Interview with Micaela Rodriguez

Micaela Rodriguez is a second-year student of social work and activist for dismantling systems of oppression, spurred by her studies and personal experiences. In this interview, Micaela describes how her identity as a Latina, her focus of study in social work, and a call to action inspired by the works of Ava DuVernay, Patrisse Cullors, and Angela Davis, have guided her current work in advocacy and restorative justice. 

Micaela discusses how Ava DuVernay’s work left a lasting impact on how she understood the criminal justice system and its role in criminalization of Black and Latino communities. Micaela discusses her advocacy work with the Bail Project Hotline in the midst of COVID 19, as well as the general atmosphere of working in advocacy during a public health crisis in which mis- and dis-information ran rampant. Micaela also shares her advocacy work within her community at the University of Houston, noting the interwoven nature of social work practice and advocacy for civil rights and liberation. This interview was conducted virtually by Murphy Anne Carter on June 15th, 2020.