Education
- Bachelor of Arts , Sociology, California State University, Stanislaus
- Master of Social Work, Social Work, California State University, Stanislaus. Project: (Thesis) Socioeconomic Status, Neighborhood and Home, Peer and Family Influence, and Social Capital as Predictors of Educational Success
Biography
I am a first-generation student in my second year of the University of Utah Social Work PhD program, as well as a graduate assistant with a research focus. I hold a Master of Social Work degree from California State University, Stanislaus, with distinction, and have over 18 years of experience working for local-level government having been involved in policy, grant writing, federally funded projects, contract procurement, program improvement, mental health, administration, and child welfare (as both line staff and supervisor). Being raised in poverty in an underprivileged community laid the foundation for my passion for macro-level change. The focus of my work and research agenda is on engagement with underprivileged communities to increase positive outcomes with a trauma-informed, equity focused lens.