LEAD 2026

LEAD 2026 was my second LEAD experience. Although last year was technically LED, long story. But what matters is how different this year felt compared to last. Not just the event itself, but me, and the political landscape we were stepping into. Walking back into the Capitol this year felt familiar in a way I did not expect. It also felt heavier, clearer, and more intentional.

Who I Was Then

A year ago, I attended LED unsure of my macro social work goals. I knew I liked community facing prevention work, but legislation felt like uncharted territory. Policy felt far away from my day to day understanding of social work. Then my butt hit a chair in the House of Representatives. That was the moment everything shifted. I knew immediately that I wanted to be back, and not just as a visitor. I left Tallahassee with a commitment to return to the Capitol as a legislator after gaining micro experience on the ground, learning directly from serving the communities I hope to one day create policy for. I wanted my future policy work to be informed by lived experience in schools and communities, not theory alone.

Who I Am Now

One year later, I sat in a Senate seat with a much clearer sense of where I am going. I now have a pretty solid ten year plan, even while knowing that plans in social work are always written in pencil.

I graduate with my MSW in summer 2026, which still feels unreal. I will finish my graduate certificate in adolescent translational research in spring 2027 (baring continued funding which is unpredictable at this time in this political landscape). My goal is to spend two years in a school setting paired with part time private practice work as I pursue licensure. From there, I hope to move into district level student services within Hillsborough County to support system wide efforts to protect and improve student mental health. After gaining local leadership experience, possibly at the school board or county level, my goal is to run for a role that brings me back to the Capitol. This time, in a seat with my name on it.

I am also fully aware that this neatly tied plan may shift as the landscape changes and as I do. I joke that a career in social work is like playing chutes and ladders. You never know where you will end up, and you are almost always moving.

Seeing Myself in the Work

One of the highlights of this year was meeting Representative Hunschofsky alongside NASW-FL leadership. Her authenticity, candor, and humor were aspirational for me. She embodied what it looks like to lead without losing humility. As I imagine myself in similar roles one day, I hope to carry the same genuineness and grounded connection to constituents that she so clearly brings to her work.

Walking the Capitol

While navigating the Capitol, I am constantly asking for directions. I secretly love the unexpected conversations that happen when someone offers to walk me there instead. This year, one of those moments stood out.

A legislative aide walked with me to the elevators. I shared that I was there as a social worker. He gave the usual response, “awe, that is so sweet.” I knew what that meant. I gently asked, “do you know what a social worker does?” It was clear that he did not.

That moment broke my heart. Many legislators, aides, and policymakers are unfamiliar with the social work profession and unaware of how legislation directly impacts the populations we serve and our work as a whole. Still, I left that interaction grateful. After our short walk, at least one more person in the Capitol understood what a social worker is and could begin to view policy through a social work lens.

Watching a Leader Rise

Another moment I will never forget belonged to Alexandria. She is my best friend and one of my most cherished personal and professional relationships. During our Senate floor tour, she had the opportunity to role play as a legislator proposing a bill for debate.

Her proposal was selected among many student ideas because of its bipartisan nature and its ability to spark thoughtful debate. She absolutely shined. Her confidence, calmness, and cadence reflected her talent as a macro social worker and future legislator. I am deeply thankful my phone had enough storage to capture the entire moment. View Here

Alexandria is a lifelong connection I hope to never lose. We push each other through both our differences and our sameness. I am a better person for knowing her, and I aspire to continue growing into the woman she already is.

Full Circle Moment

I have shared before how Alexandria and I became friends last summer at the NASW-FL conference during a training on navigating a politically divided world with clarity. That same speaker appeared at LEAD this year, offering a similar presentation, sharing her book, and inspiring a new group of students. Holding that book in my hands after pre-ordering it six months ago felt grounding. Helping get copies into the hands of other students felt even better. It was a quiet but powerful reminder of the connection that exists among social workers who are striving, in different ways, to make the world better.

Stepping Into Leadership With Confidence

Last year, I attended as President of the Social Work Society (USF), planning and executing the experience for USF students. This year, my title changed. I stepped into the role of MSW Representative for NASW-FL, and with it came a very different kind of presence.

Having that role gave me a reason, and more importantly the confidence, to enter conversations with students. I could ask how they were doing, whether they needed support, and help them connect. Networking can be intimidating. Even when we want to approach others, not having a clear reason can make it feel awkward or forced. This year, I showed up with excitement instead.

Nearly 300 students attended the Capitol, and I am confident that every single one had at least one point of direct contact with me, even if it was just a good morning in passing. That is something I am genuinely proud of. I also had the chance to connect more deeply with students, learn about their aspirations, offer guidance to BSW students, and even cheer on a student from the UK.

On Monday night, we hosted an Ambassador meet and greet after an incredibly long training day. I was honestly unsure about turnout and not feeling optimistic. To my surprise, we had to call for more pizza less than half an hour in, and every seat was full. That did not feel like an accident. It felt like the payoff for working tirelessly to build relationships and show up for students. That night felt worth it. It refilled my cup in a way I did not realize I needed. Being surrounded by students who care reminded me why I love this profession and the people in it.

LEAD Final Thoughts

It is an unfortunate reality that we left the Capitol without the news we had hoped for on our legislative priorities. Our bills are falling victim to the personalities and power dynamics that can surface in politics. Still, this moment does not deter us. We will continue organizing, advocating, and fighting for our profession and the communities we serve. This is not the end of the work. See you soon, Tally.