Director of Workforce Development and Philadelphia Connections/President of NASW-PA
PMHCC Inc
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Sierra McNeil is a dedicated social worker with a profound commitment to promoting inclusivity and advocating for underrepresented groups. With a Master of Social Work degree from Temple University School of Social Work, Sierra has positioned herself as a leader in the field, contributing to transformative changes in behavioral health systems.
In her role as Director of Workforce Development, Sierra is instrumental in addressing the behavioral health workforce crisis in Philadelphia and across the Commonwealth. She employs a strategic approach to highlight the significant challenges and barriers that students and early-career professionals face when entering the behavioral health field. Collaborating with universities, provider agencies, and community partners, Sierra is committed to dismantling silos and elevating the voices of frontline behavioral health workers. She advocates for systemic change, focusing on higher wages, enhanced supervision, and access to training and education to ensure that all behavioral health professionals are equipped to perform their roles effectively.
Sierra's impact extends beyond her immediate responsibilities, as she had participated in key initiatives shaping policies and regulations. Her involvement in the update of the 1993 PA Crisis Regulations, the 988 Advocacy Coalition, OMHSAS Family Peer Support Specialist Steering Committee, and Philadelphia Crisis System Mapping reflects her commitment to addressing critical issues in the mental and behavioral health landscape.
Notably, Sierra serves as the President of NASW-PA, where she is dedicated to elevating the social work profession and creating a chapter that is reflective of ALL social workers across the Commonwealth. Sierra is a current fellow of the, 2024-2025 Cohort of the Equity-Grounded Leadership (EGL) Fellow Program with the College for Behavioral Health Leadership. Where she is focused on creating a statewide and state funded Behavioral Health Residency Program.
Lastly, Sierra's extensive knowledge and expertise, developed over years of experience in the field, make her a powerful advocate for positive change. As a dedicated leader in social work, she serves as a beacon of inspiration for those seeking to make a meaningful impact on the well-being of individuals and communities. This dedication to transformative change made Sierra McNeil the ideal recipient of the 2024 City and State Pennsylvania Impact Award, which honors Pennsylvania’s most influential executives, thought leaders, visionaries, and trailblazers who are setting new standards of excellence, leadership, and community improvement.
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM ET