From the president
Jaeda Johnson is an exemplary leader at the University of San Francisco, deeply devoted to social justice and public service. She advances health equity in her work as a researcher, practitioner, and advocate. She was a McCarthy Fellow with the San Francisco Fire Department, developing mental health education initiatives for first responders. As a Martín Baró Scholar, Jaeda delivered food with Groceries for Seniors to advocate for healthy food to underserved elders in the Bay Area. She also taught digital literacy to older adults through her role as a bilingual instructor with the Community Tech Network. Most recently, Jaeda worked with the USF Racial Justice Clinic as an intern and interpreter for clients who needed support navigating the criminal justice system, particularly individuals who are disproportionately affected by certain laws and policing practices. Jaeda’s connection to the Filipino community is another important aspect of who she is and how she engages with others. She volunteers at Kapwa Gardens, a cultural asset serving the city’s Filipino community, through programs on health, arts, and economic development. She is outstanding and her leadership and passion for advocating for access for underserved communities reflect a life centered on serving others and advancing equity.
Personal Statement
For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to use my voice and my abilities to shed light on communities that have been pushed out to the margins. As an aspiring advocate for social justice who is interested in the intersections of psychology and law. I understand the important impact psychological research has on implementing and influencing effective laws and policies. I have come to learn from my mentors and educators that psychological research can act as a tool to advocate for communities that have long been overlooked in order to shape policies that could drastically improve their lives. Specifically, I aim to work with and do research surrounding immigrant communities. As a future Immigration lawyer, I want to ensure that these individuals have the opportunity to overcome the internal and external barriers they face, such as language and accessibility to resources, to get the support they need to improve their lives. Through my work I hope to influence policies that will alleviate disparities currently faced by immigrants. In order to best aid populations, early intervention strategies are imperative to see realistic and substantial change over time. We can address social issues together by implementing long term targeted solutions.