![\"Awards](\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/alumniawards2026_9324-scaled.jpg\")
Leon presented the Emerging Social Work Leader Award to Taylor Tucker \u201920 (SSW), MSW \u201921, 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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s work also centers LGBTQ+ communities, with particular attention to transgender identities and lived experiences.<\/p>\n
Nadal-Cristofaro honored Almedina Keranovic MSW \u201922 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.<\/p>\n
Liane Lussier Smith ’97 (SSW) ’02 (CLAS), LCSW, practicum education director at the School of Social Work, accepted the award on her behalf.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlmedina is known for fostering supportive, engaging environments where students feel prepared and inspired to enter the profession,\u201d Nadal-Cristofaro said. \u201cHer work reflects a deep belief in the power of mentorship and the importance of investing in the next generation of social workers.\u201d<\/p>\n Leon presented the Outstanding Social Worker Award to Jos\u00e9 Cotto MSW \u201911. This award recognizes alumni for exceptional contributions and impact in the field.<\/p>\n Cotto works with children and families as a therapist and evaluator. He\u2019s currently the chief program officer at Urban Pathways in New York City, where he leads programs serving individuals experiencing homelessness. He\u2019s played a key role in developing New York\u2019s first \u201chousing launchpad,\u201d which helps individuals with complex needs transition directly from the street into permanent housing with intensive support and care.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cJos\u00e9\u2019s career reflects a strong commitment to dignity, access, and lasting systems change for vulnerable populations,\u201d Leon said.<\/p>\n Nadal-Cristofaro honored Vannessa Dorantes MSW \u201998, LMSW with the Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes long-term, significant contributions to the field of social work.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n During her tenure, Connecticut achieved a historic milestone by successfully exiting a decades-long federal consent decree, marking a new chapter for the state\u2019s child welfare system. Her leadership has also shaped national conversations on child welfare policy and practice.<\/p>\n \u201cVannessa\u2019s career reflects a dedicated commitment to improving the lives of children and families and strengthening systems of care,\u201d Nadal-Cristofaro said. \u201cShe\u2019s dedicated more than 30 years to advancing human services and transforming public child welfare systems with vision, integrity, and compassion.\u201d<\/p>\n 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. \u201cSocial Work is heart work,” she said. “Heart work is the foundation of the competencies and integrity of the ethics of our work; it\u2019s what makes us professionals.”<\/p>\n Becca DeAdder, director of development and alumni relations, School of Social Work, closed the awards ceremony by thanking the audience for their continued involvement.<\/p>\n \u201cWhether through giving, mentoring, advocacy, or staying engaged\u2014helps ensure a strong and thriving future for the School and the next generation of social workers,\u201d she said. \u201cThank you for celebrating our alumni, and for your ongoing commitment to UConn and the School of Social Work.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"Jos\u00e9](\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/alumniawards2026_2318-copy.jpg\")
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