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GSU Alum Honored as ‘Emerging Social Work Leader’


Yolanda Jordan - NASW Illinois Chapter President (left); Chastity Wells-Armstrong (right)
Yolanda Jordan – NASW Illinois Chapter President (left); Chastity Wells-Armstrong (right) (PHOTO SUPPLIED)

University Park, IL–(ENEWSPF)– A Governors State University social work program graduate has been honored for her skills and dedication by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Illinois Chapter.

Chastity Wells-Armstrong received the Emerging Leaders Award this month at an NASW Illinois luncheon in Chicago. Wells-Armstrong, of Kankakee, Illinois, holds a master’s degree in social work from Governors State University (GSU) and is also a Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor.

Wells-Armstrong is one of only four individuals chosen for this year’s award. The award honors social work professionals who have demonstrated exemplary leadership, expertise, and dedication in Illinois, and whose contributions enhance practice knowledge and/or the capacity of the profession to obtain resources and influence.

“The individuals for this year’s 2011 Emerging Leaders awards personify the core of the social work profession: that of enhancing well-being and helping to meet the basic human needs of all people with special attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty,” noted NASW Illinois Chapter President Yolanda Jordan. 

Wells-Armstrong has worked in a variety of social service settings and in state government. She most recently served as Constituent Services Director for Illinois Congresswoman Debbie Halvorson. She is a member of Zonta International, an organization focused on improving the status of women worldwide. She serves on the Legislative Awareness and Action Committee where she is currently preparing for the upcoming Illinois Rescue and Restore outreach event focused on Human Trafficking. In addition, she has also been appointed to the Executive Committee of the NAACP, Kankakee Branch.

“The analogy of the underdog is really relevant in my life,” Wells-Armstrong said. “I have experienced my share of struggles including unemployment and homelessness. However, I believe that in the struggles are lessons to enhance character and build leadership qualities.”

Wells-Armstrong also serves on GSU’s Department of Social Work Advisory Board, was named Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Social Work by GSU’s College of Health and Human Services in 2007, and is a member of the Phi Alpha National Honor Society.


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