October 13, 2021
Congratulations, Kiriaki Gatanas, MSW, '21
"I have been elected to the position of member of NASW-NYC Committee on Nominations and Leadership Identification (CNLI). My term will be from October 1, 2021 to June, 2023. The Committee on Nominations and Leadership Identification (CNLI) participates in developing a slate of candidates for chapter elections that reflect the Chapter’s Diversity Plan, inform all candidates and appointees of the duties and responsibilities of office and assure a sound nomination process. Throughout the year, CNLI representatives are active members of their division’s steering Committee and work closely with other division leaders to facilitate the engagement of new leadership. The Committee meets once a month to select candidates. I am grateful for this position because I have the opportunity to reveal my inner thoughts and express my personal wish through leadership. Personally, as a holder of MSW in Social Work, my eagerness to make myself useful to society empowered me to make the most of my own abilities. As a previous Social Service Assistant Director at HANAC, Inc., I do know that addressing deep social problems and alleviating current effects is neither a simple nor a quick process; especially when referring to offering daily assistance and support to the vulnerable senior citizens. My responsibilities included counseling, case management and providing social services to the elderly targeting especially the roots of their problems. I strongly believe that I am in the position to prove personally my strong values and skills and be a successful leader. I am an optimistic person by nature and I am sure that I will turn the challenges I will encounter into opportunities to evolve myself and become a better professional. Some advice for the current/prospective students at the School of Social Welfare: “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent” Eleanor Roosevelt. In other words, do not let others tell you what you can or cannot do or make you feel bad for who you are. Being in college is the time to explore the real person inside of you. As social workers, we can be truly leaders and make a difference in our society".
