Maria Zamudio graduated with her Bachelors of Social Work from Indiana University this Spring, and started her Masters of Social Work program this summer.
Maria was born and spent her early childhood in Mexico with her family. Her early years were challenging due to health issues that required frequent doctor’s visits. At the same time, her father had been working in the United States to support their family. When Maria was seven, her father decided to resettle the whole family in the U.S. in order to pursue better opportunities and stability.
At first, the transition was difficult. The Hispanic community was small in the 1990s, and the culture shock Maria experienced was intense. The school schedule was different, the school subjects were unfamiliar, and the taste of the food was strange and unappealing to her. Making friends was hard because everyone spoke English. Maia was naturally shy as a little girl, and she recalls walking around the playground by herself, not knowing anyone. Over time, Maria began to find comfort in her English Language Learners (ELL) class, where she found she could express herself.
Maria always worried that her family would be taken advantage of because of their language and cultural barriers. Her parents worked long hours, leaving them disconnected from her life. Maria had her first child at the end of high school and took on factory and restaurant jobs to provide, feeling trapped in the same cycle she had feared. In 2012, the announcement of DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) was a game-changer. She applied immediately and was one of the first to be approved, opening new career opportunities to her.
“ I love everything I do here. When we came to the US we did not have this type of help. Amani supports people who are struggling and need accurate information and guidance.”
While working as a receptionist at a mental health agency she met Josefina, who encouraged her to pursue further education. Maria enrolled at Ivy Tech, where she earned an associate's degree in Human Services. By the time she graduated, Josefina had joined Amani. Maria then interned at Amani before being hired as a Victim Advocate. Initially, she was very nervous, but quickly realized she could provide resources and empower clients, often telling them - we’re going to do this together! Maria’s role evolved, and she transitioned to the Family Support Associate Program Manager, leveraging her administrative skills. "I love everything I do here," she says. "When we came to the US we did not have this type of help. Amani supports people who are struggling and need accurate information and guidance.”
Through her various positions interacting with clients, Maria saw an overwhelming need for counseling services in immigrant communities and this inspired her to work toward becoming a therapist. She graduated earlier this month with a bachelor's degree in social work from Indiana University and now she is starting the master’s program.
When Maria’s not in the office or in class, she’s busy raising two teenagers! She enjoys car rides on the way to her son’s soccer tournaments because it gives them a chance to connect and talk about life. She also loves dancing to Spanish music and escaping the stress of the day by lifting weights at the gym. Maria’s parents are her biggest supporters and they continue to motivate her to create a better life for herself.
Amani Family Services is hiring! This is a wonderful time to join our team and play a critical role in supporting our immigrant and refugee community. Learn more here: amanifamilyservices.org/careers