Wayne State University School of Social Work student Jesus Concepcion Cruz-Navarro delivered the student address for the university’s spring 2024 commencement ceremonies held May 2 and 3.

“I cried when I read the email that I had been chosen to represent the School of Social Work and the Class of 2024,” said Cruz-Navarro. “I told my family right away. It truly meant a lot to me and the whole community/village around me who marched with me on my journey and cheered me on. It was a big honor.”

Cruz-Navarro is graduating with a master of social work from the School of Social Work with a concentration in interpersonal practice. He received his bachelor of social work from Wayne State University in May 2023.

“Throughout his journey through the BSW and MSW programs, Jesus has shown significant personal and professional growth,” said Wayne State Assistant Dean for Student Affairs Anwar Najor-Durack. “He was selected for both his outstanding record of achievement and his involvement in the School of Social Work and campus activities.”

Cruz-Navarro made history at Wayne State as the first co-president and co-founder — along with fellow MSW student Alondra Barajas — of Unidad de Guerrero/a(s), a Latino/a-led and -focused social work student organization. When deciding on a name for the group, Cruz-Navarro and Barajas connected over their shared love of Latino/a rap music and wanted to capture the essence of the female artists that were pioneers in the field. Their words of empowerment and the unity they bring to their communities served as inspiration. The pair decided on Unidad de Guerrero/a(s), which means Unity of Warriors. 

Cruz-Navarro has also been involved with the Black and Latinx Males in Social Work initiative, the Social Work Disability Justice Coalition, and served as a CHAMPS (Champions Aspiring to Make Pathways to Success) peer mentor for the Social Work Peer Support Learning Community. 

Cruz-Navarro participated in “learning by doing” internships, which not only prepared him for a successful college to career journey, but also supported Detroit's underserved communities. Curz-Navarro completed an internship at the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit as a victim advocate in the Victim Services Department while in the bachelor of social work program. His second internship, which occurred during his M.S.W. advanced standing program, was at Cesar Chavez Academy Lower Elementary in southwest Detroit as a school social work intern. He is a proud graduate of Cesar Chavez Academy Class of 2018 and was born, raised and still resides in southwest Detroit. During the winter semester of his advanced standing M.S.W. program, Cruz-Navarro split his internship days at Cesar Chavez Academy Lower Elementary and Middle School to have the chance to impact more youth and families within the school community.

Acting Dean Debra Patterson stated that “Jesus is a true Wayne State Warrior, who never gives up in the face of adversity. He inspires others by leading through his actions and has built a community of support for Latine and other students.” 

On commencement day, Cruz-Navarro was cheered on in-person by his mother, father, younger brother, and aunt, and virtually by his family and “village of support” who watched the live stream of the ceremony from Mexico and Canada. Having lost both his grandmother and aunt during his educational journey, he delivered the speech in both English and Spanish to pay homage to his family and to show his cultural pride.

“Those women played a very big role in my life, and I know they were there with me in spirit,” he said. “I was proud to represent my father who is an immigrant. My family worked so hard to support my dreams and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.”

Outside of the School of Social Work, Cruz-Navarro actively participates in several local nonprofit organizations, including SW Street Outreach, Detroit Southwest Pride and The Ark Association. Faith is a key component for Cruz-Navarro; he is a member of the Basilica of Ste. Anne, the sister parish of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, and attends services with his father at Christian Life Apostolic Ministries.

Upon graduation, Cruz-Navarro plans to stay involved with Unidad de Guerrero/a(s) in an advisory role to ensure that the organization is available to support future generations of Warriors. Cruz-Navarro looks to spread unconditional love and healing no matter what environment he enters, regardless of whether he is doing outreach, social work service or collaborating with others.

View Cruz-Navarro's May 2024 Commencement speech. 

---

Writer: Sarah Freeman, Editor: Betsy Vanderstelt