Bilan Arab, MSW Student in the School of Social Work, Wins Student of the Year Award

University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, School of Social Work student Bilan Arab has recently been recognized as “Student of the Year” by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).

The Minnesota chapter of NASW, in recognition of Bilan, writes:

Bilan “is an outstanding student representative with an infectious enthusiastic spirt. (She) is passionate about making real change in her community and bridging people together despite their differences.

Bilan’s strengths are many and one that has keen relevance to the values and mission of social work is her demonstrated concern for client advocacy, ethical treatment, social justice and advancing mental health and substance use care for our most vulnerable and marginalized citizens—older adults, especially those within the Somali community. She took social action by creating a visiting program for nursing homes – to combat loneliness, create a sense of community, and to empower elders with mental illness and disabilities.”

The NASW works locally to equip, boost, and support social workers across our state.

Congratulations, Bilan!