Introducing Rita Gbegbaje

SSWAA’s New Membership Coordinator

Hello SSWAA Community,

I’m honored and excited to step into the role of Membership Coordinator with SSWAA. From the very beginning of my career, I’ve been drawn to work that strengthens people, builds systems of support, and helps communities thrive. This is why I feel deeply aligned with SSWAA’s mission: to amplify the voices of school social workers and to ensure they have the advocacy, tools, and connections they need to succeed.

My professional background encompasses client success, project management, and onboarding in both nonprofit and SaaS/startup environments. In each role, my focus has been on listening deeply, building strong relationships, and creating processes that empower people to do their best work. Whether coordinating multi-stakeholder projects or leading client success initiatives, I’ve found the most meaningful part of my work is seeing people feel supported, connected, and set up to thrive.

Outside my professional roles, I’ve also had the privilege of engaging in advocacy and humanitarian outreaches. One project that remains especially close to my heart was my work with the Justice Development and Peace Commission, Lagos (JDPC) Nigeria, on a medical outreach program for internally displaced women and children, families uprooted by the Boko Haram crisis. That experience was transformative. It reminded me that advocacy is not only about policy, it is about compassion in action, meeting people where they are, and helping them rebuild with dignity and hope. This lesson echoes so strongly in the work of school social workers and in SSWAA’s mission to ensure no professional stands alone in their efforts to uplift students and communities.

As I begin this journey with you, I’m most excited to:

· Listen and learn from the lived experiences of SSWAA members.

· Strengthen membership engagement by ensuring every member feels connected and supported.

· Help grow our community so that every school social worker knows they have a national family standing with them.

I believe membership is more than just joining an organization; it is about being part of a movement that uplifts the profession and strengthens entire school communities.

I can’t wait to meet more of you in the weeks ahead, and I look forward to serving, supporting, and growing with this inspiring community.

With gratitude and excitement,

Rita Gbegbaje

Membership Coordinator, SSWAA