08/20/2025
We are excited to welcome Joanna Leon-Avila! A Master of Social Work Intern from California State University, Northridge! 😁
Meet Joanna Leon-Avila✨
Hello, my name is Joanna Leon-Avila, I am currently a Social Work intern with Ebony’s Safe Space and a Graduate student with the Masters of Social Work program at California State University Northridge. I received my Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from California State University Northridge. Following graduation, I gained valuable hands-on experience working in the Antelope Valley, Santa Clarita, and San Fernando Valley. I was able to experience working one-on-one with children, teens, and adults facing challenges related to homelessness, physical health conditions, behavioral health challenges, and substance use disorders. During this time, I was actively involved in the development of care coordination plans. Thus meaning, collaborating with various healthcare provider teams to support treatment plans to help the clients smoothly transition into other levels of care. As well as, connecting clients to essential resources and support within the community. These experiences provided me with an introductory understanding of what it is like to advocate for others and fueled me to further develop my skills.
I am passionate about creating strong, client-centered relationships and believe in the importance of creating a safe, welcoming space where individuals feel empowered to share their lived experiences. As a proud first-generation Latina, I personally understand the pressures of navigating cultural expectations, societal pressures and unfamiliar systems. My lived experiences have shaped my values and passion for social work. These experiences have inspired me to prioritize creating an environment grounded in empathy, understanding, and trust while advocating for others.
I am truly excited to continue to grow both personally and professionally through this internship. I look forward to expanding my knowledge, skills, and hopefully making a meaningful impact. I am eager to learn from my colleagues, supervisors, and the clients we serve, as I continue my journey in the field of social work.