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Important Announcement!
Important Announcement!
LEAD Will be on march 10, 2026!
LEAD Will be on march 10, 2026!
LEAD is an annual event that gives social work students a platform to speak directly to state legislators and advocate for bills with the potential to impact the populations that social workers serve positively.
Save the date: March 10, 2026!
Attend Lead
Speak directly with state legislators about critical social work issues.
Work with fellow students to strengthen your message and support one another in advocacy efforts.
Share personal experiences and examples that highlight the importance of social work policies.
Attend a Press Conference to amplify your voice and advocate for social change alongside students and legislators.
Interested in volunteering for Lead 2026?
Interested in volunteering for Lead 2026?
Are you interested in volunteering with LEAD 2026? We’re looking for passionate, reliable individuals who want to support advocacy and community building. Whether you're great with logistics, love engaging with people, or want to help behind the scenes, there’s a role for you. Volunteering is a great way to build skills, meet like-minded folks, and make a meaningful impact. Sign up below and we’ll be in touch with next steps!
Bill Memos 2026
Bill Memos 2026
Advocacy Toolkit
Advocacy Toolkit
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) has developed an Advocacy Toolkit to support social workers' advocacy efforts. NASW recognizes advocacy as part of the Social Work Code of Ethics, emphasizing the obligation to champion policies that improve clients' lives. The toolkit aims to empower social workers to advocate effectively at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels for children, families, and communities while promoting the profession of social work. It provides resources to increase knowledge and skills in advocacy, promoting social, economic, political, and cultural values aligned with social justice. NASW advocates for equal access to resources, employment, services, and opportunities to meet basic human needs. The association's advocacy work includes influencing policy by engaging with Congress and regulatory agencies.
Advocacy Toolkit 2025.pptxMeet the LEAD 2025 Team
Meet the LEAD 2025 Team
lia Algerio
lia Algerio
Lia Algerio holds a BSW from Bridgewater State University and is in her second year of the MSW program at UAlbany, specializing in Macro Social Work. She serves as a graduate assistant for the School of Social Welfare and has a strong passion for policy advocacy and community building. Lia is dedicated to driving systemic change and empowering communities through legislative action. Her internship focuses on planning a legislative education and advocacy day, where she coordinates student involvement, policy discussions, and engagement with lawmakers. She is committed to fostering civic engagement and advancing social justice through policy and advocacy initiatives.
Bryan Jimenez
Bryan Jimenez
As a dedicated student pursuing his Master of Social Work (MSW) in New York, Bryan Jimenez is passionate about creating systemic change through policy and advocacy to address social inequalities. Bryan currently serves in leadership roles with several prestigious organizations, including the New York State Social Work Education Association and Psychology Coalition at the United Nations, while also managing social media accounts to increase engagement and awareness for social causes.
Megan Murray
Megan Murray
Hey fellow students! I’m Megan Murray, a second-year MSW student at SUNY Albany with a passion for macro social work, women’s health, equality, and access to mental health care. I’m excited to connect with like-minded individuals who are committed to making a difference in these areas. If you’re at NYS LEAD Day, feel free to come say hello—I’d love to network, share ideas, and collaborate on how we can create positive change together!
Sharon Turnage
Sharon Turnage
Sharon Turnage is a licensed Social Worker with more than 20 years of experience in the area perinatal loss and palliative care. In 2006, Sharon founded the Tyler Nicole Foundation dedicated to the fight against infant loss and childhood life-threatening illnesses. In 2009, Sharon founded the Luis Danvers Leukemia Fund dedicated to her son’s fight against blood cancer. Sharon is a psychotherapist and addictions counselor providing evidenced-based treatment in the areas of grief, crisis, trauma, addiction, and psychiatric social work. Sharon earned a BA in Psychology from York College, an MSW from Fordham University, and is a 3rd year PhD Candidate at Yeshiva University. Sharon’s research focuses on perinatal loss, grief, and how disparities and inequities impact the grieving process. Sharon is a bereaved parent “turning pain into purpose” as a call to action. Sharon prides herself on being a researcher, advocate, and leader conducting events nationwide to familiarize the public with the plight of perinatal/maternal loss and childhood cancer.
Taylor Fields
Taylor Fields
Taylor Fields holds a B.A. in Psychology from St. Joseph’s University and is a second-year MSW student at Fordham University, graduating in May 2025, specializing in work with individuals and families. With five years of research experience, primarily in alcohol and drug addiction, Taylor is committed to integrating evidence-based practices into their work with individuals and groups.
Taylor is passionate about supporting the LGBTQIA+ community. They focus on the intersection of policy, advocacy, and its micro-level impact on LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Transportation and travel
Transportation and travel
Driving Directions to the Empire State Plaza located in Albany, New York:
From the North:
Take Interstate I-87 (Northway) to Interstate I-90 East (exit #1E). Take Interstate I-90 to Interstate 787 South. Take Exit #3A for the Empire State Plaza. The Division of Tax Appeals/Tax Appeals Tribunal is located in Agency Building #1, 3rd Floor.
From the South:
Take the New York State Thruway (Interstate 87) to Exit 23 - straight through the Toll Booth to Interstate 787, then take Exit #3 for the Empire State Plaza. The Division of Tax Appeals/Tax Appeals Tribunal is located in Agency Building #1, 3rd Floor.
From the East:
Take Interstate 90 West to Exit # B1 (I-90). Continue on I-90 to Interstate 787 South. Follow I-787 South to Exit #3A for the Empire State Plaza. The Division of Tax Appeals/Tax Appeals Tribunal is located in Agency Building #1, 3rd Floor.
From the West:
Take the New York State Thruway (Interstate 90) to Exit 24 (Albany), proceed east on Interstate 90 to Interstate 787 South. Take exit # 3A for the Empire State Plaza. The Division of Tax Appeals/Tax Appeals Tribunal is located in Agency Building #1, 3rd Floor.
Amtrak Directions:
From Penn Station:
Albany-Rensselaer Bound Train
Empire Service 281 Niagara Falls Amtrak Station to Rensselaer Rail Station
LEAD Memory Lane
LEAD Memory Lane
Check out photos from the previous LEAD Days
Copy of NC-031224-KyrasLaw.mp42024 Press conference
2024 Press conference
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