I am a lifelong learner, former teacher, and currently, a second-year Master of Social Welfare student at UCLA, with a focus in Social and Economic Justice. My professional experience has been informed by my passion for supporting systemically under-resourced communities with an asset-based approach and providing resources to those within the community doing the groundwork.I graduated from Illinois State University in 2016 with a Bachelor’s in Special Education and received my Professional Educator’s License as a Learning Behavior Specialist. Between 2016–2019, I was a Special Education Teacher, working with students with disabilities in grades 6–8 at James N. Thorp Elementary, a Chicago Public School on the South Side of Chicago. Besides working closely with students and their families, during my tenure at J.N. Thorp Elementary, I served on a number of committees including the Instructional Leadership Team and the Social-Emotional Learning Team. I also led district-wide professional development for English Language Arts teachers to create more inclusive classrooms for students with disabilities. Between 2019–2023, I organized youth programs for students in grades K-8 as the Youth Education Director at Breakthrough Urban Ministries, a nonprofit organization that serves the neighborhood of East Garfield Park on the West Side of Chicago. Supervising a team of 17 employees and building relationships within the community, I oversaw programs such as daily after school, arts and technology, and a summer day camp. I was a member of a Strategic Planning Committee that brought together community members and organization leaders to create the five-year strategic plan for Breakthrough. I also served as an active member of Breakthrough’s Racial Justice Collaborative, co-creating tools and advocating for equitable practices at the organization.I completed my first year internship with the Bruin Guardian Scholars at UCLA, supporting UCLA undergrad & graduate students who are current or former foster youth or have been unhoused. In this program, I have met with and co-created events for graduating students in preparation for post-grad life. I am currently in my second year internship placement at Social Emotional Wellness Initiative in Santa Monica, supporting students at Olympic High School in SMMUSD. In this role, I provide therapy services for youth, run counseling groups, and connect families to resources.