2025 S.W.A. G Awards - Sold Out - 1/31/2025
Dr. Aliya Durham, PhD, MSW, MPIA
(Pronouns: she, her, hers)
Dr. Aliya Durham is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work, specializing in Macro Practice. She teaches courses in Human Services Organization Management, Grant Writing, and Generalist Practice, while directing community engagement initiatives like the Browne Leadership Fellowship and the Community and Racial Equity Leadership (CREL) Fellowship. These programs empower students—particularly those underrepresented in social work—with leadership skills and mentorship for macro practice careers.
With over 25 years of experience in health, human services, and community development, Aliya has held leadership roles at prominent organizations, including the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh, where she served as Vice President of Foundation and Government Relations. She co-founded the Homewood Children’s Village, transforming it from concept to impactful organization, and remains deeply committed to equity, servant leadership, and community development.
Her accomplishments include:
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Recognition such as Pittsburgh’s 40 Under 40, Talk Magazine’s Minority Achievers Award, and the Social Worker Appreciation of Greatness (S.W.A.G.) Award.
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Leadership in grant-funded research and development projects.
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Academic achievements, including a doctorate in Community Engagement with a dissertation on collective impact theory.
Aliya’s research explores the mental health needs of African Americans, and she continues to shape her field through teaching, mentorship, and community-driven initiatives. An ordained deacon, proud wife, mother of two, and volunteer, Aliya serves her community through her church, sorority, and numerous nonprofit boards.
Keynote Speaker - Dr. Toya Jones, Ed.D, LCSW
Dr. Jones is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for the state of Pennsylvania. She is an Assistant Professor and director of the Bachelor of Arts Social Work program at the University of Pittsburgh. She is the founder and president of Freedom Indeed LLC, an organization that focuses on serving and empowering ex-offenders, returning citizens, and victims of crime, and she is the host of her Facebook and YouTube show, Healing Overflow with Dr. Toy. She has earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Indiana University of PA, a master’s degree in social work, and a doctorate in education from the University of Pittsburgh.
Her current research focuses on trauma reactions in social work students, increasing the awareness of PTSD and self-care techniques amongst social work students, assessing burnout among BIPOC students, and integrating Cognitive Behavior Therapy and faith in the black church community.
Dr. Jones is an expert trauma witness and consultant for the United States Federal Courts. She has extensive experience working with the incarcerated population and returning citizens who have been affected by crime. She has counselor-legal advocacy, crisis management, conflict resolution, and mediation experience, working with both victims of juvenile crime and the adult criminal justice system.
Dr. Jones provides trauma-focused therapy, and community education programs for those exposed to violence. In addition, she facilitates trainings for practitioners, professors, artists, and students in Asia, East Africa, and the USA. She lectures for universities, national conferences, school districts, religious organizations, and private corporations on topics such as The Impact of Trauma on Children and Adults, Symptoms of PTSD, The Neurological and Generational Impact of Racial Trauma, Vicarious Trauma, Trauma Aware Pedagogy Practices, Trauma, and the Incarcerated Population, Mental Health Wellness for Creative Artists, and treatment modalities such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), expressive art, and play therapies for those affected by trauma. She is a board member of the Woman’s Center and Shelter, Hammonds Initiative, and Melanin Mommies. She is married to Rev. Cornell Jones and the proud mother of two children, Cornell “CJ” Jones age 15, and Naomi Jones age 11.
Mistress of Ceremonies - Michaela (Mikey) Hood
Mikey Hood is a lifestyle and entertainment co-host on KDKA’s
afternoon lifestyle show Talk Pittsburgh. She grew up in the East End of Pittsburgh and
graduated from Taylor Allderdice High School. She got her start in local daytime TV
through a web show she created and produced call Pghspot.com. She says “I always wanted to highlight people from my community.. the feel good stories, the stories of victory and success”.
She is married to actor Georin Oliver and has a son named Logan. She also loves playing with her high energy dog, a Labradoodle named Wilson. Her motto is to focus on the things you can change, not on what you cant.