When Heather Reynolds walks across the stage as the keynote speaker for the University of Texas at Arlington School of Social Work's 2026 Summer Commencement Ceremony, she'll be returning to the place where her own professional journey began.
Today, Reynolds serves as president and CEO of Catholic Charities Fort Worth, one of North Texas' largest nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping individuals and families achieve lives free from poverty. But years before leading the organization, she was a UTA Master of Social Work student completing the very practicum that would launch her career.
Her return as commencement speaker represents more than a homecoming. It reflects a decades-long partnership between the UTA School of Social Work and Catholic Charities Fort Worth, one that continues to prepare future social workers while expanding services to communities across North Texas.
"What was so helpful about my UTA education was the depth with which the program covered the person-in-environment perspective and the strengths-based approach to social work," Reynolds said. "UTA really helped bring those concepts to life and gave them structure."
Heather Reynolds, president and CEO of Catholic Charities Fort Worth, poses for a photo. (Photo by Juan Guajardo)
Her education has led her to perceive the individuals who she serves within the greater systems that shape their experiences.
"I took several classes related to policy, which helped me understand that people are part of much larger systems, education, banking and public policy that intersect with their ability to achieve stability and move out of poverty," she said. "That systems perspective has been invaluable throughout my career and continues to shape how I lead today."
Reynolds said the university provided experiences that directly influenced her path, allowing her to discover a calling that has lasted through her professional life.
"My advisor encouraged me to intern at Catholic Charities Fort Worth," Reynolds said. "So, in many ways, UTA helped create my career. What started as an internship became a lifelong calling and ultimately led me to where I am today."
That connection continues today through a strong partnership between Catholic Charities Fort Worth and the UTA School of Social Work. The organization regularly hosts student interns, collaborates on workforce development and provides students with hands-on learning experiences that complement classroom instruction.
"Field education is one of the most important aspects of any social work program," Reynolds said. "Theory and practice don't always align as perfectly as we'd like them to. The practicum experience allows students to apply what they're learning in real-world situations, develop professional judgment and gain a deeper understanding of the people and communities they serve."
The partnership also helps students find their callings, sometimes within the nonprofit organization.
"Our interns often become some of our very best employees," she said. "In the nonprofit world, there's never an abundance of capacity, so having talented, motivated students working alongside our teams allows us to serve more people and strengthen our programs."
Reynolds explained that the impact of UTA graduates reaches far beyond Catholic Charities Fort Worth, often leading to lasting effects for the people and communities they go on to serve.
"UTA students and graduates consistently bring strong values, critical thinking skills and a commitment to helping others," she said. "They're making a difference throughout North Texas in agencies, schools, healthcare settings and communities every day."
Her own motivation remains rooted in the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive.
"What motivates me to continue this work is a deep-seated belief that every person should have the opportunity to live a life free from poverty," Reynolds said. "People deserve that opportunity, and we have a responsibility to help remove the barriers that stand in their way."
As she prepares to address UTA's newest graduates, Reynolds hopes to remind them of the values and principles that brought them into the profession.
"My message to graduates is simple: be true to the social work model," she said. "We all go into social work and learn how this work is supposed to be done. Then we enter the workforce, and sometimes outside influences start dictating how services should be delivered."
She encourages graduates to rely on their education and to remain true to the profession they have chosen.
"I want graduates to remember the education they received and have the confidence to trust it. Social workers understand people, systems and communities in a way that is unique and incredibly valuable. Don't lose sight of that. Trust the profession, and don't be afraid to lead with it,” Reynolds said. “I think it's time for social workers to take back what social work actually means, to advocate for approaches that are grounded in our values, our training, and what we know works for people and families”
Looking ahead, Reynolds believes the partnership between Catholic Charities Fort Worth and the UTA School of Social Work will continue creating meaningful opportunities for students while strengthening services.
"I'd love to see us continue expanding field education opportunities, collaborative research and conversations around what is actually working to help people achieve lives free from poverty," she said. "Catholic Charities Fort Worth has the ability to bring practical experience, and UTA brings incredible academic expertise. When those two things come together, we can not only prepare the next generation of social workers, but also strengthen the services available to our community."
For Reynolds, the partnership with UTA is built on a shared vision.
"Ultimately, both organizations share the same goal: helping people thrive," she said. "The more we learn from one another and work together, the greater our impact will be for students, families and communities across North Texas."