Fostering Connection and Belonging: Karla McNicholas Named 2026 Sarah Duncan Champion for Children and Families
Quick Summary
- Karla McNicholas of Butte County was named the 2026 Sarah Duncan Champion for Children and Families, recognized for her advocacy, family engagement and commitment to improving outcomes for youth
- Through intentional family finding and connection, McNicholas helped transform a youth’s experience from isolation to belonging, reconnecting them with extended family and long-term support
- Eight Northern California social workers were nominated for the award, highlighting the dedication and impact of child welfare professionals across the region
Presented each spring by the Northern Academy at UC Davis Human Services, the Sarah Duncan Champion for Children and Families Award honors outstanding social workers across Northern California who reflect Duncan’s passion, skill and tireless commitment to improving outcomes for children and families. Now in its fifth year, the award continues to celebrate those making a lasting impact in the field. Each year, colleagues submit nominations recognizing social workers whose excellence and impact they have witnessed firsthand.
And the 2026 winner is…
Karla McNicholas — Butte County Children’s Services
Karla McNicholas was nominated by a colleague for her “authentic engagement, courageous advocacy and tireless dedication to improving outcomes for children and families.”
Her colleague highlighted Karla’s ability to connect with families and ensure they feel “heard, valued and meaningfully involved in decisions affecting their lives.” She is known for her willingness to “push against the grain when necessary” in the best interest of those she serves.
In one example, Karla worked with a youth who believed he had no family connections—and no one who cared enough to show up for him.
“Rather than accepting that narrative,” her colleague shared, “Karla committed herself to intentional family finding and engagement.”
Through persistent outreach, she identified extended family members who had lost contact with the youth but wanted to reconnect. She brought them together for a Child and Family Team Meeting, where relatives reconnected, additional family members were identified and a plan for ongoing support was established.
“Most importantly,” her colleague added, “the youth left the meeting knowing he was not alone. What had been a story of isolation became one of belonging and hope. This transformation was the direct result of Karla’s skillful engagement and her belief that every child deserves connection.”
Karla’s work demonstrates how intentional family engagement can improve stability, connection and long-term outcomes for youth in care.
In addition to her impact on children and families, Karla is a strong support to her team.
“Karla upholds the highest ethical standards of social work practice,” her colleague shared. “She actively seeks continued education, remains reflective and growth-oriented and fosters collaboration by sharing her knowledge with peers.”
Please join us in congratulating Karla McNicholas on being named the 2026 Sarah Duncan Champion for Children and Families Award recipient—and in thanking her for her outstanding service to Butte County and the children, families and communities they serve.
Celebrating Our 2026 Nominees
This year brought an exceptionally strong pool of nominees. Thank you to everyone who took the time to recognize a dedicated colleague. Each nomination highlights the extraordinary commitment of child welfare professionals across Northern California.
The 2026 nominees were:
- Jennifer Lopez, Yuba County
- Karla McNicholas, Butte County
- Lori Hansen, Nevada County
- Maribel Mendoza, Sacramento County
- Michael Lang Perry, Butte County
- Moana Sessions, Mendocino County
- Ruby DeQuiroz, Nevada County
- Shoua Yang, Yuba County
Meet every nominee for the 2026 Sarah Duncan Award
Learn More and Explore
Learn more about the Sarah Duncan Award and the social worker it honors
Meet past winners and nominees
We will be sharing additional stories in the coming weeks on UC Davis Human Services’ Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn channels. Be sure to follow along.
Nominations Open Year-Round
Nominations for next year’s award are now being accepted.