Name:
Jessica Luna Diaz
College, year:
Indiana Tech, Senior
Department:
Victim Care Program, NALA
SEmester:
Spring 2025
How did you get connected to AMani?
I was connected to Amani by an amazing professor I had at Indiana Tech. She is an immigration lawyer and I had asked if she was looking for an intern, she wasn't able to take me on but was incredibly helpful in helping me find an internship. She pointed me in Amani’s direction so I reached out and got a call from Nancy at Amani a few hours later!
what kinds of projects have you been helping with during your internship?
I am an intern for Amani's new legal clinic, NALA. I have been helping with “Know Your Rights” projects as it is incredibly important for the immigrant and refugee community to know and understand their rights and the resources available to them now more than ever.
What brought you to Fort Wayne, IN?
I fell in love with Indiana Tech, located in downtown Fort Wayne, and decided to commit. For the past three years, I’ve been pursuing my bachelor's degree in criminal justice on a pre-law track here in Fort Wayne.
What excites you most about Amani’s mission?
Amani’s genuine passion and compassion for the immigrant and refugee community is what excites me the most. Their mission to partner with immigrant and refugee families and the community to promote safety, encourage personal growth, and foster a spirit of belonging, is everything I strive to be able to implement in my future career.
What is your favorite part of your internship?
My favorite part of my internship is how hands on and involved it is. I love being able to interact and practice the skills and tools I will be using in my future. I am truly being set up to success here at Amani.
What challenges have you faced in your role or department?
One challenge I’ve faced is the language barrier. I’ve interacted with a few Burmese clients, and not being able to fully understand them in their native language can be difficult. Since I plan to work with the immigrant and refugee community in my future career, this experience has inspired me to learn additional languages beyond English and Spanish.
What should community members know about Amani?
Community members should know that Amani offers a wide range of resources and is deeply committed to supporting immigrant and refugee communities.Their mission isn’t just a statement, it’s something they actively work towards every day.
Any advice for students looking for an internship at Amani?
Amani is an amazing place to intern at and filled with a supportive staff. If you are interested, I highly recommend reaching out as I am certain that the staff will be welcoming and willing to help. Be proactive, express your interest, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. It’s proven to be a great opportunity to learn and grow!
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love spending quality time with the people I care about. I'm always on the go, which keeps me productive, but nothing is more calming and rewarding than slowing down and surrounding myself with the people I love.
What is something not many people know about you?
I am a first-generation college student and soon-to-be first-generation law student. I take great pride in being an educated Mexican woman pursuing a career in a predominantly male-dominated field.
Interested in volunteering or interning at Amani Family Services? This is a wonderful time to join our team and play a critical role in supporting our immigrant and refugee community. Learn more here: https://amanifamilyservices.org/volunteering