From the president
Natalie Conterras has the capacity for public leadership as an empathic, community-minded social worker in training, who has a personal understanding of the barriers that face marginalized populations in a rural area like Huntingdon. She has demonstrated leadership skills for the Department of Criminal Justice, Social Work, and Sociology and for the larger Huntingdon Community. Ms. Conterras completed two research projects this year that focused on child and family well-being in the community. She was engaged in community advocacy and outreach while conducting each project, making meaningful connections with leaders from local food banks and Huntingdon County children and youth services. Her recommendations for improving supervised visitation processes for children and youth are currently being implemented within the agency. Ms. Conterras has also provided leadership on campus in the form of active participation in planning and leading department events including community pasta dinners, socialization activities at the Westminster Woods residential senior living community, Social Work Council Advisory Board meetings, social events, and a Social Work Month marketing plan. She has maintained a 3.6 GPA while navigating being a college student and single mom.
Personal Statement
I have always been an empathetic person, witnessing how unfair and cruel the world can be to certain individuals. I have a strong desire to extend a helping hand to those in need and to contribute to the betterment of our society. That is why I chose to major in Social Work at Juniata College. As a student, I have already played a part in helping the community of Huntingdon apply for a food grant. I have taken on a leadership role as a student assistant for the Social Work department. Additionally, I have worked on research projects concerning the mental health effects on children and have had the opportunity to communicate with organizations such as Children Youth and Services. As a mother, I strongly believe that the key to a better world lies in how we raise our children and equip them for the future. I want to make a positive change in the world by helping individuals and contributing to society.