The National Association of Social Workers Iowa chapter award is named for Catherine G. Williams, a widely respected community leader who passed away recently at the age of 105.

Debra Carr remembers the change-makers from her childhood. Some of them lived in Waterloo, some were on the national stage.

“After the Civil Rights movement, I saw many leaders across and throughout my community giving back to uplift people that have been marginalized,” Carr said.

Their impact inspired her to pursue social work in a variety of capacities. The most recent, as a Student Services Coordinator in five DMPS middle schools – Merrill, McCombs, Brody, Weeks, and Callanan. She also serves on the district Safety Team and the SEL Leadership Team and teaches Interrupting Racism for School Counselors.

“Thinking about us as human beings, we’re social and emotional and everything we do in our entire being is really connected to all things in the world,” she said.

Connection. It’s a word that comes up often when people talk about her. Janice Lane Schroeder says Carr understands and is invested in the needs of her community.

“And as she meets individuals and identifies that they may have a resource, skill or a talent, she tries to connect the two,” said Schroeder. “For Debra, it’s always been how can I take all the resources I have to make a difference in the work that I’m doing.”

Her deep understanding of the community and ability to find resources to meet needs is one of the reasons Schroeder nominated Carr for the National Association of Social Workers Catherine G. Williams Lifetime Diversity Achievement Award. Carr is a licensed master’s level social worker with extensive administrative, operations and programmatic expertise working in diverse settings for public, private, and nonprofit organizations. She received her undergraduate degree in Human Services from the University of Upper Iowa, and her master’s degree from the University of Iowa in social work administration.

“Throughout her student years and throughout her career, she’s always been centered around, ‘How can I be a difference in the lives of those that I touch?'” said Schroeder. “That’s just a part of who she is.”

Receiving the award is extra special to Carr, since Catherine G. Williams was a longtime mentor of hers and holds a special place in her heart. Williams, a widely respected community leader, passed away recently at the age of 105.

“I just cried because of the impact she had on my life,” said Carr. “I saw the impact that she had on the lives of so many. I was very humbled, I felt very grateful and proud to have this honor.”

The NASW Iowa chapter award honors individual social workers who have demonstrated and made a commitment to the advancement of diversity in the social work profession, promoting inclusivity, and effectively integrating culture, values, and ethics in their work.

“I know Catherine would be pleased to have someone of Debra’s personal and professional character and accomplishments receive this award,” said Charles M. Palmer, former director of the Iowa Department of Human Services, who also wrote a letter of support.

Not only does Carr work in her community, but she also volunteers. Over the last few years, she has focused her efforts on increasing voter registration and addressing mental health awareness in marginalized communities.

“She continues to be a light in the community,” said Schroeder. “I look forward to what’s next in Deborah’s life as she continues to work within our community to try and make a difference in the lives of the families that we serve.”

Watch a video of Carr and Schroeder talking about the award