Genevieve Serna - Master of Social Work Graduate
Genevieve Serna is a graduating MSW student from the School of Social Work. She takes great pride that her roots are in California’s San Joaquin Valley, and also as a first-generation college student who comes from a large family of Mexican immigrants. Her lived experiences have deeply shaped the values she brings to both her life and social work practice. Growing up, she says she witnessed firsthand the ways social systems can shape, support, and at times fail individuals, families, and communities. She affirms that these experiences sparked a deep commitment to advocacy, equity, and creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and empowered.
Although Genevieve holds many interests within the field of social work, she is especially passionate about community-centered and culturally informed approaches to care. Because of her upbringing and her family’s experiences working in the agricultural fields of the Central Valley, she has developed a particular interest in food systems and the ways access to food and health are shaped by larger social and economic systems.
Looking beyond graduation, Genevieve hopes to continue serving marginalized communities through culturally responsive and strengths-based care, and at the same time, honoring the resilience and stories that have shaped her own path. She speaks of being endlessly grateful for the love and support of her family, friends, and beloved feline son, all of whom have stood beside her throughout her life’s journey.
Sonia Fernandez Lopez - Bachelor of Social Work Graduate
Sonia Fernandez Lopez is a first-generation Mexican American and the second oldest among her siblings. Sonia values the experiences, sacrifices, and resilience of her family and community, which she indicated is what drove her to be in social work.
Growing up, Sonia says she noticed the sacrifices her parents made in order for her to pursue higher education. Both her parents experienced difficult upbringings and did not have access to education beyond elementary school. Their hard work and sacrifice of leaving everything they had ever known is what drives Sonia’s commitment to higher education and community advocacy.
Sonia’s experience with mental health services gave her a passion for supporting youth, particularly those impacted by systemic inequalities, housing instability, and barriers to culturally responsive support systems. Sonia gained experience supporting youth through school-based social work at Parkrose Middle School and as a suicide prevention intern with Multnomah County Health Department. She also worked with Point Source Youth as a youth consultant focused on supporting homeless youth.
Through her education, experience, and community involvement, Sonia says she will remain committed to serving her community and creating spaces where underserved youth and families will feel supported and empowered to succeed in their lives and futures.