Annita List ACSW – Top Latino
Grand Rapids, MI /LWW/ Annita List ACSW, retired Social Worker & Professor at Grand Valley State University has been recognized by the Top Latinos in the 2026 edition.
Annita List arrived in the United States at the age of 17, a young immigrant from Ecuador with dreams as vast as the skies above her new home. Determined to carve out a life of purpose, she embraced the challenges of a new country with resilience and hope. Annita’s vision was clear: she wanted to make a difference in the lives of others, leaving an indelible mark on the world through her compassion and dedication.
Her journey began with a scholarship to pursue a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree in 1980. It was here that Annita discovered her calling: to help others find their way through life’s challenges. Her passion and dedication earned her another scholarship to the prestigious University of Michigan, where she completed her Master of Social Work (MSW). By the time she earned her Accredited Clinical Social Worker (ACSW) designation, Annita was ready to take on the world.
In 1986, Annita founded the Diversity Counseling & Therapy Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For nearly 40 years, she poured her heart and soul into her private practice, offering psychotherapy, consultation, and psychoeducational groups for individuals, couples, families, and court-mandated clients. Her specialties were as diverse as the people she served: outpatient mental health, addictions, post-traumatic stress and trauma, cultural adjustment, sexual dysphoria, and crisis intervention. Annita’s work was not just a career—it was a mission.
But what truly set Annita apart was her unwavering commitment to helping those who were often overlooked and undervalued. Her pride and joy were the Latino men who had committed crimes and found themselves entangled in the justice system. Annita worked tirelessly with the courts, leading psychoeducational groups and one-on-one sessions to help these men understand themselves, their actions, and their potential for change. She believed in their ability to grow, to heal, and to break the cycle of second and third arrests. For Annita, every success story was a testament to the power of compassion and understanding.
Her secret to success was simple yet profound: “Enjoy working with the people.” Annita loved her work, and it showed in every interaction. She had a special gift for helping immigrants adjust to life in a new country, drawing from her own experiences as a young immigrant. She understood the struggles of cultural adjustment, the pain of feeling undervalued, and the resilience it took to thrive. Her dedication to her clients was matched only by her joy in seeing them succeed.
Annita’s impact extended beyond her private practice. She began as an adjunct professor at Grand Valley State University and eventually became a full professor, shaping the next generation of social workers with her wisdom and experience. Her students admired her not only for her expertise but also for her authenticity and passion.
Despite her many accomplishments, Annita remained humble. She often joked about her habit of collecting quarters, a small reminder of her modest beginnings and her belief in the value of every little effort. To her, every quarter mattered, just as every person mattered.
Annita’s story is one of resilience, dedication, and love. She came to the United States as a young immigrant with a dream, and she built a life that touched countless others. Her legacy lives on in the lives she changed, the men she helped grow, and the students she inspired. Annita List, ACSW, was more than a social worker—she was a beacon of hope, a champion for the undervalued, and a testament to the power of believing in people.
As Annita often said, “Helping people make it is the greatest joy of all.” And for nearly 40 years, she did just that.
Annita’s story is a powerful reminder that one person’s dedication can transform lives and create ripples of change that last for generations.
Top Latinos is a prestigious New York publication dedicated to honoring the achievements of the Latino community. They meticulously identify and honor outstanding Latino professionals nationwide who have reached impressive levels of success in their respective fields. By showcasing their accomplishments, they aim to foster growth and appreciation of the Latino industry and culture. Since their establishment in 2010, Top Latinos has been wholeheartedly committed to fulfilling their mission of bringing awareness to the exceptional contributions made by the Latino professional and executive community.