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Meet Janelle Atienza '17, Sociology

Briefly, what do you do?

As an Education Liaison (at the National Center for Youth Law in San Jose), I guide juvenile justice-involved high school youth towards graduation and their next steps. I also advocate for their education rights and build capacity for youth and families to advocate for themselves.

What is the best part of your job?

I would say my favorite parts are the “ah-ha!” moments, when I can see a light bulb switch in a student’s mind, or a glimmer of hope in their eyes. It’s a moment when youth realize they are capable of more than they ever imagined thought or that their reality is changing for the better. The best part is witnessing youth who have been discouraged, profiled, and underestimated, transform after realizing their potential and value.

How did Saint Mary's prepare you for your job?

All of these spaces and the incredible friends and mentors I met at SMC taught me the skills to be an activist through the #EndTheSilence student movement, a movement that taught me what it truly means to think critically, advocate for marginalized communities, organize people power, and impact lasting change.

Brian Doss (Sociology) Brings Diversity to School Board

Brian Doss ’08 made history when he became the first African American to be elected vice president of the Albany (CA) School Board of Education. He hit the ground running by instituting a pilot breakfast program that supports students of working parents and low-income families.

Molly Matles (Communication) Takes Part in Women's Leadership in Colombia

Molly Matles ’10 (right) was amongst a group of Peet’s Coffee employees who traveled to the company’s Women’s Center for Entrepreneurship in Colombia, which empowers women coffee growers with the tools to be successful in business. Matles was at the facility to help develop future plans for the school. “This trip, for me, was a transformative experience. I feel so lucky to work for a company that supports and believes un empowering women; and a company that allows me to be part of that narrative.”

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Meet Janelle Atienza '17, Sociology

Brian Doss (Sociology) Brings Diversity to School Board

Molly Matles (Communication) Takes Part in Women's Leadership in Colombia

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Common Searches

School of Liberal Arts

For Alumni

WELCOME BACK

Get Involved

LAB: Liberal Arts Bridge Program

College News

Events

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Meet Janelle Atienza '17, Sociology

Brian Doss (Sociology) Brings Diversity to School Board

Molly Matles (Communication) Takes Part in Women's Leadership in Colombia

Contact Us

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