Conference on Gender, Families,
and Latino Immigration in Oregon

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Judith Salas Rocha

WIA Coordinator, Springfield High School

I was born and raised in Mexico. My passion and interest lie in issues of access that Latinos face in our community.  This passion has dictated my career history and educational paths. I firmly believe in strong role models that reflect the identity of youth in our community. In addition I believe that role models need to recognize and acknowledge youth’s strengths in their different backgrounds and identities. The most important part of my life is my children and family. As a Mexican woman I feel the need of collective work and support. The most significant support I have received in my life has come from awesome women that have shared their knowledge and compassion with me and my family. This has impacted me greatly, and led me to pay special attention to women and young women when providing services. I hope to give others the same support and consideration, and to practice social justice. I have been in Eugene for nine years. I completed my MSW at Portland State University and for the past two and a half years I have been a case manager at Springfield High School. In Eugene, I worked at Centro Latino Americano and participated in the Multicultural Advisory Committee (1999-2001), and the committee of service providers for Alcohol & Drug counseling (2001-2004) that addresses issues in the treatment to Latino clients. Since 2004I am an instructor for Puertas Abiertas Program at LCC. I look forward to continuing being part of community groups that empower our Latino communities through acknowledgment and education.