A warm welcome to Karen Velasquez, Research Intern!
She is our second new blogger this fall.
What brings you to NLIRH?
My interest in social justice issues ranging from women’s rights to immigrant rights combined with my background in research and community organization brings me to NLIRH. As a Latina, I am interested in finding ways to be a part of positive change for the Latina/Latino community which is often underrepresented in many spheres from health to education, and I believe NLIRH’s mission is an important one which is making great strides for our community.What is it about reproductive justice that gets you going?Immigrant women in the U.S. often lack proper access to healthcare and are a vulnerable group which needs support because the obstacles they face are complex and manifold (lack of information about their rights, being a single mother and supporting a family, undocumented status, etc.). It is not only a civil rights issue but a human rights issue which must be addressed more pro-actively in our society. High rates of teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections amongst young Latinas are other issues which get me going that I believe should be addressed. I think there should be more comprehensive health education in schools which appeals to the Latina community and makes more meaningful connections. I believe these Latinas should be aware that they have the support of organizations such as ours, which are concerned with their rights and well-being.What are some issues you think you will blog about?
With the upcoming elections I think I will blog about how the different parties plan to address immigration and health issues because I think it is important to be aware of how the different administrations will potentially help or harm social justice efforts. I am also interested in education, and I will likely be blogging about Latina youth in U.S. educational systems and the barriers they confront in attaining academic success. I am also interested in blogging about a variety of current events on the local and national level which impact our community.
