Josethy Perez is a global affairs major with a minor in international development studies and a National Questbridge scholar. Born and raised in El Salvador, she has witnessed human rights violations firsthand, fueling her passion for research in Latin America, particularly in youth development and education. She aims to connect her research to international development efforts, emphasizing culturally sensitive and effective solutions within nonprofits. Josethy also aspires to become a human rights lawyer, advocating for vulnerable populations.
Her experience includes working with the Parish Inmaculada Concepción and Bienvenido Hermano in San Ramón, Chile, where she supported children, Haitian immigrants, and the unhoused. She also interned with Casa Pueblo in Puerto Rico, researching educational frameworks and contributing to community outreach. Additionally, Josethy has consulted for international nonprofits like Domingo Savio and worked as a lab assistant on the Familias Felices project at Notre Dame, ensuring conflict resolution interventions were accessible to Spanish-speaking families.
She plans to submit a research proposal to conduct fieldwork in Chile this upcoming summer, focusing on the successful adaptation strategies of Haitian migrants. Drawing on her experience and connections with Bienvenido Hermano, an organization dedicated to supporting Haitian immigrants, she will guide her research to gain deeper insights into the community's needs. Josethy's extensive experience with Spanish-speaking communities, along with her Salvadoran background, makes her an ideal candidate for projects aimed at empowering these populations.