Inwood's Jordana Suriel, 2025 Columbia Grad, Supports System-Impacted Communities
Suriel spoke about her passion for social impact and what graduation symbolizes for her.
By:Brandee Sanders
May 21, 2025
Original article featured in Columbia Neighbors
Excerpt:
What inspired you to further your social work studies at Columbia?
I’m interested in research, international social work, and the criminal legal system, and I wanted to study at a place that would let me explore all three areas. I knew Columbia would provide me with the support, networking opportunities, and connections around the things I’m passionate about.
Before finishing my undergraduate studies at Skidmore College, I was doing my thesis on formerly incarcerated individuals as workers and giving citizens. In my research, I stumbled upon the Beyond the Bars Conference at the Center for Justice at Columbia University. I went to the conference once, and I liked my experience, so I continued to attend. It played a huge role in my decision to come to Columbia. I liked what the program stands for and felt like I could learn a lot. I became a Beyond the Bars Fellow this year.
I also chose Columbia for the international studies aspect. I knew I wanted to see what social impact and justice look like across the world. I was part of the Tamer Institute for Social Enterprise and Climate Change’s Social and Environmental Summer Fellowship Program last summer and got the opportunity to travel to Medellín, Colombia, and work with a nonprofit called Proyecto Florecer for about three months.
