For Immediate Release
July 19, 2016
CONTACT:
Greg Wright
202.336.8324
[email protected]
Scholar, author and public speaker Brené Brown receives International Social Work Award
The NASW Foundation Award Recognizes Brown for devotion to social work profession, clients
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The National Association of Social Workers Foundation (NASWF) has
awarded social worker, author and public speaker Brené Brown the prestigious International
Rhoda G. Sarnat Award for her work in significantly enhancing the public image of the social
work profession.
“Brené Brown has used her tremendous talent as a scholar, author and public speaker to make
the public more aware of the ways social workers help people improve the way people feel
about themselves and interact with their loved ones and communities,” NASWF Director Robert
Carter Arnold said. “Her appearances on the Oprah Winfrey Network and her TED talks alone
have spread the word about the power of social work to millions of people around the world.”
The International Rhoda G. Sarnat Award goes to individuals who increase public awareness
and recognition of the value of professional social work. This monetary award is made possible
by an endowment established by a contribution in 1996 from Mrs. Rhoda Sarnat, LCSW, and her
late husband Bernard Sarnat, MD.
Brown is a research professor at the University of Houston where she holds the Huffington
Brené Brown Endowed Chair at The Graduate College of Social Work.
Her groundbreaking work on vulnerability, courage, shame and empathy has helped thousands
of people live more fulfilling lives. Her research has also enabled social work students to build
their careers and share the benefits of her findings.
Brown is the author of three best-selling books – “The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You
Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are,” “Daring Greatly: How the Courage to
be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent and Lead,” and “Rising Strong: The
Reckoning. The Rumble. The Revolution.”
The San Antonio, Texas native has also appeared on many radio and TV programs, including PBS
and the Oprah Winfrey Network’s “Lifeclass.” Her 2010 TEDx Houston talk, “The Power of
Vulnerability,” is one of the most watched TED talks in the world with more than 25 million
viewers.
Brown is also founder and chief executive offer of The Daring Way and COURAGEworks – an
online learning platform that offers classes based on her research.
“No matter where she goes or appears – on the radio, television or in public – Brené Brown is
proud to say she is a social worker,” said NASWF President and National Association of Social
Workers CEO Angelo McClain, PhD, LICSW. “She has vastly improved the way the public views
social workers and is inspiring the next generation of social workers to follow her example. The
NASW Foundation is proud to honor her with this award.”
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The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), in Washington, DC, is the largest
membership organization of professional social workers with 130,000 members. It promotes,
develops, and protects the practice of social work and social workers. NASW also seeks to
enhance the well-being of individuals, families, and communities through its advocacy.
The National Association of Social Workers Foundation (NASWF) is a charitable organization
created to enhance the well-being of individuals, families, and communities through the
advancement of social work practice.