Nataly Sanchez: GSSW alumni turned task supervisor, award winner

1. Why is it important for you to work with social work interns?

Working with interns to me is important because it’s a way of honoring those who have given their time, expertise, and a part of themselves to the work and to me. Over the course of my life and my time in Waco, I’ve had wonderful people cross my path that have had an impact on me and have helped me become who I am. I hope that I can do the same that others have done for me, in a way that helps interns grow more confident in their practice and in themselves as people striving to do the best for their community. It’s important to help interns find their strengths and passions, and I believe that if the space is created intentionally in internship for that, internship provides that opportunity. 

2. How long have you had Garland School of Social Work interns?

This year was my second year being a task supervisor for GSSW interns. 

3. Tell us a little about yourself and your current position.

Academic: I came to Baylor in 2017, graduating in 2021 with a BSW. During my last year, I interned at Baylor Scott and White – Hillcrest. I was unsure about continuing in the community or clinical track but had great mentors who recommended the community track. I first learned about Grassroots through my GSSW internship, where I interned at Grassroots during my master’s of social work year. After graduating in May of 2022, I got hired into the role of South Waco Community Organizer at Grassroots Community Development. In June, I will be in this role for 2 years. I enjoy getting to work with community members because we get to sit together, imagine a vision for the future of the community or neighborhood, and take steps to get that vision closer to reality through action planning, grant-making, and the building of authentic and stustainable relationships in the community.

Personal: I am originally from Eagle Pass, TX. I moved to Waco for college. I married my high school sweetheart and will be celebrating 3 years of marriage in June to Joaquin. We live in Waco with our dog, Delta. I have a wonderful family, whom I love and is very supportive. We enjoy spending our time exploring Waco and are happy to call Waco home. 

4. Tell us a little about your agency.

Grassroots Community Development is committed to a brighter future for children, neighbors and communities. Grassroots believe that a commitment to our mission looks like having a goal of seeing neighborhoods and neighbors thrive through homeownership and community organizing. Grassroots focuses on home construction, providing free financial literacy and homebuyer education classes, offering home rehabilitation services, such as roof repair and/or various clean-up/minor repair projects throughout the year, and through supporting community engagement initiatives in North, South, and East Waco. These community engagement initiatives range from working with neighbors, faith communities, businesses, and schools to build authentic relationships, create action plans, and develop strategic partnerships, to providing leadership training courses so that community members are equipped with the tools to create sustainable change in their communities.

5. What does it mean to you to receive this award?

More than anything, it means that I have had strong mentors and a wonderful support system. Both have equipped me with the tools to lead in various capacities, role-model what practice can look like, and navigate/facilitate conversations that lead to self-reflection and growth of myself and the rest of the community.

6. What is it like to earn an award as a student in the GSSW and then to earn an award as an social work internship instructor?

I didn’t expect it. I was honored to receive it as a student, and I’m honored to receive the award as a task supervisor. I do believe that it’s a reflection of the work that my community has poured into me. I’m very humbled and grateful. I could not have done this without friends, family, the agencies that I’ve interned at, and lived experiences that have molded me into who I am. Most importantly to me, I could never have done this without faith in a God who has always been there for me; who has shown me grace, has shown me how to be a steward of servant leadership, and who has showed me an unconditional, undeserving love that helps me learn to grow closer to His calling for me.