At a ceremony at the Guam Congress Building, Senator Therese Turlaughey and Senator Chris Barnett joined members of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Guam chapter to swear in the chapter's incoming board and present certificates to outgoing officers. The event included brief remarks from lawmakers and NASW leaders, the administration of an oath of office, and a call for continued support for social-work services on Guam.

The swearing-in formally installed Veil Baza as chapter president and other incoming officers, while the chapter thanked outgoing leaders for their service. Senator Turlaughey said the change in leadership “reaffirms the values that are at the heart of the social work profession. Dignity, service, social justice, and unwavering commitment to our most vulnerable here on Guam.”

The ceremony matters because NASW leaders on the island coordinate professional development, advocacy and support services that affect social workers who serve clients in schools, hospitals, courts, shelters and public agencies. The oath and public recognition mark a transfer of responsibility for running chapter activities and representing social-work professionals in local policy conversations.

During remarks, Senator Turlaughey described social workers as “the quiet heroes in our villages, our hospitals, schools, our courts, our shelters, our public agencies,” and urged continued community support. Corey Uggen, identified in the program as executive director of NASW Guam chapter, praised the outgoing board and characterized the board’s work as creating opportunities for professional development and mutual support. “The level of commitment that social workers on our island bring to serving those most in need is nothing short of breathtaking and inspiring,” Uggen said.

The chapter presented certificates to outgoing officers listed in the ceremony as Jamelle Lasontas (identified elsewhere in the transcript as Jamila Sontas), Louvel Baza (outgoing vice president-elect), Corinda Agin (outgoing executive director), Janae Green (outgoing secretary) and Christina Leon Guerrero (outgoing member-at-large). Incoming officers sworn in and named during the event included Veil Baza, Vice President Juan Martin (not present), members at large Diana Komiyama and Marie Carr Patino, MSW student representative Naomi Ezra, BSW student representative Christy Angoku, historian Jordan Camacho and policy committee chair Malia Salisbury. Certificates and leis were presented and photos were taken following the oath.

Corey Uggen also noted the board’s role in serving social workers themselves by organizing conferences, events and advocacy efforts. Uggen said board members have “created a space where fellow social workers feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow both professionally and personally.” She also thanked both outgoing and incoming volunteers for their commitment.

Incoming President Veil Baza, in brief remarks after the oath, said leadership “is not about being in charge, it’s about taking care of those in your charge,” and pledged to listen and show up alongside other chapter members. The presenter noted that Juan Martin, the incoming vice president, was not present to accept his certificate.

No policy votes or formal legislative actions were taken at the event; it was a ceremonial swearing-in and recognition of volunteer leaders. The chapter’s oath referenced adherence to the chapter bylaws and the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics as guiding documents.

Organizers closed the program with group photos and invited outgoing officers to join the incoming board for additional photos. The event emphasized continuity of volunteer leadership and public recognition of the chapter’s role supporting social workers and the communities they serve on Guam.