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For Johana Cruz, pursuing social work has always been deeply personal.

As a 24-year-old graduate student, Cruz is earning her Master of Social Work while balancing a full-time career focused on youth empowerment and equity initiatives.

Cruz says her family’s sacrifices and perseverance continue to motivate her every step forward.

“I carry their resilience and work ethic with me in every space I enter,” she says.

Her own experiences navigating education as a first-generation student helped inspire her career path.

“I was always aware of the differences between myself and my peers, especially when it came to navigating the college application process and preparing for the SATs without guidance,” Cruz says. “Those challenges inspired me to pursue social work so I can become the kind of supportive adult I once needed.”

Building Connections and Confidence

Throughout her time in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Cruz says one of the most important lessons she learned was the value of building meaningful relationships and putting herself out there.

“I’ve come to value the strength of a support system and the role it plays in personal and academic growth,” she says. “Most importantly, I’ve realized that you never truly know what you’re capable of until you take the chance to try.”

That support system included faculty mentors who helped shape both her academic and personal growth. Cruz credits Adjunct Professor Helen Archontou with playing a particularly important role in her journey after meeting her in an Intro to Child Advocacy course in 2023.

“Her guidance and support have played a significant role in my academic success,” Cruz says. “She has not only influenced my educational journey but also my personal growth.”

Cruz is also quick to acknowledge the encouragement she received from the College, especially Jennifer Dudeck-Lenis, the Career and Recruitment Specialist in Social Work and Child Advocacy.

“I’m incredibly grateful to Jennifer and the CHSS team for believing in me, especially during moments when I struggled to believe in myself,” Cruz says. “Their support and encouragement made a lasting difference in my journey.”

Empowering Young Women Through Advocacy

Outside the classroom, Cruz has dedicated much of her professional and community work to supporting and empowering young people.

She currently works full-time as an Equity Initiatives Specialist and Girls Programming Coordinator at YWCA Northern New Jersey, where she designs and leads programs for girls ages 8 to 18 focused on empowerment, STEM education and career exploration.

“Through this role, I aim to create meaningful opportunities that help young women build confidence, develop skills and envision their future paths,” she says.

Cruz has also remained active in the �鶹��ý���� community by participating in Master of Social Work student panels, where she shares her experiences with prospective and incoming students navigating graduate education.

In addition, she has coached the Nutley High School Color Guard and Winter Guard since 2021, helping guide her teams to two USBands National Championships while mentoring young students along the way.

“My greatest passion lies in developing meaningful programming that creates lasting, transformative change,” she says.

Defining Success

During her time at �鶹��ý����, Cruz received both the Robert D. McCormick Scholarship and the CHSS Dean’s Student Recognition Award, achievements she says felt especially meaningful as a first-generation student.

As she prepares for graduation and the next chapter of her career, Cruz says success now means building a fulfilling life while staying grounded in the moments that matter most.

“For me, success now means passing my state licensure exam and building a meaningful, fulfilling career,” she says. “I also hope to make the most of life’s small moments and truly appreciate each step along the way.”

Looking back on her experience, Cruz hopes other students remember not to doubt themselves when challenges arise.

“When the path feels difficult, remember that time will pass regardless,” she says. “Reaching your goal will make the struggle worth it.”