Embedded Files
Our Mission
The mission of the Latine/x & Indigenous Social Work Alliance is to promote the academic, social, and mental well-being of the Afro-Latine/x, Afro-Indigenous, Latine/x, and Indigenous students at the School of Social Work. Additionally, the Latine/x and Indigenous community at large, through the praxis of social justice, anti-racism, cultural empowerment, and community building.
Our Principles
Social Justice
To promote and enhance the political, academic, and socio-economic progress of Afro-Latine/x, Afro-Indigenous, Latine/x, and Indigenous students and their respective communities..
To advocate for the eradication of White supremacy within academic institutions and the field of Social Work.
To educate on the history of colonization and resist its current manifestations, including the present occupation of Anishinaabe land by the University of Michigan.
Empowerment
To serve as a resource to prospective Afro-Latine/x, Afro-Indigenous, Latine/x, and Indigenous Social Work students, including supporting them throughout their program completion.
To engage and welcome incoming Afro-Latine/x, Afro-Indigenous, Latine/x, and Indigenous students and allies upon their arrival and departure at the School of Social Work.
To promote a more progressive and conscious curriculum and policy within the School of Social Work that addresses the Afro-Latine/x, Afro-Indigenous, Latine/x, and Indigenous students and their common struggles within a national and global context.
Community Building
To establish and maintain relationships that serve for the advancement of the Afro-Latine/x, Afro-Indigenous, Latine/x, and Indigenous communities in Southeast Michigan and within the University of Michigan.
To establish and maintain relationships with Alumni of the School of Social Work at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
To create a community within groups and people surrounding the School of Social Work.
Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression
MESA 2024-2025 E-Board
ANANGABII STEWART (THEY/THEM)
Anangabii is a two-spirit Anishinaabe student and enrolled member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, one of Michigan's 12 federally recognized tribes. Their culture shapes their studies within the Integrated Health, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse Pathway and the Community Change Pathway. They're passionate about social justice, particularly liberation and sovereignty, which is evident in their support of the LANDBACK Movement. Their career goals include being a mental health therapist and a social justice policy advocate for Indigenous communities and two-spirit individuals.
KIMBERLYN HOLLON-MORSEAU (SHE/THEY)
Kimberlyn is a Pokagon Band of Potawatomi citizen and is furthering their education at the School of Social Work in the Community Change Pathway. Kimberlyn aspires to use her MSW to work with and give back to her community. Fun Fact: She loves reading!
RACHEL KLISZ (SHE/HER)
Rachel is a first-generation graduate student and belongs to the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. She is a 20-month MSW student furthering her education through the Global Pathway. Through the University of Michigan Global Social Work program, Rachel aspires to further her education and knowledge to best serve her community through political and advocacy work. Fun Fact: She loves to cook and bake even though she is not very good at it!
ARIANA GONZÁLEZ PELÁEZ (SHE/HER)
Ariana, a native of Puerto Rico, is currently expanding her academic boundaries at the U-M School of Social Work. With a strong foundation in social sciences and the ongoing pursuit of social justice, Ariana is embarking on a MSW in the Community Change and Global Social Work Pathways. She also belongs to the New Leaders in African Centered Social Work Scholars Program. Fun Fact: Photography has been a consistent hobby of hers since 2013, so 10 years now!
ANAHÍ LÓPEZ ESPINOZA (SHE/THEY)
Anahí is a first-generation student of Oaxacan descent, specifically Chocholteca. They are in the 20-month Global Social Work Pathway. They aspire to work with Indigenous Mexican communities who are forced to migrate to other parts of Mexico and/or the U.S. Fun Fact: They used to play the French Horn!
Page updated
Report abuse