Blog
Women Leading Change: How Research Meets Real-World Impact in Social Work
At A Second Chance Inc. (ASCI), improving the lives of children and families is at the heart of everything we do. From designing programs that support children in crisis to mentoring families toward long-term stability, our work is driven by a deep commitment to creating meaningful, lasting impact. Central to this mission is the leadership of women in social work, who bridge research and practice to turn evidence into action. Women in this field are uniquely positioned to translate data into meaningful change, champion families, and drive system-level transformation across child welfare systems.
This month, ASCI spoke with Dr. Betsy Farmer, Dean of the School of Social Work at the University of Pittsburgh, about the critical role women play in shaping child welfare systems and empowering organizations to make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families.
Turning research into tangible outcomes requires more than academic insight. It demands intentional partnership and collaboration. Women leaders in social work recognize that research must be deeply connected to the day-to-day realities of families and practitioners in the field. Flexibility, mutual respect, and a focus on impact rather than recognition or funding are essential for success. This philosophy is at the core of ASCI’s approach: ensuring that programs are informed by the best evidence available while remaining responsive to the unique challenges families face.
Focus must be on making a difference, not on egos or funding.
Dr. Betsy Farmer
At ASCI, this approach is reflected in every initiative, from developing trauma-informed care programs to providing individualized support for children and families navigating complex systems. Data and evaluation are powerful tools when used to guide action rather than sit idle in reports. By centering research questions on real-world challenges, ASCI gathers actionable insights that inform program design, refine interventions, and measure meaningful outcomes, ensuring that every service we deliver is both effective and sustainable.
Data is not just numbers. It’s the evidence that shows what’s working, what needs adjustment, and how programs make a real difference.
Dr. Betsy Farmer
Being an organization led by Founder, President, and CEO, Dr. Sharon McDaniel, PhD, EdD, MPA, who is a researcher and scholar, our intentional partnerships with academic researchers allow ASCI to translate these findings into evidence-based practices recognized on a national scale. This collaboration strengthens our programs, elevates our ability to advocate for families, and ensures that we are implementing strategies that truly make a difference. By combining practical knowledge from the field with rigorous research, ASCI sets the standard for what responsive, data-informed child welfare services can look like.
Leadership in social work requires a delicate balance of passion and precision. Women driving change in child welfare bring an unwavering commitment to families, paired with the strategic use of data to guide decisions and champion policy improvements. At ASCI, we combine compelling stories with evidence to demonstrate both the human and systemic impact of our work, earning the trust of policymakers, funders, and community members alike.
If you can bring together a compelling story of how this makes a difference, and then show the data that supports it, you can really move things in a direction that improves outcomes for kids and families.
Dr. Betsy Farmer
Women leaders in social work also exemplify collaboration and resilience. They understand that complex challenges cannot be solved alone and that meaningful change requires teams working together, blending expertise from frontline practice, research, and organizational leadership. At ASCI, this spirit of teamwork ensures that interventions are both innovative and effective, providing children and families with comprehensive support that addresses immediate needs and builds long-term stability.
Finally, research empowers organizations to build trust with the families they serve. Families need to know that social workers and organizations genuinely care about their experiences and outcomes. By integrating evaluation with program delivery, ASCI demonstrates what works, provides hope, and supports families during critical moments, reinforcing the strong relationships that are the foundation of our success.
Trust is really hard to build and really easy to lose.
Dr. Betsy Farmer
Through the leadership of women in social work, ASCI continues to champion evidence-based practice, systemic innovation, and community-centered solutions. By blending heart with hard data, we are shaping a future where children and families not only survive but flourish. We are grateful to Dr. Betsy Farmer for sharing her insights on the transformative role of women in social work, reminding us that meaningful change comes from combining passion, collaboration, and data-driven strategies.
At ASCI, we carry this vision forward every day by championing programs, building partnerships, and empowering families. Through the dedication of women leaders and the commitment of our entire team, every decision, every initiative, and every second chance is driven by our unwavering promise: to change lives for the better.