Even in the face of uncertainty, change, and challenging federal funding environment, the UConn School of Social Work faculty, staff, students, and alumni are advancing their mission of social justice every day.

“Our community is remarkably resilient,” said Laura Curran, dean of the School of Social Work. “In this deeply challenging moment for our profession, we continue to move forward with purpose.”

On April 21, Curran shared reflections of the state of the School during the annual SSW Alumni Awards Reception, held in the UConn School of Law Stuart F. Smith Reading Room. This year, the School recognized nine alumni for contributing meaningful, impactful work in the world.

Dean Curran presented the first five of the nine awards: the Dean’s Alumni Recognition Awards.

She honored Travis Cooley MSW ’23, Alyeska Tilly MSW ’23, Amanda Weech MSW ’23, Jillian Davey MSW ’23, and Katie Malgioglio MSW ’22 for advocating for a more flexible practicum experience for students challenged by the demands of work, family, and life. As a result, the School of Social Work adjusted hour requirements and, allowed students to complete practica within their places of employment.

“These changes were shaped and strengthened by the voices of these alumni—individuals who understood firsthand the challenges and possibilities of practicum education, and who advocated not only for themselves, but for those who would follow,” Curran said. “The impact will be felt in the education of our students for years to come.”

School of Social Work Alumni Board of Champions members Yolanda Leon MSW ’05, and former president Barbie Nadal-Cristofaro MSW ’16 presented the next four awards.

“We are so excited to gather with you—our alumni, award recipients, students, faculty, and supporters—and to continue strengthening the connections that make the SSW community so special,” Leon said. “One of the Alumni Board’s goals is to create meaningful opportunities for alumni to come together, reconnect with one another, and build a vibrant, supportive community that reflects our shared values as social workers.”

Leon presented the Emerging Social Work Leader Award to Taylor Tucker ’20 (SSW), MSW ’21, who is returning next fall to pursue a Ph.D. from the School. This award honors an alum who has demonstrated outstanding leadership early in their career. A U.S. Navy veteran, Tucker currently works for Health Equity Solutions in Hartford as director of the HES Advantage Social Enterprise team, and serves as a strategic partner with the Cadence of Social Impact in Hartford, where he supports values-driven organizations and leaders in advancing equity-centered strategies.

His work includes designing and leading trainings and developing curriculum on race, racism, and equitable leadership across public health and community systems, with a focus on building more inclusive and responsive organizations. Taylor’s work also centers LGBTQ+ communities, with particular attention to transgender identities and lived experiences.

Nadal-Cristofaro honored Almedina Keranovic MSW ’22 with the Outstanding Field Instructor Award. This award recognizes excellence in mentoring and field education. Keranovic is a mental health program supervisor at the Greater Hartford Family Advocacy Center, where she provides and oversees services for individuals impacted by crime and trauma. As a practicum instructor, she is dedicated to creating hands-on learning experiences that help students build confidence and bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world practice.

Liane Lussier Smith ’97 (SSW) ’02 (CLAS), LCSW, practicum education director at the School of Social Work, accepted the award on her behalf.

“Almedina is known for fostering supportive, engaging environments where students feel prepared and inspired to enter the profession,” Nadal-Cristofaro said. “Her work reflects a deep belief in the power of mentorship and the importance of investing in the next generation of social workers.”

Leon presented the Outstanding Social Worker Award to José Cotto MSW ’11. This award recognizes alumni for exceptional contributions and impact in the field.

Cotto works with children and families as a therapist and evaluator. He’s currently the chief program officer at Urban Pathways in New York City, where he leads programs serving individuals experiencing homelessness. He’s played a key role in developing New York’s first “housing launchpad,” which helps individuals with complex needs transition directly from the street into permanent housing with intensive support and care.

Cotto also serves on the board of the Association for Community Living as their NYC regional director and as an adjunct faculty member at New York University, where he teaches courses on clinical practice and social justice.

“José’s career reflects a strong commitment to dignity, access, and lasting systems change for vulnerable populations,” Leon said.

Nadal-Cristofaro honored Vannessa Dorantes MSW ’98, LMSW with the Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes long-term, significant contributions to the field of social work.

Dorantes serves as managing director at Casey Family Programs, where she works to improve outcomes for children and families nationwide. Previously, she served as Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Children and Families.

During her tenure, Connecticut achieved a historic milestone by successfully exiting a decades-long federal consent decree, marking a new chapter for the state’s child welfare system. Her leadership has also shaped national conversations on child welfare policy and practice.

“Vannessa’s career reflects a dedicated commitment to improving the lives of children and families and strengthening systems of care,” Nadal-Cristofaro said. “She’s dedicated more than 30 years to advancing human services and transforming public child welfare systems with vision, integrity, and compassion.”

After receiving her award, Dorantes credited her graduate school advisor, Patricia Henry-Hensley, who was in attendance, for bring foundational to her social work career. “Social Work is heart work,” she said. “Heart work is the foundation of the competencies and integrity of the ethics of our work; it’s what makes us professionals.”

Becca DeAdder, director of development and alumni relations, School of Social Work, closed the awards ceremony by thanking the audience for their continued involvement.

“Whether through giving, mentoring, advocacy, or staying engaged—helps ensure a strong and thriving future for the School and the next generation of social workers,” she said. “Thank you for celebrating our alumni, and for your ongoing commitment to UConn and the School of Social Work.”

View additional photos of the event below and in the complete photo gallery.