Alum Ajirioghene Evi makes an impact as OASW CEO

In February, in honour of Black History Month, we are celebrating the achievements of the many Black Renison Community members, including Alum Ajirioghene Evi (SDS ’09, BSW ’11). Ajirioghene has recently become CEO of the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW) where she can have a positive impact on the lives of social workers across Ontario.

Ajirioghene has been in the position for a few months, so we asked her to tell us about the journey so far:

Reflection on My First 90 Days as CEO

As a proud Renison alumna and Black woman stepping into the role of CEO, my first 90 days have been a transformative journey of learning, leading, and laying the foundation for meaningful change. This moment is more than a professional milestone—it is a reflection of the strength, resilience, and dedication that social workers across Ontario embody every day. Social workers are at the heart of our communities, addressing critical issues such as mental health, child welfare, housing insecurity, and systemic inequities. Yet, they often face significant challenges, from professional underrepresentation to inadequate resources that limit their ability to serve effectively. My work as CEO of the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW) is rooted in addressing these disparities and elevating the profession through strategic initiatives that align with the core values of education, connection, and advocacy.

In these first 90 days, I have focused on fostering partnerships that amplify the voice and impact of social workers. I have been meeting with faculty at Schools of Social Work across Ontario, building relationships with educators who are shaping the next generation of practitioners. My ongoing collaboration with the Canadian Association of Social Workers and the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers ensures that our collective efforts remain aligned in promoting equity, inclusion and professional excellence. Connection has been a key priority. I have engaged with my counterparts across Ontario and convened with Ministers and policymakers to advocate for policies that uphold social justice and equity, ensuring the voices of social workers and the communities they serve are heard at every level. Outreach and engagement efforts have allowed us to strengthen our networks and collaborate on initiatives that drive meaningful change.

A significant area of focus during this time has been the enhancement and development of policies that inform equity integration within our board governance and day-to-day operations. As part of our strategic initiatives, we are committed to leading equity integration across all levels of the organization. This work ensures that our governance structures, decision-making processes, and operational practices are intentionally aligned with principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion. At OASW, we are also laying the groundwork for our 2025 business goals, focusing on enhancing professional development opportunities, advancing advocacy efforts, and ensuring that social workers have the resources and support they need to succeed. Education remains central to this vision—empowering social workers with the tools and knowledge to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape. Advocacy fuels our commitment to advancing equity, while connection ensures we remain a united, supportive community of practitioners.

Renison shaped my passion for this work, instilling in me the values of critical thinking, compassion, reflection and leadership that I carry forward every day. These first 90 days have reinforced the power of collective action and the immense potential of social workers to drive transformative change. Together, we are not just imagining a better future for the profession—we are building it. My hope is that this journey inspires the next generation of social workers, especially those from underrepresented communities, to know that their voices matter and their impact can change lives.

Ajirioghene Evi
OASW CEO & Renison Alumna