Inwood's Jordana Suriel, 2025 Columbia Grad, Supports System-Impacted Communities

For Inwood native Jordana Suriel (SSW'25), growing up on Dyckman Street gave her a nuanced lens into how socioeconomic complexities can shape the human experience.

In the shadows of the neighborhood's cultural vibrancy, she witnessed the impacts of intergenerational cycles of poverty and crime. Seeking a better understanding of the intricacies of the incarceration system and its disproportionate impact on communities like the one she calls home, she decided to embark on a path in social work. 

Through her journey at Columbia School of Social Work—where her studies have taken her from lecture halls in Morningside Heights to Medellín, Colombia—she's been able to work on international projects that center youth advocacy, economic empowerment, immigration, and justice for system-impacted communities.

With the Spanish motto "mete mano," which figuratively translates to "get to work," as a guiding source of inspiration, Suriel wants to use the power of mental health advocacy as a form of rehabilitative justice, locally and globally. 

This graduation season, Columbia Neighbors spoke with Suriel, a proud first-generation Dominican-York graduate, about what sparked her passion for social work, her learning experiences at Columbia, and what graduation symbolizes for her.

How did your Inwood upbringing influence your decision to pursue a path in social work?

It influenced my path tremendously. I grew up and still live on Dyckman Street. While in high school and college, I started to gain a deeper understanding of why things are the way they are in terms of communities of color being disproportionately impacted by the cycles [of crime and poverty], and how that connects to incarceration rates.

On a personal matter, I have witnessed the impact of addiction and the carceral system on loved ones, both locally and internationally. It made me think of mental health and how it could potentially change these outcomes if it were in the equation. It also made me question why we don’t give people second chances and unpack what true and effective rehabilitation is.

I thank God I come from such a supportive and loving family. When I work with clients in the social work space, I realize some people grew up differently and come from households where those elements didn’t exist. Since I’ve received so much love, I want to give it back to people through that social worker and client connection. I want to provide a sense of support a lot of people don’t have.

Through your work across different spaces, including youth advocacy, education, and supporting systems-impacted communities, you've taken a holistic approach to service. Can you share why this is key to driving change?

I think it’s very important because positionality, race, and socioeconomic backgrounds all play huge roles. When serving someone, taking a holistic approach helps you understand the person a little bit more. You have to factor in their daily experiences that may stem from systemic injustices. You have to look at the whole picture: where they come from, how they grew up, their thoughts, feelings, interests, etc.

Though you can’t be in their shoes, you can empathize with them and support them in helping them find solutions for their issues and reach their goals.

For example, if there is someone who is living in an impoverished environment, you can connect them to resources that will support them economically, whether that’s through Section 8, NYCHA, or finding food services, all to help them build a foundation that will put them on a path to success.

What inspired you to further your social work studies at Columbia?

I’m interested in research, international social work, and the criminal legal system, and I wanted to study at a place that would let me explore all three areas. I knew Columbia would provide me with the support, networking opportunities, and connections around the things I’m passionate about.

Before finishing my undergraduate studies at Skidmore College, I was doing my thesis on formerly incarcerated individuals as workers and giving citizens. In my research, I stumbled upon the Beyond the Bars Conference at the Center for Justice at Columbia University. I went to the conference once, and I liked my experience, so I continued to attend. It played a huge role in my decision to come to Columbia. I liked what the program stands for and felt like I could learn a lot. I became a Beyond the Bars Fellow this year.

I also chose Columbia for the international studies aspect. I knew I wanted to see what social impact and justice look like across the world. I was part of the Tamer Institute for Social Enterprise and Climate Change’s Social and Environmental Summer Fellowship Program last summer and got the opportunity to travel to Medellín, Colombia, and work with a nonprofit called Proyecto Florecer for about three months.

This past spring break, I went to Greece as part of one of my classes, and we worked on a program evaluation for a nonprofit that provides support for unaccompanied minors. The organization was connected to the government in Greece, so we had to be mindful of that. Traveling and being able to gain an international perspective were very valuable.

What does graduation symbolize for you?

For me, graduation symbolizes that all the hard work paid off. It’s also a representation of my family and the support and love they’ve given me.

Being the first one in my family to have a master’s degree is pretty big. It’s very exciting and surreal. With this degree, I’m bringing my parents, my family, and my culture with me. It symbolizes an important and fun time.

Reflecting on your time at Columbia, what are you most proud of?

My experience in Medellín, Colombia, was one of the moments I’m most proud of because I went alone when I traveled. I was also able to facilitate groups in Spanish, and that was something new for me. It was challenging, but it was a great experience.

Another milestone moment for me was the work I did with the LatinX Caucus at the Columbia School of Social Work. We hosted a huge event in April about career paths in social work, because there are often a lot of stigmas around the profession. We collaborated with a nonprofit called Siembra Today that helped us organize a panel of speakers within the industry, and the event was very successful. We were rewarded money by Siembra Today for our caucus to put towards graduation this year and for next year’s graduation.

What is one of the best pieces of advice you’ve received that you’ve carried throughout your journey?

One of the co-leaders of the LatinX Caucus says this phrase a lot: "mete mano." In Spanish it means to "put your hand in," but figuratively, for us, it means to get to work, get involved, and put yourself out there.

It means not being afraid of approaching people. It means not being afraid of not accepting “no.” It means looking for the “yeses” in life, because when one door closes, another one opens. It's also a phrase my mom would share with me.

I'd also add "siempre positivo," which translates to "always positive" in Spanish and is something my father always tells me. Both phrases correlate.

You’ve credited Inwood as a source of inspiration for your path. From your perspective, what makes the neighborhood unique?

When I think of Inwood and Washington Heights, I think of the word “community.” There’s a lot of support among our neighbors. We always support each other. People are always checking in on me and my family to see if we need anything. There’s a solid sense of community here.

It’s also a beautiful thing to step outside in the summer and see people listening to music and dancing for laughter and relaxation. It’s a form of liberation.

I'm a proud Dominican-York, and there’s a strong Dominican presence in my neighborhood. A lot of my motivation comes from my culture and community. Staying connected to where I’m from reminds me of my purpose. I do this work for myself, my family, my community, and to lend a hand to other people.

What are some of your favorite Uptown places?

I’m a homebody, so I love being in my house. If I had to choose a few small businesses in the neighborhood I really like, I would say Dyckman Dogs. I love their burgers! There’s also a Venezuelan restaurant a few doors down that I like to stop by, too.

What’s next for you after graduation?

I’ll be studying to take my social work license exam, and then afterwards, I’m going to start my job search.

Other than that, I’m going to travel a little bit with one of my friends. We’re going on a grad trip to celebrate this accomplishment. It’ll be fun!