White House Awards Social Worker Title “Champion of Change”

Recent UC Berkeley graduate, Minh Dang (MSW ’13), was awarded the White House’s Champion of Change award on April 26, 2013. Dang received the award because of her efforts to stop youth sex trafficking in the United States. This special merit is bestowed on different groups of Americans, who are dedicated to creating change in their communities.

Dang and 14 other women, from Asian, Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander heritage, who were also awarded, spoke at the Champions of Change event in Washington, D.C. on May 6, 2013. Along with this nationally recognized award, Dang is now on UC Berkeley’s Wall of Fame, reserved for Berkeley graduates who have change the world through their talents and vision.

Minh Dang’s personal story is what started her fight to end child sex trafficking in the United States. In 2010, Dang shared her personal story with MSNBC in a document titled “Sex Slaves in America: Minh’s Story.” Continuing her fight against sex trafficking, Dang has become the executive director of “Don’t Sell Bodies,” a campaign to end youth sex trafficking in the United States. Dang is an excellent example of what a social worker can do with great vision and determination.