Bio
Jiaxin (Rita) Xu is a Research Assistant in the Social Intervention Group at Columbia University's School of Social Work. With a bachelor's degree in Sociology from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2023, she commenced her professional endeavors in the field of Social Work. During this period, she cultivated a fundamental comprehension of social dynamics and the challenges that affect communities. She is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Social Work at Columbia University, with a concentration in Advanced Clinical Practice and a focus on Health, Mental Health, and Disabilities.
Her practicum at University Settlement in Lower Manhattan, where she assisted low-income families in gaining access to essential services including housing, food, and mental health support, galvanized her dedication to social work. Her experiences there demonstrated the value of direct community engagement and the benefits of offering comprehensive assistance to individuals in need.
She is committed to ensuring that minorities have equitable access to educational, economic, spiritual, and social resources. For her, the goal is to make sure that everyone in the neighborhood has the same chances, no matter where they come from.