FAU Professor receives high honor

Monday, October 8, 2007
South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Dr. Cecilia Campoverde, an associate professor of social work in Florida Atlantic University's College of
Architecture, Urban and Public Affairs, was recently named National Social Worker of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).

She was selected from among the prestigious nominees of social workers from across the country. Campoverde is the first to be selected from the state of Florida.

"I believe that the role of social work is to work for social justice and social change. My work with the Guatemalan Project does just that," said Campoverde. "The project has engaged the local government and people to change the structure of their town and laws which have changed people's lives. We have
created opportunities for economic and educational development. The NASW award acknowledges
that work. and for that, I am grateful and humbled."

Campoverde was honored for her work in a voluntary position as director of the Guatemalan
Project Inc., a non-profit, tax-exempt public foundation she founded in 1992 to assist in the development of sustainable micro-enterprises for low income women in Guatemala, specifically the village of El Triunfo.

For the past seven years, Campoverde has assisted the women of El Triunfo, along with their families, to establish life survival skills, ways to take care of basic needs, find employment and crisis intervention..

Her most recent effort, the Lepa House Project, targeted families in need of housing in El Triunfo.

Monies raised from various Guatemalan Project events went toward the construction of 41 houses by the people of EI TriunIo. growing the community from 120 to 232 families.

"Dr. Campoverde's social work education and training allow for a comprehensive understanding
of undeserved people in Guatemala," said Dr. Elizabeth Clark, NA$W executive director. "Her work to empower and sustain impoverished communities is a testament to her dedication to social justice."

Campoverde also has been named Social Worker of the Year for Palm Beach County and Florida State Social Worker of the Year this year.

For more information on Cecilia Campoverde or the Guatemalan Project, Inc., call 561-297-3247 or email campover@fau.edu.

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), in Washington, D.C., is the largest membership organization of professional social workers with 150,000 members.

It promotes, develops and protects the practice social work and social workers. NASW also seeks to enhance the well-being of individuals, families, and communities through its advocacy.