SWAG Awards Series | Tanya J. Ashby: Forty Years of Faith, Service, and Social Work Excellence

In this powerful episode of the Goddesses of Social Work Podcast, host Renita Ray Davis, LICSW-S sits down with Tanya J. Ashby, MSW, LSW — the 2023 SWAG Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient — for a conversation that is equal parts heart, wisdom, ministry, and legacy.

With 40 years in the field, Tanya’s journey is a testament to what it looks like to serve with compassion, faith, and steadfast dedication. From her early years watching her mother’s gentle care as a VA nurse, to internships that shaped her understanding of trauma and healing, to decades as a beloved school social worker with Pittsburgh Public Schools, Tanya embodies service as both calling and ministry.

In this episode, Tanya shares: ✨ The story behind her Sister-to-Sister Women’s Bible Class, a multigenerational circle of women ages 40–90 ✨ Her experiences in crisis response and postvention work — supporting children and schools after tragedies ✨ The mindset, habits, and spiritual grounding that have sustained her across four decades ✨ How she nurtures her own wellbeing through routine, journaling, prayer, and rest ✨ A moving moment when a former student recited a poem she learned from Tanya nearly 30 years ago ✨ Her reflections on youth voice, elder care, and the importance of honoring all stages of life ✨ What receiving the SWAG Lifetime Achievement Award meant to her

This episode is a love letter to longevity in social work — a reminder that impact builds quietly, consistently, heart to heart, life to life.

Whether you are a new social worker seeking guidance, a seasoned professional looking for renewed purpose, or someone who simply loves stories of resilience and service, Tanya’s journey will bless you.

Listen in and be reminded: You never know the ripple effect of your presence.

🔗 Connect & Learn More

✨ Reach out to Tanya Ashby here: [e-mail]

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