Julia Katz, a BASW student and past IIDEA committee member, received an Impact Award through Rutgers' University Equity and Inclusion division through its Committee to Advance our Common Purposes. The Impact Award recognizes students (undergraduate or graduate) and recognized student organizations who have had an incredible impact in a short amount of time on issues of diversity, inclusion, equity, and access at Rutgers.
Recipients of the Impact Award will have met at least two of the following criteria:
- Evidence of building a welcoming and inclusive environment.
- Leveraged their knowledge and talents to promote diversity, inclusion, equity, and access.
- Utilized their academic research, teaching, or other forms of engagement to promote diversity, inclusion, equity, and access.
- Built effective and meaningful coalitions across differences to move work forward and hold space for divergent points of view.
- Made a difference in the lives of the residents of the cities and towns where Rutgers resides.
Katz received the award for the depth and breadth of her service to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion amongst her peers and broader community. She has served on the School of Social Work's IIDEA committee, advocating for the needs and concerns of BASW students. Her collaborative advocacy efforts with other student leaders from various schools and departments resulted in petitioning RUSA to promote voting rights and voting accessibility for students across campus. As a participant in President Holloway's Scarlet service Internship Program, her service as a caseworker intern at a local methadone clinic provided critical services and resources to those battling addictions. She helped develop a community walk tool through Douglas residential college to bridge the gap between Rutgers students and the local Latinx community, and also serves as a research assistant in the Rutgers Social Emotional Character Development Lab.
"When I found out I had won the Impact Award, I felt immensely humbled, grateful, and hopeful," said Katz. "Celebrations like this remind me that there can be a future where justice is restored, oppression is denounced, and everyone's humanity is honored -- and it starts with us. I share this award with every client who has allowed me to be a part of their beautiful story. I would like to thank the Rutgers School of Social Work for creating a space where I can join the pursuit of social justice and equity, and Dean Antoinette Farmer and my professor, Simone Snyder, for being incredible mentors and inspirations for me!"
