THE ASIAN INDEPENDENT UK
Denver, CO — October 25, 2025 — The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has named the Ambedkar Association of North America (AANA) the recipient of the 2025 Partners in Advancing International Education (PIE) Organization Award, recognizing its outstanding contributions to global social work education and social justice. The award was presented at the 71st Annual CSWE Conference in Denver, Colorado, themed “Championing Disability Justice and Dignity in Social Work.” Now in its twentieth year, the PIE Awards honour individuals, students, and organizations that demonstrate leadership and innovation in advancing international social work.
Founded in 2008, AANA is a volunteer-driven non-profit organization dedicated to uplifting marginalized communities through education, empowerment, and advocacy. Rooted in Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s guiding philosophy—Educate, Agitate, Organize—AANA works through local chapters across the United States and global partnerships to drive systemic change. Its mission is to foster equity by advancing community development and transformative education.
AANA’s initiatives address key areas of social impact, including scholarships and school infrastructure support for underserved communities in India; digital literacy and girls’ education programs improving retention rates; and health equity projects such as sickle cell screening and nutrition support. The organization also led emergency relief efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, advocated for anti-caste legislation in the United States, and funded caste equity education through documentaries and awareness campaigns. Additional programs include women’s empowerment workshops that strengthen civic participation and youth leadership retreats that foster solidarity within the South Asian diaspora. With over 99% of donations directly funding community programs, AANA is widely recognized for transparency, accountability, and impact.
Through these grassroots efforts, AANA connects struggles for equality in South Asia with movements for justice in the United States. Its programs embody global solidarity and the belief that education is a tool for liberation and lasting social change.
Recognition from CSWE
In presenting the award, the CSWE Commission on Global Social Work Education commended AANA for its “transformative role in linking education, empowerment, and advocacy to advance global social justice.” Accepting the honor, AANA President Mrs. Smitha expressed gratitude on behalf of the organization’s volunteers and partners:
“We are deeply honoured to receive this recognition from CSWE. This award celebrates not just AANA’s work, but the enduring vision of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar—a world where education is the pathway to equality, and justice knows no borders.”
The 2025 PIE Awards also recognized Dr. Ann Petrila, Professor of the Practice at the University of Denver, for her work in genocide education and survivor narratives in Bosnia, and Finau Rabuka-Conklin, MSW and PhD student at the University of Utah, for her research on historical trauma and mental health disparities among Pacific Islanders.
About the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Founded in 1952, CSWE is the national association representing social work education in the United States, with more than 900 accredited programs. As the sole accrediting body, CSWE advances excellence and innovation through leadership, scholarship, and advocacy grounded in anti-racism, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (ADEIB). Headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, CSWE is committed to addressing the legacies of colonization and promoting social justice through education and research.
