NASW – Iowa Chapter
Newsletter
October 2025 EDITION
Land Acknowledgement:
“We acknowledge that the NASW Iowa Chapter is located on the ancestral land of the Ioway and Meskwaki Nations. We recognize these Indigenous peoples long-standing presence and ongoing contributions to our community. As an institution, we are committed to decolonization and supporting Indigenous rights in our education programs and community partnerships.”
LETTER FROM THE SECRETARY
Remembering Sharaine Webster, LISW, IADC
It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of our colleague and friend, Sharaine Webster, LISW, IADC. Sharaine was a fierce advocate, a compassionate social worker, and a tireless voice for equity and inclusion. Her life’s work reflected her deep commitment to uplifting others and creating spaces where all people could be seen, heard, and valued.
To me, Sharaine was more than a colleague — she was an inspiration. She unknowingly challenged me to never settle and to move forward with intentionality toward equality. She was a force of nature, and so many of us were willingly caught in her wake. We are all the better for it.
Sharaine has been described as a Swiss Army Knife — she always had what was needed. She connected with each individual in a unique and genuine way, identifying and uplifting that person’s gifts in ways that left a lasting impact on everyone she met. In her own words, Sharaine expressed:
“I am a social worker because I believe in the power of human connection.”
Her belief in connection was evident in everything she did and in every relationship she nurtured.
As I grieve her loss, I also celebrate her extraordinary legacy. Sharaine’s impact will live on through the countless lives she touched and the vital work she championed. She will be dearly missed.
Rebecca Williams, LISW, IMH-E®
NASW-IA Secretary
You may read more about her incredible life and details about her service here and watch her 2021 NASW-IA Social Worker of Excellence video here.
IN OUR COMMUNITY
In honor of our colleague Sharaine Markay Conner Weathers, LISW, IADC
We invite you to carry forward the work Sharaine cared so deeply about. She dedicated her career to creating more equitable, inclusive, and compassionate spaces in mental health and social work.
You can honor her legacy by:
- Advocating for equity in mental health and social services, especially for Black, Brown, and LGBTQIA+ communities.
- Subscribe to Black Iowa News, an independent platform amplifying Black perspectives and voices across Iowa.
- Join the NASW Diversity Committee to continue working in her memory
- Mentoring and uplifting students and new professionals, as Sharaine did with passion and care.
- Connect with your local School of Social Work or alma mater and volunteer as a mentor or practicum supervisor.
- Recognize a new professional by nominating a colleague for the Emerging Social Worker award.
- Advancing trauma-informed and inclusive practices in your daily work.
- Consider the inclusivity of your space—does the art or atmosphere welcome everyone?
- Bringing creativity, art, and connection into healing.
- Explore new approaches, such as sound bathing or expressive arts, to broaden your practice.
Sharaine was always moving forward. We encourage you to take a step in her spirit—continuing to build the just, compassionate world she envisioned.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
To honor Sharaine’s memory, she is featured as this month’s Member Spotlight. The biography below was submitted by Sharaine in April 2025, and offers only a small glimpse into her life as a Social Worker. Her service to her church, her historic role as the first African American Drum Major at Roosevelt High School, and her recent publications in the Journal of Black Sexuality and Relationships and Black Iowa News all shed light on her commitment and passion to advancing equity and knowledge in the field. Sharaine carried more than the education of a social worker—she embodied the very heart of what it means to belong to this profession.
Sharaine Webster, LISW, IADC
Clinical Social Worker & Therapist
Sharaine Webster (she/her) had a rich background in mental health advocacy, specializing in behavioral and substance use addictions, sexual health and wellness, LGBTQ+, and relationship issues. Her work encompassed teaching as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Iowa, operating her own mental health therapy practice, conducting assessments for the Iowa Department of Corrections and providing supervision and consultation to others in the field of helping professions. Sharaine was an independently licensed clinical social worker, certified substance abuse counselor, and held equitable care certification for working with sex workers.
Beyond her clinical practice and academia, Sharaine provided clinical, ethical and equality training for practitioners and students, and she held significant roles in professional organizations. She served as the 2nd VP of Iowa Chapter of the NASW (formerly as the Central Branch Chair), as well as Iowa Representative for AASECT, and as a Board member of the Iowa Board of Certification and the Iowa Club of Des Moines. Her multifaceted engagements demonstrated a commitment to promoting equity, well-being, and social justice within the social work field.
IOWA NASW NEWS
THAT’S A WRAP: NASW-IA SYMPOSIUM 2025
The 2025 NASW-Iowa Symposium has come to a close, and what an inspiring two days it was! Held September 18th–19th in Ankeny, the event brought together social workers from across the state to learn, connect, and recharge under the theme “Hope, Healing, and Advocacy: Managing the Personal and the Professional.”
- A powerful keynote by Dr. Adam McCormick, who encouraged us to reflect on how our own childhood experiences shape our practice and reminded us of the resilience at the heart of social work.
- Engaging breakout sessions that offered fresh ideas, practical tools, and rich discussion—plus the chance to earn up to 14.4 CEUs.
- A vibrant exhibit hall, where attendees connected with community resources, schools of social work, and agencies, as well as enjoyed favorites like Beaverdale Books.
- The Student Committee Silent Auction, which once again raised funds to support diversity in the profession—thank you to all who donated and bid! Over $1000 will be going to offset costs of ASWB test prep!
- Community spirit, captured by many who sported the new NASW-IA T-shirt: “Social Workers: Where Compassion Meets Action.”
- Congratulations to our 2025 NASW-IA Award Winners. Your dedication, passion, and impact inspire us all.
- Emerging Social Worker: Drew Birres, LMSW
- Public Citizen of Excellence: Matthew Bishop
- Social Worker of Excellence: Tony Raymer, LISW, RPT-S
- Catherine G Williams Diversity Award: Janice Lane Schroeder, LMSW, ACADC
THANK YOU!
We are grateful to our sponsors for helping make this event possible. Most of all, we are thankful for you—our members, students, and supporters—who showed up ready to learn, share, and strengthen the future of social work in Iowa. We are also eternally grateful to NASW Iowa Executive Director, Denise Rathman and our Education Committee. Without their tireless work, there would not have been a Symposium.
ITS NOT TOO LATE - NASW-IA T-SHIRT
You may have seen it on Social Media or at Symposium - You still have time to get yours! Printed by RAYGUN using union labor, our t-shirt features the slogan “Social Workers: Where Compassion Meets Action.”
Proceeds benefit the NASW-IA’s advocacy and education efforts.
Available in sizes S–4XL, the shirt is $25 and printed on heather burgundy fabric with black ink.
Order here
CHAPTER OFFICE HOURS:
Our executive director, Denise Rathman, is the Chapter’s only full-time employee, which means our staffed office hours are somewhat irregular. The best way to reach her is to send an email and let her know the best times to call you.
Exec.naswia@socialworkers.org
If you get voicemail, please be sure to leave a message, so she knows how she can be of assistance.
MEMBER BENEFIT
Did you know… NASW members get access to free and discounted continuing education? With hundreds of CEU courses online and in-person, you can grow your skills, meet licensure requirements, and stay on top of emerging best practices—at a fraction of the cost. It’s one of the many ways NASW invests in your development while making continuing education more affordable and accessible.
IOWA EVENTS AROUND THE STATE
Social Work CEU Events
10/8/25 - 9:00 am - 12:15pm - Artificial Intelligence in the Social Work Profession - Virtual - 3 Ethics CEU’s
Social Work Social Events
10/9/25 - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM - Northeast Branch Meeting - Virtual
10/14/25 - 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm - Student Committee meeting - Voting: What you need to know as a student. - Virtual
10/30/25 - 11:00 am - 12:00 pm - Student Committee meeting - Voting: What you need to know as a student. - Virtual
11/10/25 - 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm - Southeast Branch meeting - Virtual
11/11/25 - 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm - Student Committee meeting - What are the next steps in this career? - Virtual
11/20/25 - 11:00 am - 12:00 pm - Student Committee meeting - What are the next steps in this career?- Virtual
**Be on the look out for more social events coming soon in your branch!**
To register and find more events visit: https://naswia.socialworkers.org/Events/Events-List-View
Contact Us:
515-277-1117
Nasw.naswia@socialworkers.org
Naswia.socialworkers.org
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*Land acknowledgement for the traditional territories of the Ioway and Meskwaki.