Empathy and Advocacy: Jocelyn Andrade’s Journey in Supporting Unseen Communities
In the small town of Somerton, Arizona, an inspiring story unfolds, spotlighting the dedication of Jocelyn Andrade, a social work student at NAU’s Yuma campus. Her efforts are driven by an unwavering commitment to the often-overlooked migrant farmworkers who flock to Yuma County annually to harvest the lettuce that fills American tables during the winter months.
“In my church, I sit next to older women who wake up at 4 a.m., cross the border, pick lettuce, come home at 6 p.m. and cook dinner every day,” Andrade reveals. Her firsthand experiences in her community fuel her advocacy, making her an influential figure in raising awareness about the challenges these workers face.
Andrade’s activism shines through her initiatives, such as organizing a fundraiser that resulted in over 2,000 pairs of warm socks for farmworkers at the Dia del Campesino event. Her dedication extends beyond local borders, as illustrated by her presentation at the World Social Science Association Conference, which inspired others to join her cause. Kara Ahearn, an assistant clinical professor of social work, notes, “Jocelyn has a huge heart, and her nonjudgmental approach and ability to empathize with others is truly exceptional.”
Andrade’s commitment to vulnerable populations doesn’t stop there. She participated in Yuma’s annual Point-In-Time Count to assist the homeless, spent a summer in Kenya aiding orphans and families, and accumulated over 400 hours volunteering at Amberly’s Place, a nonprofit supporting victims of abuse and trafficking.
Discovering New Life and Purpose
One of Andrade’s most impactful experiences was volunteering at New Life Pregnancy Center, a support center for planned and unplanned pregnancies. Initially seeking an internship, she found a supportive community that valued her growth as a student and a young woman. “For two years after that, I didn’t stop volunteering because they cared so deeply about my well-being,” Andrade reflects.
Her academic journey began with a full scholarship to Arizona Western College, exploring criminal justice and English before discovering her passion for social services. This realization led her to pursue an associate’s degree in family studies, eventually transferring to NAU Yuma with the help of the Phi Theta Kappa’s All-USA Academic Team Scholarship.
Andrade faced the decision of whether to stay close to home or explore new opportunities. The supportive environment at NAU Yuma, particularly within the social work department, played a pivotal role in her choice. “Usually, the transfer process is a lot of work for students, but Kara and NAU Yuma made it so easy for me,” Andrade shares.
Embracing Family Values and Future Goals
Family plays an essential role in Andrade’s life and decisions. Her mother’s deportation during her childhood shaped her perspective and fueled her resolve to remain close to home. Despite these obstacles, her family has found success on both sides of the border, with her father working as a respiratory therapist and her mother running a business in Mexico.
Andrade credits her parents with instilling generosity in her. “They struggled and overcame barriers so we wouldn’t have to,” she acknowledges. As she prepares for graduation and a future in victim advocacy, Andrade plans to continue her studies in social work at ASU Local-Yuma, driven by her parents’ sacrifices and her own passion for social justice.
Jill Kimball | NAU Communications
(928) 523-2282 | [email protected]
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