NASW-CA is proud to welcome the LatinX Council as part of our continued commitment to creating spaces that uplift, support, and advocate for diverse social work communities across California.
The LatinX Council will focus on connection, leadership, advocacy, cultural responsiveness, and professional development for LatinX social workers, students, and allies. Through events, conversations, and member engagement, the Council will help strengthen community, elevate LatinX voices, and support the needs of social workers serving LatinX communities.
Meet Your Council Leaders!
Chair
Waldo Gonzalez, MA, ASW, PPSC
Term: 2026-2028
NASW Leadership History:
I was a recipient of the NASW-CA BIPOC Scholarship in 2024 and, while in graduate school, contributed to the early organizing efforts that supported petition-gathering among NASW-CA members to establish the Latinx Council. I now serve as the inaugural Chair, supporting continued implementation of the Council’s mission and advancing engagement and services for members with lived Latinx experience.Why Social Work?
I was inspired to become a social worker by a desire to transform lives through mental health services. This commitment was informed by my lived experience as a first-generation man of color and my firsthand understanding of the transformative impact of quality mental health care and an excellent education. I am committed to expanding access to resources so that individuals and communities long underserved by our systems can thrive and live full, meaningful lives. Social work resonated deeply with me because of its core values of social justice, equity, and respect for the dignity of all people.Social Work Passion:
I am most passionate about trauma-responsive mental health care, men’s mental health, educational and health equity, faith-informed community care, and immigrant rights.Co-Chair
Dr. Denise Valdez, DSW, LCSW
Term: 2026-2028
NASW Leadership History:
Co-Chair and Founder of the NASW-CA LatinX Council is the first Leadership role at NASW.Why Social Work?
Growing up as a first-generation Latina in an underserved immigrant community, I witnessed how systemic inequities limited opportunities for people with immense potential. I also noticed a lack of helping professionals who looked like me or shared my lived experiences, which reinforced the importance of representation in effective, culturally responsive care. These experiences fueled my commitment to social justice and led me to social work as a way to challenge inequitable systems, increase representation, and support marginalized communities in reaching their full potential.Social Work Passion:
I am most passionate about school based and clinical social work with first-generation and immigrant communities, particularly Latinx youth and families. I am especially drawn to work that integrates trauma-informed, culturally responsive care while also addressing the systemic and institutional barriers that impact mental health and educational equity.LatinX Council Events
2025–2026 Events Calendar
Registration links will be live at a minimum of 2 weeks before the event. If you can’t find the event registration you’re looking for, please come back later.
| Date | Event Title | Location | Registration Link |
| May 20, 2026 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM PT | Introducing the Latinx Council: A Space for Connection and Leadership | Virtual | https://www.naswca.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2057168&group= |
How to Get Involved
Want to contribute to the work in the LatinX council? We’re always looking for volunteers, presenters, and new ideas!
Email our Director of Membership and Communications, Dr. Teauania Charles, DSW, LCSW at tcharles.naswca@socialworkers.org
Follow us on social media!
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/naswcalatinx/
