Social Sciences Department’s Dr. Olivia Lopez Chairing NASW Human Rights Committee
Article by: Rosa Linda Reynoso
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) has appointed Dr. Olivia Lopez, adjunct instructor of sociology in Del Mar College’s (DMC) Social Sciences Department, as chair of their Human Rights Committee.
“My education, experience and lifelong interest in human rights and immigration issues will come together in this committee,” said Dr. Lopez. “There are three preliminary goals that I hope to accomplish with one being to reconnect with community and organizations about human rights issues, to educate and inform service providers the important role they play for immigrants and those suffering from human rights violations and, thirdly, to engage student organizations toward human rights.”
NASW’s Human Rights Committee guides the Association on best practices for recruitment, retention and research and designed to ensure that multiple points of reference are included in NASW membership and profession. Multiple points of reference may include race, ethnicity, age, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability and religion, among others.
“We are extremely proud and grateful to have Dr. Lopez as an integral part of our department and as a valued member of our college community,” says Renato Ramirez, chair of the DMC Social Sciences Department. “This achievement adds to the growing number of accolades and recognition she has received in recent years by her peers and speaks volumes to Olivia’s commitment to her profession and to the betterment of society.”
Dr. Lopez began teaching at the College in 2014 and holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, a masters degree from California State University-Fresno and a doctoral degree from The University of Texas at Austin.
Founded in 1955, NASW is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world with more than 120,000 members. NASW works to enhance the professional growth and development of its members, to create and maintain professional standards and to advance sound social policies.
For more information about NASW, visit www.socialworkers.org.
Del Mar College empowers students to achieve their dreams. We offer quality programs, individual attention, outstanding instruction through faculty with real-world experience and affordable costs to credit and noncredit students in Corpus Christi and the South Texas Coastal Bend area. Nationally recognized while locally focused, we’re ranked in the top two percent of community colleges in the country granting associate degrees to Hispanic students (Community College Week). Del Mar College focuses on offering our students programs that match current or emerging career opportunities. Whether students are interested in the fine arts, sciences, business, occupational or technical areas, students get the education they need for the future they want at Del Mar College.