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Evelyn Tomaszewski, divisional director of graduate programs and associate professor in the Department of Social Work, has been appointed to a four-year term as a regional representative to the United Nations Commission for the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW).
“This role aligns with George Mason’s Department of Social Work mission and allows me to bring real-time policy, practice, and advocacy experience back into the classroom. As a public health social worker, my hope is that this work highlights the essential role of social work in advancing health, human rights, and sustainable development around the world,” said Tomaszewski.
In this role, Tomaszewski oversees the IFSW team’s engagement with the United Nations in New York. She serves as liaison to the social work professional associations in Canada and the United States and represents the team to the IFSW UN Global Commissioner. She co-leads a team of five IFSW UN representatives and two content-expert advisors, along with Master of Social Work student representatives completing their practicum placements.
Through participation in forums such as the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development and the Commission on Social Development, she aims to strengthen the visibility and impact of the social work profession within UN agencies and across global civil society.
Tomaszewski is also committed to expanding collaboration with regional representatives across IFSW’s five global regions to ensure the profession’s diversity, values, and community-rooted practice are reflected in global policy discussions. With IFSW representing social workers in more than 150 countries, she views this role as a unique opportunity to connect with colleagues worldwide.
Her responsibilities include helping navigate and interpret UN processes, reviewing and coordinating IFSW policy statements and interventions submitted to the UN, and identifying opportunities for social workers to contribute to UN initiatives.
The mission of the George Mason Master of Social Work program emphasizes preparing students for systems transformation, global citizenship, and community partnership. Learn more about the Master of Social Work program.
Tomaszewski’s appointment comes after over a decade of UN-focused service with IFSW. Learn more about her previous work here.