Social Work Student Wins NASW Award

Esmeralda Ontiveros, a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) student at UNCW, has been named the 2026 recipient of the National Association of Social Workers NC Chapter (NASW-NC) Kelly Spangler Award. The Kelly Spangler Student Award provides an annual monetary award and NASW membership to Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work (MSW) students seeking a career in public health, health care and/or integrated health care social work. This award honors the legacy of Kelly Spangler, a dedicated NASW member and public health social worker, who advocated for social work in public health and enhancements to service delivery at North Carolina Health Departments.

Ontiveros is deeply committed to social justice and community service. She is a strong advocate for reproductive justice and has been an active volunteer with local political groups. She is an intern at Pro-Choice North Carolina and has done many tabling events and learning sessions to spread awareness of current legal and political issues around reproductive justice. Ontiveros said of the recognition, “Being named one of the two recipients of the 2026 NASW-NC Kelly Spangler Award is a true honor. I am very passionate about social work and service to the community.”

Ontiveros participates in local protests and is a member of the Political Social Work Club and Feminist Student Alliance chapters on campus. She is considering a future in lobbying or working for a reproductive justice non-profit after attaining her MSW. “Receiving recognition for the work I am doing alongside my fellow social workers continues to affirm my journey in school and my future professional career,” she says. “I am so grateful to NASW, the School of Social Work, my fellow peers, supervisors, and the faculty and staff at UNCW that continue to be a part of this journey with me and who inspire me each and every day.”

 “Esmeralda's potential to benefit the field of social work is exceptional given her advocacy skills and dedication to advancing social justice initiatives,” says Daysja Terry, LCSW, lecturer and assistant field coordinator in the School of Social Work.