My name is Linda Rizo and I have been accepted into Azusa Pacific University’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program. I will be specializing in clinical practice with individuals and families. My professional goal is to become a Bilingual Therapist. I have intentions to work with Latino and minority populations where I can make a positive impact in medically underserved communities. As a second-generation immigrant and the first person in my family to attend college, my character has been shaped by grit and resilience from a young age. My tumultuous childhood planted in me a fierce resolve to attain success in order to break the poverty cycle in my family. I obtained my degree in Psychology at Brigham Young University(BYU). BYU’s motto was Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve. It helped me cultivate a commitment for lifelong learning and a desire to serve others. I participated in a church service mission to Southern Italy where I served as a full-time volunteer representative for a year and a half. During that time, I became fluent in Italian, engaged in community outreach, led service projects and taught about the teachings of Jesus Christ. Over the last 12 years, I have gained post-baccalaureate work experience all while starting a family and running a household. The lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic was a very challenging time for me, as I went through a divorce, moved back home to Los Angeles, became head of household and navigated my new reality as a single parent. Scholarships will help me overcome the financial barrier of pursuing higher education.

• Human Service Worker

  Mental Health Care · Wasatch Mental Health- Intensive Residential Treatment

  Jan 2005 – Jan 2005

• Mental Health Worker

  Mental Health Care · Aurora Las Encinas Behavioral Health (Psychiatric Hospital)

  Jan 2006 – Jan 2006

• Human Service Worker

  Mental Health Care · Wasatch Mental Health- New Vista Group home

  Jan 2008 – Jan 2010

• Professional Tutor

  Education · 1on1 Academic Tutoring

  Jan 2010 – Jan 2011

• Case Worker

  Mental Health Care · Department of Child and Family Services

  Jan 2011 – Jan 2012

• Mental Health Counselor

  Mental Health Care · Pacific Clinics

  Jan 2012 – Jan 2013

• Spanish Interpreter

  Education · Salt Lake City School District

  Jan 2015 – Jan 2016

• Bilingual Reservations Agent

  Airlines/Aviation · JetBlue Airways

  Jan 2015 – Jan 2017

• Language and Cultural Specialist (Spanish Interpreter)

  Hospital & Health Care · Children's Hospital of Los Angeles

  Jan 2024 – Jan 2025

• Behavior Intervention Specialist

  Mental Health Care · Pacific Clinics (Head Start/Early Head Start)

  Jan 2023 – Jan 2024

• Bilingual Outreach Coordinator

  Non-Profit Organization Management · Seneca- Todo Por Mi Familia

  Jan 2025 – Present

• Advocacy
• Volunteering
• Philanthropy
• Entrepreneurship

• Swimming

  Junior Varsity

  2000 – 2003

• Teacher's Assistant

  Brigham Young University · Teaching Assistants/Aides

  2006 – 2026

  Research topic:

  Psychology 101

• Latin Dancing

  Leisure · Dance

  2004 – 2010

• Bilingual Outreach Coordinator

  Advocacy · Seneca- Todo Por Mi Familia

  2025 – Present

  Mission:

  I am a trauma informed and culturally sensitive advocate and liaison that connects families with essential services ● I collaborate with TPMF case managers and community organizations to ensure families receive support and resources

• Spanish Medical Interpreter

  Advocacy · Children's Hospital of Los Angeles

  2024 – 2025

  Mission:

  Provide language services to LEP families and advocate for Spanish speaking families