Meet Imelda Ojeda of Arizona Social Workers Network in Central Phoenix

Today we’d like to introduce you to Imelda Ojeda.

Imelda, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Guadalajara, Mexico and after completing high school decided to move to Arizona to pursue higher education. Acclimating to a new culture as a young adult was no easy task at first, but I can honestly say now that having spent the first half of my life in Mexico and now my adult life in the US has allowed me to experience the best of both worlds. I consider myself privileged for having the opportunity to come to the US and continue my personal and professional growth here, because of this privilege and opportunities I have been offered I feel It is my responsibility and duty to use them to improve the lives of others.

I always knew I wanted to serve my community in some capacity and work with vulnerable populations, this passion leads me to pursue a Bachelor’s in Psychology, and later on Master’s degree in Social Work with an emphasis on children, youth and families, and a Masters in Public Administration from Arizona State University. I identify myself as a proud social worker, immigrant, and community servant. I have years of experience working in the social and behavioral health systems, including early childhood, homelessness, youth and families, and community development.

I currently work for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as the Regional Development Director, I feel proud to work for an organization that aligns with my passion for service and that provides so much hope and care for families and children. I am also an instructor at ASU School of Social Work and the founder of a grassroots community space for social workers in Arizona (AZSWN.com). I enjoy volunteering as one of the leaders of the Phoenix Women’s March, mentoring college students, and being the Chair of the Latino Outreach for Maricopa County Democrats.

Being a social worker and public servant is much more than a profession for me, its a lifestyle that lead fuels my passion for social justice and community impact. I currently live in downtown Phoenix and love to volunteer, travel and spend time with my family and friends enjoying the rich and diverse culture of Arizona.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Adjusting to a new culture and country as a young adult and immigrant were one of the biggest challenges I had to face. Leaving behind a well-established life in Mexico, saying goodbye to friends and family to venture out to the unknown was a risky choice I often questioned at the beginning. Was it worth it? Absolutely! I was lucky enough that my parents and brother also migrated to the US with me and their support and encouragement made it possible for me to be where I am today.

College came with its own set of struggles, I started my first semester as an ESL student and then eventually moved on to regular classes, It took me a couple of years to feel comfortable with my English and be able to perform at the same level as my peers and classmates. During my college years, my mom got diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, which turned our lives upside down. I had to get a job to help out at home, while I continued with my studies and support my family and mom through her healing process. I am forever grateful that my mom was able to beat cancer and has been cancer-free for 12 years. But all these challenges along the way made the end goal even more enjoyable and worth it, I was able to graduate with my Bachelor’s degree in 2010 and then continue with graduate school in 2013.

My professional journey has also been faced with its own set of challenges, but I think every experience has shaped me into the person that I am today and would not change a thing.

We’d love to hear more about your organization.
AZ Social Workers Network (AZSWN) is a grassroots community space for social workers and community leaders to connect, mentor, fundraise and promote growth among students, recent grads, and experienced professionals.

 AZSWN is a project that was born organically from the need to connect with other social workers, share our experiences and resources, and overall elevate the profession. Social workers spend their careers empowering, advocating, and serving others and we must create spaces where we can connect and ground ourselves by sharing these experiences with others in the same mission.

AZSWN is still in its infancy and continues growing, we are currently focused on expanding our reach and membership (which is free) and letting others know we are here to elevate the social service profession. We host monthly meet ups, share resources and job opportunities available in the community through our social media outlets and newsletters, and facilitate connections among professionals, students, and organizations.

AZ Social Workers Network is the effort of multiple individuals who believe in this movement, including my partner David Carrizosa, who first noticed that I had a natural way of connecting people with opportunities and helped me reach a larger audience by creating our online platform. My social work colleagues have also been instrumental in the growth of this project by supporting our events and inviting others to join. We are excited to see what the future has in store for AZSWN!

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I believe success is defined by the impact you have on others and in your community. Using your opportunities and talent to create something that will leave a long lasting impact and where others can continue building up from there. Someone successful is a person who utilizes their power, resources, and accomplishments to open doors for others and pave the way for others to also rise to the top.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.AZSWN.com
• Phone: 6024053407
• Email: emailme@azswn.com
• Instagram: @azsocialworkers and @imeojeda
• Facebook: @azsocialworkers
• Twitter: @azsocialworkers

Image Credit:
Imelda Ojeda

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