Merging Purpose and Passion for Social Justice

The inaugural San Diego State University Social Justice Summit on Nov. 5-6 will provide opportunities for students and alumni to explore how to translate their passion for social justice into career options and how to plan their next steps in career development.

“One clear lesson that history teaches is that the passage of time and passive observation do not guarantee significant social change,” said James Tarbox, executive director of SDSU’s Career Services, which is hosting the event. “Commitment and informed action give us the tools to defeat inequity and injustice and to raise those voices silenced by oppression.”

“The SDSU Social Justice Summit ensures that students and alumni learn options to take intentional next steps to advance change,” Tarbox said. “The summit also strengthens their abilities to pursue purposeful careers.”

SDSU students and alumni can register for the free event using their Handshake account available on the Career Services website. Faculty and staff are also welcome to attend the event by requesting a courtesy Handshake account and registering for the event.

Refugee advocate Katie Howland, recognized as one of SDSU Alumni’s “Rising Aztecs,” will give the keynote presentation on "Forced Displacement and Careers of Purpose."

Howland (’13) was recently named an Aerie Changemaker by American Eagle Outfitters for her role as executive director of the nonprofit Millie’s Bookshelf. The San Diego-based organization provides books and micro-libraries for refugee children and other children in “book deserts” worldwide.
 
Former SDSU Ombudsman D.A. Graham, now university ombuds at the University of Kansas, will provide an opening reflection on “Social Justice and Nonviolent Communication.” There will be beginner, intermediate and advanced tracks to help those newly inspired to participate in social justice issues as well as to provide more seasoned social justice advocates with deeper opportunities.

Parents Fund grant

“We are grateful to the Aztec Parents Association for believing in our vision and providing us funding to bring this vision to life." said Claudia Martinez, one of the Career Services’ coordinators of the summit. "Through their support with an Aztec Parents Fund grant, we are able to offer participants the opportunity to win free memberships to professional associations, providing them with a community of like-minded professionals at a time when it's so important to feel connected to others.”

Martinez said the idea of a summit has been in the works for more than a year.

“We had no idea we would be experiencing the twin pandemics (COVID-19 and scrutiny of systemic racism) that have emerged in our society these last few months,” she said. “We’ve had the honor to connect with some amazing students who are educating themselves and demonstrating outstanding skills as they advocate, organize and create change toward more socially just communities. This event is an opportunity to explore how to connect those passions, lived experiences, and intrinsic motivations into tangible career options.”
 
For more information, contact co-organizers Claudia Martinez at [email protected] or Eunice Flores at [email protected].