributions of past leaders continue to influence how social work is practiced today. Women of Caribbean descent have played a pivotal role in this evolution, bringing unique perspectives and bold innovations to the field; especially in the U.S.
While not all of these women are social workers by profession, their work in advocacy, education and community building has profoundly transformed and continues to shape the field of social work. By addressing issues such as child welfare, early education, trauma-informed care and cultural inclusion, they have laid the groundwork for modern social work practices. Their efforts remind us that understanding the past is essential to creating a more equitable future in social work.
This article explores how the legacies of Shirley Chisholm and Dr. Antonia Pantoja—trailblazers who are no longer with us—continue to inspire the present and future of social work. It also highlights the ongoing contributions of Dr. Olympia O’Neale White, Trinay Thomas, LCSW and Monica Gavilanes, LMSW, who are actively practicing in their fields today. Through their stories, we see how the intersections of history, culture and advocacy inform the profession’s ongoing evolution and inspire practitioners today.
Shirley Chisholm: A Pioneer in Advocacy and Policy
(1924–2005)
Shirley Chisholm, born to immigrant parents from Guyana and Barbados, began her career in education before transitioning into politics. While she was not a social worker, her advocacy for child welfare, early childhood education and systemic equity greatly impacted the field of social work.
In 1968, Chisholm became the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress, where she championed policies addressing food insecurity, early education and community resources. Her groundbreaking 1972 campaign for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination demonstrated bold leadership and inspired a generation of advocates, including social workers, to pursue systemic change. Though she passed away in 2005, her legacy reminds us that advocacy and policymaking are essential tools for shaping a more equitable society.
Dr. Antonia Pantoja: Transforming Communities Through Education
(1922–2002)
Dr. Antonia Pantoja, a Puerto Rican educator and activist, transformed social work by addressing the gaps in services for Puerto Rican and Latino communities. After earning a Master’s degree in Social Work from Columbia University in 1954, she founded numerous organizations, including ASPIRA, which has provided leadership training and educational opportunities for over 50,000 young people.
Dr. Pantoja’s work exemplifies the power of grassroots programs to uplift marginalized communities. Her initiatives, such as Boricua College and the Puerto Rican Research and Resources Center, remain enduring models for community-driven solutions that align with the values of social work. Though she passed away in 2002, her work continues to inspire those dedicated to community empowerment and systemic change.
Dr. Olympia O’Neale White: Advancing Cultural Competency
(Currently Practicing)
Dr. Olympia O’Neale White, a first-generation American with Caribbean roots, has dedicated her career to promoting cultural inclusion in social work. Through her consulting firm, Through My Lense Consulting Services, she trains professionals to integrate empathy and cultural responsiveness into their practices.
Still actively practicing today, Dr. O’Neale White uses her personal experiences and professional expertise to empower students and postgraduates to become culturally responsive change agents. Her ongoing work reflects the growing importance of cultural competency in addressing the needs of diverse communities and inspires the next generation of social workers.
Trinay Thomas, LCSW: Bridging Local and Global Social Work
(Currently Practicing)
Trinay Thomas, LCSW, a dual citizen of the U.S. and Trinidad and Tobago, demonstrates how international perspectives can enhance social work practice. Her private practice and academic roles focus on trauma-informed care, cultural competency and global partnerships.
Thomas is actively shaping the future of social work through her work as an Assistant Professor and Associate Director of Practicum Learning at Rutgers School of Social Work. By connecting diaspora communities across borders, Thomas exemplifies the potential of international collaboration in social work. Her contributions remind us that social work thrives when it embraces global perspectives.
Monica Gavilanes, LMSW: Healing the Healers
(Currently Practicing)
Monica Gavilanes, LMSW, holds a Master’s degree in Social Welfare from Stony Brook University and has trained and mentored clinicians in trauma-informed care for over six years. Through her work, she creates spaces for mental health professionals to confront and heal from internalized colonial paradigms.
Currently practicing, Gavilanes blends methodologies such as EMDR, Internal Family Systems and Liberation Psychology to support mental health professionals in their personal and professional growth. Her work embodies a liberation-centered approach that emphasizes communal healing, aligning with the broader goals of social work to foster equity and well-being in marginalized communities.
Shaping the Future of Social Work
The contributions of women of Caribbean descent have far-reaching implications for the future of social work. Their work highlights several key principles:
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Advocacy and Leadership: Shirley Chisholm’s example underscores the importance of engaging in policymaking to create systemic change.
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Community-Driven Solutions: Dr. Pantoja’s initiatives demonstrate the power of grassroots programs in addressing specific community needs.
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Cultural Competency: The work of Dr. O’Neale White and Monica Gavilanes shows the importance of fostering cultural inclusion and liberation-centered practices.
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Global Collaboration: Trinay Thomas’s international work illustrates the potential of cross-border partnerships to address transnational issues.
Tips and Tools for Social Workers
To follow in the footsteps of these pioneers, social workers can adopt the following strategies:
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Pursue Advanced Education: Seek degrees and certifications in trauma-informed care, cultural competency and leadership to enhance your skills and deepen your impact. Here are some specific examples:
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Trauma-Informed Care: Consider certifications through the Trauma-Informed Care Training Institute or the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.
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Cultural Competency: Enroll in programs like the Georgetown University National Center for Cultural Competence (NCCC) or courses offered through NASW’s Cultural Competency training programs.
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Leadership Development: Pursue advanced degrees such as a Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) from institutions like the University of Southern California or specialized leadership certificates from organizations like Harvard’s Kennedy School Executive Education or Rutgers Leadership Academy.
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Engage in Advocacy: Advocate for policy changes that promote equity and justice, focusing on key areas such as:
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Child Welfare Reform: Push for policies that reduce the overrepresentation of Black and Latino children in foster care systems.
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Healthcare Access: Support initiatives like Medicaid expansion or universal healthcare to address systemic health inequities.
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Educational Equity: Advocate for equitable funding for schools in underserved communities or for the expansion of Head Start programs.
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Leverage Technology: Use telehealth platforms, online training modules and digital tools to expand your reach and improve your practice. Examples include:
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Telehealth Platforms: Use platforms such as Doxy.me, SimplePractice or TheraNest to provide virtual therapy sessions.
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Online Training Modules: Explore resources like Coursera, edX or specialized social work training on platforms such as Social Work Online CE Institute.
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Digital Tools: Incorporate tools like Zoom for virtual workshops or Trello for project management.
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Collaborate Across Borders: Build partnerships with global organizations to address transnational issues and enhance your understanding of social work practices in different contexts. Examples of such organizations include:
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International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW): Offers resources and opportunities for international collaboration.
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UNICEF: Focuses on child welfare and global development, offering opportunities for social workers to engage in international projects.
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International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW): Provides access to global networks of social work educators and practitioners.
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Amnesty International: Collaborates on human rights initiatives that align with social work advocacy goals.
Conclusion
The legacies of Shirley Chisholm, Dr. Antonia Pantoja, Dr. Olympia O’Neale White, Trinay Thomas, LCSW and Monica Gavilanes, LMSW remind us that the field of social work is deeply interconnected with broader movements for justice and equity. By building on their foundations of advocacy, education, cultural competency and collaboration, today’s social workers can continue to transform the profession and empower communities.
These women’s contributions are a testament to the power of diverse perspectives and the enduring impact of their visionary leadership—past and present.
Hear More from a Trailblazing Woman in Social Work
Can’t get enough of these trailblazing women? We’ve already introduced you to Dr. Olympia O’Neill-White (Dr. O) in this post, but now you can hear directly from her!
In our Queens of Social Work podcast episode "Reproductive Mental Health with Dr. O", she shares powerful insights on reproductive mental health and how social workers can better support individuals through fertility, pregnancy and postpartum challenges. Listen here or below to dive deeper with one of today’s pioneers!