Joanna Morales began her legal internship with LCYC in May of 2022. In the year-plus that Joanna has been working with LCYC, she has made incredible contributions to our organization, focused on legal support for immigrant youth.
Joanna was drawn to LCYC because of the organization’s mission statement and the alignment with immigration work. She learned about LCYC through Cindy Yeung at Seattle University’s Access To Justice Institute (ATJI). Cindy introduced Joanna to LCYC’s Director of Legal Services Chach Duarte White, who oversees LCYC’s expansion and services for immigrant youth. Joanna and Chach had an immediate bond, which increased Joanna’s excitement for the opportunity to intern for LCYC and work with Chach.
Joanna Morales, Legal Intern
“When I first started, Chach told me: “It’s never going to be the same. Every single day is going to be different, so you’ll never be bored.” As a person who likes to be kept on their toes, kept busy, I found that very attractive.” This has proven to be the case for Joanna, who has primarily focused on supporting immigrant youth through a unique form of immigration relief called Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) by drafting pleadings, providing translation support, working with Pro Bono Champions, and supporting systemic advocacy projects.
Joanna has been continually inspired by the young people she works with, who have ranged in age from 9 to 24 years old: “I learn from my youth every day – just hearing how resilient and strong they are. I want them to know that they are powerful and their voice matters.”
Her own lived experience compels her to keep going and use her voice to advocate for change. “I don’t want people to be scared to have their own or advocate for themselves because a piece of paper says they are undocumented. I went silent for many, many years and it got me nowhere.” She is also passionate about challenging misconceptions about immigrant youth: “A lot of people have false assumptions that these kids are here to perpetuate misleading stereotypes, such that they are criminals, or drug dealers, or that they fled because they are the problem, but the problem, in most cases, is their home country and their families. These are some of the most hardworking people you will ever encounter.”
So, what’s next for Joanna?
She will be entering her third year of law school at Seattle University and will keep following the path to work in the public sector. “I’ve always had this passion for giving back to the people that saw me grow and the people in my community. As long as I am using my degree for a good purpose and for justice– I will feel fulfilled.”
Joanna will continue to intern with LCYC and was recently granted her Rule 9 limited license to practice law. She will do so with a team of LCYC advocates by her side: “LCYC has been one of the best places I’ve ever worked at. It’s not just because of the work that we do, but it’s truly the people. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so wanted in a workplace or so genuinely helped by others.”
We are grateful for Joanna and all that she does to support young people!