This award honors a member of the community who demonstrates commitment to and advocacy for advancing diversity, inclusion, and social justice.
Patrice Hutchins grew up in Madison and received her BSW and MSSW at the UW-Madison School of Social Work. After graduation she began working as a school social worker in the Madison Metropolitan School District. During this time, she worked closely with students and families to break down systemic barriers to help students access education. After six years as a social worker, Patrice moved into a Dean of Students role. In this role, she worked to change the disproportionate behavior outcomes for students while also supporting students’ safety, both mentally and physically. Patrice then became a Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) coach supporting both teachers and students to make the school environment safe and welcoming for all. This past year, Patrice became an Assistant Principal at East Madison High School. Patrice shares, “In each role that I have taken, my social work background has stayed with me and helped me make decisions based in equity and advocating for students and families who are often silenced and overlooked in the school system.”
Patrice and her outstanding work and contributions will be celebrated and recognized at the Fall 2023 Agency Supervisor Workshop. Event information will be communicated in the summer.
Established in 2023, the Social Justice in Action Award (SJAA) was created to recognize and celebrate someone engaged in outstanding social justice work consistent with the social justice mission of the Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work. This award honors the nominee’s commitment to dismantling inequities due to longstanding systemic racism and social injustice. Central to this award is the nominee’s advocacy and influence on advancing diversity, inclusion, and social justice.