by Aron Smith
Jackson State University School of Social Work MSW Assistant Professor Candace Riddley, Ph.D., has been appointed to the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Council on the Role and Status of Women in Social Work Education.
“I learned about my appointment to the CSWE’s Council on the Role and Status of Women in Social Work Education and felt incredibly honored and excited to collaborate with fellow professionals,” Riddley expressed. “I am sincerely grateful for the appointment and excited to represent Jackson State University.”
The Council on the Role and Status of Women in Social Work Education (Women’s Council) is a dedicated group within the CSWE tasked with developing educational resources relevant to women’s issues in social work education.
It strives for full participation, uplifts their work, and facilitates mentorships for peers, junior faculty, and students. The Council’s mission is to ensure these individuals can navigate their educational journeys and ascend into leadership roles.
As a CSWE Women’s Council member, Riddley will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of social work education and ensuring the highest standards are upheld. Her expertise and insights will be invaluable in promoting excellence and advancing the quality of social work programs nationwide.
“This appointment is a testament to your outstanding reputation and the social work community’s trust in your abilities. Your passion for the field and commitment to fostering excellence will undoubtedly impact the accreditation process,” said Monica Wylie, senior executive assistant to the president and CEO at CSWE.
Riddley outlined her specific goals during her tenure on the Council, emphasizing advocacy for policies and practices that address the gender pay gap and increase women’s representation in leadership roles. She plans to foster collaboration with other councils and committees to amplify women’s voices and contributions in social work education.
“Some of the biggest challenges facing women in social work education today are the gender pay gap, balancing the demands of a career and caregiving responsibilities, and underrepresentation in leadership roles. My focus centers on addressing systemic changes and improving initiatives to increase women’s representation in leadership roles,” Riddley explained. “Advocating and enforcing clear policies will be key.”
Riddley is a healthcare consultant for the Mississippi Black Women’s Roundtable (MSBWR), an inter-generational statewide network championing equitable public policy for Black women and girls. Her primary role is to uplift the voices of Black and brown women who lack access to quality healthcare in Mississippi and equip them with transferable skills to build power within their communities.
“Being a part of MSBWR has fully prepared me for this amazing opportunity,” she said. “I would encourage aspiring social workers, especially women, to build strong support networks, seek leadership opportunities, invest in your growth, and celebrate your achievements.”
Looking ahead, Riddley’s hopes for the future of social work education center around creating a more equitable, inclusive, and innovative field. She aims to contribute through her work with the CSWE Women’s Council by advocating for curriculum enhancements that embrace diversity, promoting equitable hiring practices, and providing mentorship and networking opportunities.
In 2018, Governor Phil Bryant appointed Riddley to serve on the Mississippi State Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage & Family Therapists, where she later served as the board chair. She also owns The Social Work Group, LLC. She is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the National Association of Social Workers, the NAACP, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Riddley obtained her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work and a doctoral degree in education administration and supervision from Jackson State University.