Dielle McMillan, a recent bachelor of social work graduate of Meredith College and an incoming MSW student in the UNC School of Social Work’s Advanced Standing Program, is the recipient of the 2017 NASW-NC Toby Brown Award. The award, which is given by the National Association of Social Workers North Carolina Chapter, recognizes a BSW student in the state who best reflects and represents the ethics, values, and passion in the field of social work through exemplary performance in social work coursework, field placement, student social work associations, and community organizations.
According to a press release about the award, McMillan demonstrated her dedication to the profession and promise as a social worker through her work on campus and in her field placement at National Alliance on Mental Illness North Carolina (NAMI). While at Meredith, she established the first NAMI on-campus organization, which encourages students to advocate for mental health support on campus and spread awareness to end the stigma around mental illness. In addition, she created a “Diversity Awareness Week” and a “Self-love Campaign” on campus and served as the events chair for Meredith’s Social Work Club.
McMillan has been recognized as an innovative figure, having received the Impact Raleigh Service Scholarship, the Youth Empowerment Award from NAMI North Carolina, and the Who’s Who National Campus Leaders Award.
At UNC, McMillan plans to pursue macro social work, with a focus on program development, public policy and community integrated problem solving.