Sr. Pearl Ceasar Wins Public Citizen of the Year Award

It is with great joy that we announce Sister Pearl Ceasar as the 2024 National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Texas Public Citizen of the Year. Earlier this month, she was honored before an audience of 1,000 NASW members in Texas for exemplifying the core values of social work and for her courageous efforts to create meaningful change. This prestigious award recognizes her unwavering commitment to social justice and her transformative contributions to vulnerable communities across Texas and beyond.

Sister Pearl’s journey exemplifies the power of faith in action. Early in her ministry, she taught in a rural African-American public school in Louisiana, where the disparities in educational opportunities deeply moved her. She witnessed the stark contrast between the students she previously taught in a white, upper-middle-class school and those struggling to read in a system that had failed them. This awakening ignited a lifelong passion to address the systemic injustices affecting families and communities.

This mission found its fullest expression through her decades of work with Communities Organized for Public Service (COPS) and the Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF). As a leader and organizer, Sister Pearl empowered countless individuals to advocate for justice and equity. Her efforts have transformed lives and communities, ensuring access to clean water, proper sanitation, living wages, education, and pathways to citizenship for thousands of families.

One of Sister Pearl’s most remarkable achievements is her leadership of Project QUEST, an initiative that has profoundly impacted the economic landscape of San Antonio. Under her guidance, participants’ annual incomes grew from an average of $12,000 to $48,000, drastically reducing reliance on welfare and generating an economic impact of over $1.67 billion. This transformational program is a testament to her vision, showing how faith-driven leadership can create systemic change.

Sister Pearl’s legacy extends beyond individual programs. Her work inspired the creation of the San Antonio Ready to Work program, a $200 million voter-approved initiative that builds on the success of Project QUEST to provide education and job placement opportunities for countless residents. Her collaborative approach—partnering with businesses, parishes, elected officials, and community leaders—has strengthened the fabric of Bexar County, making it a better place for families to thrive.

Through her ministry, Sister Pearl has taught us what it means to be a servant leader. She sees the inherent strength and hope within communities, empowering people to advocate for their own futures. Her work reminds us of the boundless potential of our calling when we answer with hearts open to justice and service.

Congratulations, Sister Pearl, on this well-deserved recognition.