Williams earns state social worker of the year

Owatonna’s Nancy Williams was recently selected as Minnesota’s State Social Worker of the Year by the Minnesota School Social Workers Association (MSSWA) for her continued efforts toward making a difference in the lives of students within the Owatonna School District.

Williams was nominated for the award by Owatonna High School Principal Kory Kath and selected by a state-wide committee of former winners.

“I got a call from the president of the MSSWA letting me know that I was selected and I was like, ‘Wait, I didn’t even know I was nominated,’” said Williams with a laugh. “I was completely blindsided. It’s a huge honor. I have a passion for this work and it’s really humbling. We have so many social workers in this state doing amazing things. Even here in our community, I know we have some amazing people that I work alongside every day that all deserve the award as well.”

Williams’ 32-year career with the Owatonna School District has included working at multiple school campuses in town and helping students from all backgrounds navigate school and life.

Her endeavors caught the attention of Kath, who put her name down for the award nomination with upmost confidence.

“Williams is an individual who cares for all students and wants to help them in their quest for success in life. Students are naturally drawn to her because they see her dedication to their growth and a common interest in them as people and not just students. She pushes students to think for themselves and to honor all conversations, so we emerge stronger and more focused as a student body,” said Kath in his nomination letter.

Over the course of her career, Williams has helped students face about everything that school and home life can throw at them.

She is well-versed in more commonplace issues such as helping students navigate social life and fitting students who need extra help in the classroom by setting up individual education plans (IEPs.)

However, some topics call for more specialized attention – particularly those dealing with homelessness.

“I have definitely seen an increase in students that need more basic needs met. I think we’ve gotten better as a district in identifying students with those needs. It’s been more of a priority to reach out and find which kids are truly meeting a criterion for homelessness. Guess what, there’s 200 kids in our district that fall under that category,” said Williams.

When the opportunity to make a silent difference arose during Owatonna High School’s relocation to its brand-new campus, Williams went to work making her mark on the school’s new beginnings.

The new facilities – including a gigantic learning space and an immaculate new football field – stole the public spotlight during the school’s grand opening.

Yet, Williams’ addition to campus fell under the radar – as it was intended.

“Our building is the only one that has an actual pantry built right into the new high school. Which I have to give a shoutout to [Kory] Kath and Bob Olson for hearing me and my advocacy for that being a need in our new space. Yes, we have beautiful facilities for our sports, music and theater. I support all of it, but we also needed resources for our kids that don’t have food, clothing and some of the other basics. The school allowed me to design a room called our OHS Husky Pantry,” said Williams.

According to Williams, the pantry is stocked with non-perishables, has both a refrigerator and freezer for perishable foods, and a closet containing winter coats, gloves, shoes and more essentials.

“Any kid that has a need, we try to provide those items for them. It’s super confidential and private, and yet, I don’t get the sense that kids are ashamed. Instead, they just appreciate that there is such a resource where they can bring items home,” said Williams.

Williams’ journey as a social worker has no doubt included its fair share of ups and downs navigating a profession so deeply rooted in helping students achieve their full potential.

However, she said, the recipe for success in the field comes from a few key traits.

“When I think of just myself and what I came in with at the beginning, I think it was a helping heart. I had my undergraduate degree as a social worker, so I had better known a bit about it early on, but I think my coworkers always helped me learn the most valuable lessons through experience… It’s one thing to have compassion and empathy for people, but it’s another to be able to be that person that advocates for students and families and provide them with all the things they need. Through my years now, I’ve been able to become that person that can help our younger people coming into the profession,” said Williams.