Beverley Antle Trailblazer Award

Purpose: Developed in honour of Beverley Antle, social work leader and OASW President from 2002 to 2006, this award recognizes the exceptional leadership, contributions and achievements of social workers who exemplify Beverley’s trailblazing spirit, by spearheading innovative approaches and/or pursuing unconventional pathways in their social work career.

Description: This award celebrates social workers who have made significant and meaningful contributions, by breaking barriers and conventions to spearhead unique and innovative approaches in their organizations, sectors and practice. By recognizing individuals who exemplify the breadth of opportunities made possible by a career in social work, the award aims to demonstrate the versatility, innovation and impact of social workers’ skills, perspectives and values across diverse contexts and settings.

Eligibility: All candidates must be members of OASW in good standing and must be registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.

Selection Criteria: 

  • Has made significant and meaningful contributions by breaking barriers and conventions to spearhead unique and innovative approaches in their organizations, sectors and practice.
  • Exhibits unique or pivotal leadership that exemplifies the breadth of opportunities made possible by a career in social work.
  • Demonstrates commitment to social work principles, values and ethics, by advancing efforts or positions that reflect social justice principles, human rights and public interest (e.g. poverty reduction, advancing equitable access to public services and supports, dismantling racism, hate and systemic barriers, etc.).
  • Acts as a champion for the profession by consistently identifying as a social worker within the broader community. This can include using professional designations (BSW, MSW, DSW, RSW), referencing their social work background in public and professional settings, and speaking or writing publicly about the value of social work.
  • Actively contributes to the profession and/or Association, by responding to issues, advancing dialogue, offering advice and consultation, and/or serving on Boards, committees, and advisory groups.

Commitment to Diversity and Representation: OASW strongly encourages and will prioritize nominations of candidates from diverse and equity-seeking identities, as well as individuals whose work and leadership demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.




History

Established 2011

2025 Recipient:

Heather Meara Thomas

Past Recipients:

Dr. Samantha Anthony (2023)

Kennes Lin (2021)

Faye Mishna (2019)

Kate Power (2017)

Linda Jackson (2015)

Julie M. Foley (2013)

Cheryl Regehr (2011)

 

 

About Beverley Antle

Beverley moved to Toronto in 1993 to pursue a PhD, following an extensive career in pediatric health care in Newfoundland, where she was also actively involved in the social work association.

In the 1990s, when few recognized the need for support services for children affected by HIV and AIDS, Beverley spearheaded an innovative program called “Leading the Way”, providing compassion and understanding to this underserved and often unheard group. Beverley exemplified “leading the way” in all facets of her life, heading the Teresa Group in establishing this important program and continuing to work closely with them to advance key research.

At The Hospital for Sick Children, Beverley served as an Academic and Clinical Specialist in the Department of Social Work and Director of the PKU (Phenylketonuria) Program in the Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, making her the first social scientist to hold a leadership position in metabolic genetics in Canada.

Beverley also served as an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Social Work, where she was widely regarded as an outstanding teacher who inspired her students. Notably, she was a recipient of the Arbor Award for her volunteer work in developing a program for social work students and new graduates called Panicked About Practice.

Beverley served as OASW President from 2002 to 2006, and had just begun her third term at the time of her death. Previously, she joined the OASW Executive in 1999 as Secretary, then became Vice-President of Social and Professional Advocacy in 2000.

As President, Beverley’s achievements and contributions included spearheading and leading a comprehensive province-wide survey on the quality of work life of social workers, and advocating for the addition of student representation on OASW’s Board of Directors, leading to the creation of a standing Student Director position.

Beverley also made significant contributions to the profession at the national level, helping to revise the Canadian Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics and develop their Guidelines for Ethical Practice, travelling across the country following their 2005 publication to champion the code and guidelines along with their practical applications.

Beverley’s warmth, generosity, energy, enthusiasm and vision were recognized by everyone who knew her, as were her unwavering commitment and devotion to social work values, the profession and the Association.