Executive Board: 2019 - 2020
Name: Justin Lee
Position: Co-Chair
​
As Co-Chair of the Military Social Work Caucus, Justin hopes to empower the military-connected students on campus through academic, employment, and wellness resources. Justin is concurrently serving in the California National Guard as a commissioned officer and working as a graduate fellow at the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office of Veteran Affairs. Upon graduation, he would love to serve on active duty as a social worker in the U.S. Army. He is passionate about combating the stigma surrounding mental health in the military/veteran community, advancing the research on moral injuries, and empowering military-connected individuals and families.
Name: Lauren Riddles
Position: Co-Chair
​
Hi, I’m Lauren, Co-Chair of the Military Social Work Caucus! I am a second year MSW student specializing in Adult Mental Health and Wellness, with a concentration in military social work. I wanted to serve on the board to do my part in bringing new opportunities, resources and recognition to our military and veteran colleagues at USC. Engaging the USC community in conversations surrounding military-connected students and families is so very important. Following graduation, I plan to work in delivering mental health services to active duty military members, both through work in the DoD and VA. Each step of the way, I hope to provide increased access of resources to those in need and serve those who have sacrificed everything for this country.
Name: Savannah Lexy
Position: Secretary
​
Hello everyone! My name is Savannah Mercado and I will be serving as the Secretary for the Spring semester. The reason I chose to be a part of this team is because I am dedicated to ensuring that every veteran, military spouse/child/friend feels supported and welcome to USC. Our team and members come from all different backgrounds and are willing to share all the information we have to offer. Social work has been a passion of mine since I was little- I just at that time didn’t know it had an official job title. Post graduation I will commission as an Officer in the US Army and hope to become licensed as an LCSW and continue to serve those who have served before me as an Army Social Worker.
Name: Kristen Nichols
Position: Fundraising Chair
​
Hello everyone my name is Kristen and I’m the fundraising chair for MSWC! I’m the in CYF concentration and military social work track. I am currently interning at the YWCA Sexual Assault Crisis Center in Long Beach. I wanted to serve on the board to help those who are passionate about working with the military and veteran population come together to network, learn and build a sense of community as social workers and Trojans. My future career goals are to work at the VA hospital. I am passionate about helping those with complex trauma and helping combat veterans with PTSD and TBIs.
Name: Eve Gomez
Position: Public Relations Chair
​
My name is Eve Gomez and I’m currently in the AMHW concentration with Military Social Work track. As the proud sister/cousin of Marine vets it brings me great pride in being able to serve those who have valiantly served our nation. My future aspiration is to serve within the VA or the DOD as an LCSW. I have a deep love for geriatric social work which I hope to somehow integrate into my future career. My current internship is at VA Long Beach in which im assisting homeless veterans in the HUD VASH program.