Carolyn L. Grawi

Carolyn L. Grawi, MSW, LMSW, LCSW, ACSW, ADAC, is the executive director and team leader of the Center for Independent Living of Northwest Florida (CILNWF). She continuously works for the betterment of the community and has served nonprofits at all levels in program, fundraising, executive and leadership. Grawi has been engaged in and with the field of disability for 35 years.

Grawi has been associated with the CILNWF since 2018. She served in a variety of roles Ann Arbor CIL 2004-2017 including executive director.

Grawi has over 30 years of experience in social work, executive planning, teaching and administration in the nonprofit sector. She provides leadership and supervision to diverse teams and in support of community relationship building, department activities, training and presentations. Grawi is an advocate for civil rights and supports casework to develop reasonable accommodations for consumers in employment and housing. She provides educational consultations on accessibility and sensitivity to city governments, libraries, schools, transit providers, builders and developers. She has recommended and implemented policies in conflict management and other issues.

Grawi is an adjunct lecturer at the University of Michigan School of Social Work, where she is a member of the School’s advising faculty for the Online Certificate in Disability Inclusion and Accessible Design Program. She is also an adjunct instructor at the University of West Florida Department of Social Work.

Grawi has a Master of Social Work and a Certificate of Labor and Industrial Relations from U-M’s School of Social Work and Rackham Graduate School. She is a certified Americans with Disability Act Coordinator through the University of Missouri and the Great Plains ADA Center. She is a Certified Mediator for Dispute Resolution Centers.

“I am dedicated to this work because it provides vital human services and cultural enrichment to our community. When we have inclusive and diverse opportunities, we strengthen our work teams’ effectiveness. When our communities are accessible and inclusive of ALL of us, everyone will have the support to live their life as their best self and increase both their own and others' success. I am proud to be involved in so many journeys of success of people and community.”