Genevieth Vargas

Genevieth Vargas (she/her/hers) earned her Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia University School of Social Work, where she minored in Law and had a concentration in Advanced Generalist Practice and Programming with a focus on Contemporary Social Issues. During her time at Columbia, Genevieth interned at Federal Defenders of New York, Eastern District, where she advocated, supported, and provided referrals to individuals affected by the criminal legal system at the federal level. She also interned for an alternative to incarceration program known as CASES- ROAR, where she conducted biopsychosocial, substance use, and mental health assessments; provided individual counseling sessions and case management; and held interactive group journaling sessions.

Before becoming a social worker, Genevieth was a Job Coach at the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO), where she provided and taught job readiness skills to individuals reintegrating into society post-incarceration. Her interest in advocating and supporting individuals and families impacted by the criminal legal system began during college when she noticed the many ways the system had impacted her life. Her desire to provide support to individuals who continue to be targeted by the criminal legal system is what motivates her work in this field. Genevieth holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Sociology and a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice from the University at Albany.