Class of 2022 Spotlights: Social Work
The mission of the School of Social Work is to provide professional social work education that inspires critical thinking and lifelong learning to students who will serve in diverse social work practice areas and roles, engage in collaborative research to contribute to the well-being of populations that are vulnerable and oppressed and advance social work knowledge, and strengthen our communities through meaningful partnerships.
While we commend and celebrate all CHHS graduates, here are a few graduates whose stories stand out because of their determination to overcome challenges, to follow their dreams, and to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
Judith Villasenor: Masters in Social Work
“I want to make a difference and be a voice for mi comunidad!” Judith Villasenor chose a career path in social work because she wants to serve her community by providing mental health services. Having already completed her B.S. in Social Work, Judith decided to pursue a Masters in Social Work because she wants to be an advocate for her community at a higher level.
Judith is already making a difference in her community by interning at the Los Angeles Center for Law and Justice as a community care advocate in 2020-2021 and is currently interning at Northeast Mental Health Clinic as an MSW intern where she conducts intakes and sessions for mental health services.
Maria Esperanza, a Social Work major, faced personal difficulties during her time at CSULB but was able to overcome these difficulties with the help of her amazing professors and the determination she had to pursue a better life for her and her daughter. With a career in Social Work, Maria hopes to advocate for individuals who don’t have the advocacy they need in order to feel supported.
John Fasano: Masters in Social Work
During his time at CSULB, John Fasano held internships with Youthbuild Charter School and the Veteran Peer Access Network. The most important thing John has learned is to accept his patients regardless of where they are in life and always listen to their story first. With a Masters in Social Work, John hopes to apply everything he has learned to help military veterans who suffer from PTSD.
