“The people in this program are what make it great. Everyone, including faculty and student peers, has made an immense impact on my learning experience in the Social Work program.” 

Maddie is a non-traditional transfer student from Texas who came to Colorado two years ago to complete her education. Maddie’s life experiences, passion for mental health, and empathetic nature led her to an education in social work. She believes her purpose is to help and advocate for children and teens of dysfunctional families. She is honored to accept this award from the faculty and staff and is grateful for all the opportunities that UCCS has offered her over the years. She is excited to take a break from school to spend some much-needed time resting and exploring Colorado. She plans to continue her education after a year of rest by applying for the accelerated Master of Social Work program at UCCS. Lastly, she wants to thank her ESA, Binx, and her sister, Sydney, for supporting her and inspiring her through her last few years of college.    

"The UCCS MSW program facilitated my learning and growth both inside and outside of the classroom. My professors taught me the skills to be an exceptional social worker, provided me with their unique and wonderful wisdom, and advocated for and believed in me to achieve things that I did not think I was ever capable of."

Ana Ortiz-Mejias is a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) graduate, artist, and human rights activist. She grew up in Colorado Springs but considers her home as both Colorado and Costa Rica. As a second-generation Latina, one of her passions has been to advance immigrant rights. During her MSW program, she worked with the immigrant population directly and has written an article for publication that focuses on the mental health needs of unaccompanied immigrant minors and how best to support them in our communities and schools with her professor and a pediatrician. Ana is interested in further developing her clinical skills, specifically to bring culturally responsive, decolonized clinical care to marginalized populations. In her free time, she enjoys making art, spending time with family and friends, being outside, and dancing.