NASW-FL 2025 Conference Recap
- Tori Leto
- Jun 16
- 4 min read
Before the NASW-FL Annual Conference officially began, I found myself in an unexpected moment of leadership. Encouraged by a peer, I hosted a webinar on Monday evening for students feeling nervous about attending. The turnout was small, and I left feeling a bit disappointed but deeply grateful for the few who showed up and allowed us to connect meaningfully.
That feeling shifted entirely the moment I arrived at the conference. One of those students spotted me, beaming from ear to ear, and told me how much the session had helped. He had already collected three business cards and felt energized to keep networking. Later, he shared that in a moment of uncertainty he asked himself, "What would Tori do?" and that helped him move forward with confidence. I was so shocked by this as I struggle with imposter syndrome (just like everyone else). To be seen as someone worth emulating is a rare and humbling gift. He even gave me one of his business cards, and I’ll be keeping it as a reminder of why showing up, even for a small audience, always matters.
That same morning, another student approached me and asked to sit together. She recognized me from LED and mentioned she had come alone. We were soon joined by others, students who recognized me, until the front row of the keynote session became a quiet community of students who had arrived solo but didn’t want to feel alone. Being that safe and welcoming presence for them was a moment of real pride. I realized that sometimes, your presence speaks even before you do.
Thursday morning began with a sobering and necessary remembrance. We opened with a reading of the names and a moment of silence for the victims of the Pulse nightclub massacre. It was a collective call to action, an invitation to remember not only who we serve, but why we serve.
We were then revitalized by a powerful keynote from Estelli Ramos, MSW, MDiv. It felt like a social work sermon and I was taken to church, AMEN. His words reminded us of the NASW Code of Ethics, but more importantly, challenged us to be unapologetic in how we live it out. The room was filled with energy. You could feel something shift. We were all lit up with purpose and ready for the work ahead.
That afternoon, I moderated a session titled "The 'And' Way: How to Navigate a Politically Divided World." At first, I felt bad for the low turnout. But the smaller room allowed for something deeper, something more honest. I admitted aloud that I struggle with the idea of social workers identifying as conservative or Republican, and how that fits with our ethical code. Then, the student sitting next to me turned and said, "I’m one of them." Insert foot in mouth.
But instead of discomfort, what followed was understanding. We had one of the most honest, respectful, and meaningful conversations of the entire conference. We didn’t agree on everything, but we walked away with mutual respect and even a new friendship. We stuck together for the rest of the weekend. That conversation changed me. It reminded me what it means to be in true community, even across difference.
Later that evening, I attended the poster session and had the honor of seeing fellow USF MSW student RAin Chrisiti present her incredible research and passion for the unhoused population. Her passion and persistence were evident in every word she shared. I felt lucky to hug her and tell her how inspiring her work is. I’m a better social worker because of peers like her who bring different expertise and the same heart to the field.
During that same event, I met two powerhouse social workers who were both hilarious and wise. Over dinner, they talked about the hustle and grit needed to branch out in our profession. I told them they need to start a podcast. Their honesty, banter, and brilliance were the kind you could listen to for hours and still want more.
To close out day one, I joined a session led by one of the principal investigators from the STAY research grant I work on. I noticed an older woman sitting alone and offered to be her partner. We didn’t finish the activity, but we exchanged stories. She was retired and full of wisdom. In the days that followed, we greeted each other with hugs and warm words. That simple connection reminded me of the beauty in showing up with kindness and curiosity.
Friday and Saturday passed quickly in a blur of sessions, conversations, and reflection. My student friend from the webinar was thriving. He teased me about how many people he had networked with and teased that was outperforming my networking. He was right. While he was focused on casting a wide net, I was being intentional about building deeper relationships with students. As an online student, I don’t get to connect often, so sitting and sharing real conversations about our goals, challenges, and hopes meant everything.
Saturday was full of those little reminders that the world of social work is smaller than you think. During one of the first sessions, I introduced myself and mentioned my field placement. The presenters smiled and said they knew my supervisor personally and had worked with her. It really is a small world.
Later, we joined the Student Summit, where we got honest about what life looks like after graduation. By then, I was emotionally drained, but it was refreshing to be around other students who understood that feeling. We were all exhausted, but still hopeful, still committed, still here.
This conference wasn’t just a professional experience. It was a deeply human one. I laughed, I learned, I got uncomfortable, I connected, and I grew. I left feeling more grounded in who I am and more excited about who I’m becoming.
The NASW-FL Annual Conference is now a permanent fixture in my professional life. I’ll be back next year, and every year after that, because this community is worth it.
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