Mental Health and Well-Being in Agricultural Worker Communities

Jessica Calderón (she/her/ella) distinguished herself in her undergraduate psychology studies with outstanding technical and interpersonal skills. At Texas State University, she studied cultural competence, mental illness, and human relations. As an MCN intern, she worked with Roxana Pineda at the Ventanilla de Salud, providing local Mexican citizens and Latinxs with health resources. In 2019, Calderón graduated from TSU with a double major in Psychology and Spanish Literature. After graduation, Calderón was invited to return as a staff member to support MCN's International Projects and Emerging Issues program. Currently, Calderón works with Kaethe Weingarten and Pam Secada on the Witness to Witness program and continues to collaborate with International Project and Emerging Issues program.
Calderón plans to obtain her Master’s, where she will specialize in working with client populations who have a history of trauma, abuse, attachment interruption, and family problems of origin. She believes that through meaningful work alongside patients, they can overcome or manage trauma and gain significant improvements in health, self-esteem, relationships, and general quality of life. Calderón was born in Tamaulipas, Mexico; she is currently based in Austin, TX. Besides work and education, Calderón is passionate about any activity that allows her to connect with nature, from kayaking to mountain hiking. She also likes travel, art, music, books, and quality time with friends & family. As demonstrated by her consecutive participation in the 3M Half Marathon, Calderón loves challenges and is always ready to get out of her comfort zone.
 

Pamela Secada-Sayles, MPH (she/her/ella) is a Peruvian immigrant with ancestral roots to the people of present-day China, Spain, and Italy. She received her Master's in Public Health: Healthcare Policy and Management at University of California, Los Angeles and her Bachelor’s in Anthropology and Chicana/o Studies from California State University, Fullerton. She is currently a doctoral candidate in the Doctor of Education, Organizational Change and Leadership program at the University of Southern California. Her dissertation focus is on examining organizational and leadership practices that have impacted employee wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Secada-Sayles is passionate about advancing health equity and eliminating health disparities. Her professional career has focused on a wide range of health issues including substance use interventions, review of cultural competency curriculum, community health worker training, and health workforce diversity through educational equity. Secada-Sayles lives in Los Angeles, California with her partner, two stepsons, and their rescue Pitbull, Rocco. When she is not at work or school, she enjoys excessive amounts of sleep, supporting her local dog rescues, watching true crime shows, embarking on new culinary adventures in Los Angeles, laughing, and spending time with her family and friends.