Chelsea White-Hoglen

Over the last decade of my career, the fields of social work and political advocacy have collided to reveal unique opportunities for human beings to collectively thrive when we reframe politics through the perspective of the Social Work Professional Code of Ethics and knowledge of systems theories and therapeutic skillsets. I have dedicated my life to restructuring political systems using evidence-based healing practices in order to facilitate deep democracy, transformative relationships founded in mutual aid, and community autonomy and self-determination.

I live my passion as a social work leader with a specialized repertoire focused on community organizing, social policy, and leadership development specifically in rural populations. My current work is with Vot-ER, a national nonpartisan nonprofit integrating voter registration into the healthcare system, and with Rednecks Rising, a podcast dedicated to amplifying the rich history and current work of multiracial, working class organizing in Appalachia.

I am wildly energized by sharing groundbreaking research and evidence-based best practices to support community organizing and social change in historically marginalized and underserved communities. I have had the honor of sharing with aspiring professionals during guest lectures provided to both bachelor and graduate students at Western Carolina University, UNC Charlotte, and Lenoir Rhyne University in Social Work and Counseling Departments. I have also had the privilege of sharing with current professionals during various presentations on behalf of the Campaign School for Social Workers and Voting is Social Work. Training others is one of my favorite pieces of my work, which is why I've trained numerous community organizers and mental health professionals on topics including Motivational Interviewing, Deep Canvassing, racial justice, legislative and budget processes, and strategic campaigning.

I have been recognized multiple times over the years for my leadership and service in both the social work field and beyond, including being awarded the Community Service Award issued by the WCU Department of Service Learning and the MSW Excellence in Service Award.

Outside of my professional life, I find joy in immersing myself in my Appalachian community: hiking with my family, getting our hands dirty in the garden, attending potlucks, whitewater kayaking, jamming out to live music, mountain biking, and crocheting.