Jason Lam and Karen Wasylenka recognized for outstanding service
ASWB celebrated the outstanding service of two leaders in social work regulation at the association’s 2025 Annual Meeting of the Delegate Assembly.
Jason Lam, RCSW, former Board Chair and current member of the British Columbia College of Social Workers, received the Sunny Andrews Award for Outstanding Commitment to Regulatory Board Service. The award, named for a former president of ASWB, is presented annually to an exceptional volunteer member of a social work regulatory board or college.
Award recipients are recognized for demonstrating extraordinary commitment to service in one or more of the following areas: upholding the integrity of a member jurisdiction’s functioning and processes; enforcing the ethical performance of a member jurisdiction; or giving selflessly of personal time and effort to support the work of a member jurisdiction.
On behalf of the entire board of the British Columbia College of Social Workers, ASWB Director at Large Sonia Bilkhu nominated Lam and presented the award to him at the annual meeting. In her nomination, Bilkhu commented on Lam’s devotion and willingness to step up as a leader. “Jason willingly put his name forward as Chair. Nobody else on the board was willing to take on this responsibility at that time, but he understood that taking on this responsibility was critical for the survival of the College during this tumultuous time, and stable, principled leadership was the need of the hour,” said Bilkhu.
Karen Wasylenka, MSW, RSW, executive director of the Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers, received the Glenda McDonald Board Administrator Award for Outstanding Commitment to Regulatory Board Service. This award recognizes the exceptional work of a professional staff member of a social work regulatory board and is named in memory of a long-time administrator from Ontario who was active with the association.
Award recipients are recognized for extraordinary commitment to service in one or more of the following areas: promoting the ethical, responsible, and effective functioning of a member jurisdiction; facilitating a fair, efficient and responsible process for legal regulation in or on behalf of a member jurisdiction; or educating the public and the profession on legal regulation.
Amanda Knievel, SASW Council President, nominated Wasylenka for the award and presented it to her at the annual meeting. In nominating Wasylenka for this recognition, Knievel applauded her extensive knowledge of and care for social work regulation. “Karen keeps Council and SASW members informed. … Karen does her work with a blend of kindness, caring, and leadership, always being aware of the importance of the regulatory lens. She has moved SASW forward and made us a stronger organization,” said Knievel.