Kennes Lin receives the 2021 OASW Beverley Antle Leadership Award from the Ontario Association of Social Workers
Categories: Alumni + Friends
FIFSW alumna Kennes Lin was awarded the 2021 OASW Beverley Antle Leadership Award from the Ontario Association of Social Workers at its annual meeting on May 14. The award recognizes “the pivotal and dynamic leadership roles played by social workers in non-traditional, leading-edge positions.”
OASW is pleased to honour Kennes Lin as the 2021 recipient of this award. Kennes has demonstrated the possibilities of engaging in traditional social work roles, while simultaneously working towards systemic change. At the young age of 30, she has become an inspiration for Asian activists and community workers. As the co-chair of the Chinese Canadian National Council Toronto Chapter, Kennes led the organization during unprecedented times, as the Council worked tirelessly to address the growing violence towards Asian communities and the rise of anti-Asian racism through media and political advocacy. Kennes’ exposure in the media and in the movement has provided the public and the Asian community with a new and inspiring image of what a social worker is and can be in the community. In addition to her advocacy work, she has served as a mental health clinician at the Hong Fook Mental Health Association, where she most recently took on the role of Lead in Youth and Family Services.
When asked to share some words of wisdom with FIFSW graduates last year, Lin spoke of the power of promoting one’s vision and work. “Talk about what you do,” she said. “It doesn’t have to be shameless self-promotion. There are others out there who want to support your vision of social justice — social workers or not. Be willing to share what you believe in to find them, join them, or start something with them.”
Congratulations to Kennes Lin on receiving this award!
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