2025 Award Winners

Tisha S. Edwards is the newly appointed President and CEO of the Maryland Bankers Association and EVP of the Mid-Atlantic Bankers Association. She brings a wealth of executive experience in both the public and private sectors, with a strong commitment to representativeness and service.

Previously, Tisha served as the Chief of Staff for Wes Moore’s Maryland gubernatorial campaign and as Appointment Secretary for Governor Moore’s administration. From 2019 to 2021, she was the Director of the Baltimore Mayor’s Office of Children & Family Success. She has also held leadership roles as President of BridgeEdU, Vice President of Corporate Affairs for War Horse Cities, and Interim CEO of the Baltimore City Public Schools System.

Tisha earned her BSW from Georgia State University, her MSW from the University of Maryland School of Social Work, and her JD from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law. She has been a trustee of the University of Maryland Baltimore Foundation since 2016 and serves on the University of Maryland School of Social Work Board of Advisors.

Her ability to navigate complex systems and advocate for the greater good has defined her career, making her a driving force for economic growth and community development in Maryland.

---

 

Mr. Zuskin exemplifies the highest standards of social work practices, values, and ethics. As the Senior Clinician of the Baltimore Sexual Abuse Treatment Program and former Director of Training at UMBC (1992-2004), he has passionately addressed ethical challenges from a trauma-informed perspective.

He has trained others in anti-racist practices and published articles on protecting and treating children exposed to family violence. Mr. Zuskin speaks locally and nationally on ethical, clinical, and supervisory dilemmas, providing guidance based on literature, law, and real-world experience.

As a world-class teacher, he fosters the professional growth of clinicians by encouraging thoughtful decision-making. His positive influence extends through those he has taught and the lives they have touched.

---

 

Mackenzie began her career in Child Protective Services, quickly earning a reputation for compassionate and effective engagement with children and families. As a qualified forensic interviewer, she skillfully addresses some of the most traumatic experiences children face.

In 2022, Mackenzie became a Faculty Field Instructor for the Child Welfare Fellowship Program, mentoring graduate social work students and guiding them through their field placements. Her commitment to public child welfare and positive attitude inspire both students and colleagues.

Mackenzie also volunteers as a camp counselor at Camp Connect, Maryland’s weeklong camp for reunifying siblings in foster care. For eight years, she has been an invaluable member of the team, co-hosting the talent show and serving as a role model of positivity and support.

---

 

Dr. Renetta Weaver, known as "The Unstuck Queen," has revolutionized social work by creating the SWAI (Social Work and AI) Method and developing the 16-hour course, Your Bariatric Practice, which equips clinicians to support over 250,000 annual weight loss surgery patients.

Renetta is a Board Certified Doctor in Metaphysics, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a Neuroscience Coach, a holistic life coach, and a Certified Bariatric Counselor. She helps women overcome barriers to releasing physical and emotional weight.

She has co-authored two anthologies: Black Therapists Rock-A Glimpse Through the Eyes of Experts and Unchain Me Mama; The Forgiveness Factor. Practicing in Maryland and Washington, DC, Renetta provides education and support for bariatric patients.

Dr. Weaver’s innovative use of AI enhances patient care and clinical readiness, reshaping how institutions treat obesity while upholding social work values of fairness, ethics, and compassion. Her scholarship, clinical training, and dedication to community public health further the mission of providing best practices in the care and treatment of those suffering from obesity and related disorders.

---

 

Melissa has made remarkable strides in social work since earning her MSW in 2020. As the founder and clinical director of Bethesda Therapy, she has built a thriving practice with nearly 15 therapists, providing high-quality care to over 600 clients across DC, MD, and VA.

Specializing in OCD and Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs), Melissa offers compassionate, evidence-based care to underserved populations. She is a Certified Dialectical Behavior Therapist, OCD/ERP trainer, and board-approved supervisor, mentoring emerging therapists and advancing the profession.

Melissa's leadership and holistic approach have significantly improved access to specialized mental health care in her community. Her dedication, vision, and work ethic make her highly deserved recognition.

---

 

Chloe, a Maryland native who has lived in Harford County for over two decades, is currently pursuing a MSW at the University of Maryland School of Social Work.  Chloe's passion for visibility, fairness, and acceptance has driven her to action.

During the pandemic, Chloe initiated a virtual support group, offering a place for connection and community during challenging times. She has successfully advocated for changes to support breaking down barriers for populations.

Chloe has volunteering experience with organizations like KaBoom!, where she helped build six playgrounds at local Baltimore schools. She is devoted to building community, amplifying voices, and championing policies that promote visibility and acceptance locally and beyond.

---

 

Silvia Fuentes, LCSW-C, is a dedicated clinical social worker with a Master's degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB). She also holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Work with a minor in Psychology from the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC).

With 7 years of experience, Silvia has worked with diverse populations, providing case management and therapy in both English and Spanish, and leading support groups for individuals and families facing an array of challenges linked to health issues, trauma, intimate partner violence, and poverty.

Her expertise includes trauma-informed care, therapeutic approaches tailored to meet the unique needs of diverse cultures and communities, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, crisis intervention, and strength-based interventions.

As a collaborative and dynamic professional, Silvia thrives in interdisciplinary team settings, working closely with healthcare providers, community organizations, and social service agencies to deliver comprehensive and holistic care.

She has established partnerships with local organizations to break down barriers and improve clients' access to food, medication, housing, education, and medical equipment, demonstrating her commitment to advocacy and social justice.

Silvia has also provided case management to individuals needing assistance navigating the healthcare system, helping them apply for medical financial assistance, specialty care programs, enroll in health insurance, and access other essential resources that enhance their quality of life.

As a proud immigrant herself, Silvia understands the unique challenges faced by immigrant communities. She is deeply committed to empowering individuals to navigate the system, know their rights, and advocate for themselves, as well as thrive in their communities.

Silvia recognizes the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly within the Hispanic population, and has dedicated her career to breaking down barriers to access care for Latino individuals and families.

Silvia creates a culturally responsive and trauma-informed environment, fostering trust, cultural sensitivity, and empathy. Within this safe and supportive space, clients can process complex trauma, heal, grow, or learn strategies to manage their symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Silvia's approach prioritizes clients' unique experiences, promoting recovery, resiliency, and personal growth.

In addition to her clinical work, Silvia provides supervision to a team of Community Resource Coordinators, Case Managers, and social work interns in the Bachelor's program at UMBC.

She is a highly motivated professional, passionate about collaboration, improving access to care, and equity. Silvia is currently working towards becoming a Board-Certified Supervisor, further solidifying her expertise in the field.

In her free time, Silvia enjoys exploring new restaurants with her husband, going to the gym, and spending time with her family.