gender-based violence – SMU Human Rights Program

ANNA RAMIREZ ’20

Educational Background: Southern Methodist University: BA in Human Rights, Psychology (2020)

University of Denver: MA in International Disaster Psychology (2023)

SMU Accomplishments: During her undergraduate career, Anna was a member of the University Honors Program, a Dedman College Scholar, and also served as a student leader on the SMU Human Rights Council (HRC). She volunteered with refugee children as an after-school tutor with Heart House, interned with the World Affairs Council, and spent over three years with the Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center (DARCC) as a volunteer advocate. She also received the Santos Rodriguez Memorial Scholarship through the SMU Human Rights Program.

Postbaccalaureate Career: Following graduation, Anna worked as a legal advocate with DARCC, where helped survivors navigate legal systems and seek justice. Today, she is completing her master’s in International Disaster Psychology as she interweaves her passions for trauma-informed care with human rights advocacy.

Updated January 2022

JAEIDAH REED ‘19

Educational Background: Southern Methodist University: BA in Human Rights, Biological Sciences; Minors in Jewish Studies and Women’s and Gender Studies (2019)

SMU Accomplishments: Through the SMU Human Rights Program, Jaeidah traveled globally on the program’s trips to Rwanda, Israel, and Palestine. At SMU, Jaeidah was involved with SMU Hillel, Association of Black Students, African Students Association, the Spanish Club, SMU Mustang Band, and Phi Alpha Delta law fraternity. She was also active in campus social movements as the board chair for Black@SMU. In addition to her recognition as a President Obama Volunteer Service Award recipient and volunteer work with the Dallas Rape Crisis Center, Jaeidah also made her mark as a McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program Scholar and an Engaged Learning Fellow, culminating in her research: “Contending Child Sexual Assault in the Southern Sector of Dallas.”

Postbaccalaureate Career: After graduating, Jaeidah moved to Washington DC where she continues her work in direct victim services. She works at both Georgetown University and the Polaris Project, a data-driven social justice organization fighting sex and labor trafficking. Jaeidah works on Polaris’ National Human Trafficking Hotline.

Updated January 2022