Julissa is the Advocacy and Engagement Manager at Voices for Virginia’s Children. She comes to Voices as a social worker with experience in clinical practice, community-based services, youth mental health, and supporting children and families impacted by incarceration. She spent five years working in case management and supportive services, working alongside youth and adults as they navigated complex systems and accessed resources. Through this work, Julissa witnessed firsthand how state and local policies shape the experiences of children, families, and communities, motivating her to intentionally enter policy and advocacy spaces and contribute to meaningful systems change.

Prior to joining Voices, Julissa worked with Assisting Families of Inmates (AFOI) in Richmond, where she deepened her understanding of how direct services, systems, and public policy intersect in the lives of children and families. Julissa earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University, with a concentration in Administration, Planning and Policy Practice. During her time at VCU, she received the School of Social Work’s Social Justice Award and Student Field Impact Award and was selected as the MSW student speaker for VCU’s 2026 School of Social Work commencement.

Julissa believes deeply in centering humanity in her work and building relationships that invite and honor authenticity. She brings to Voices a combination of direct-service experience, systems awareness, and a strong commitment to equity, youth voice, and community-centered advocacy.