78 SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK Jaxyn R. Brown JAXYN R. BROWN is graduating with a master's degree in Social Work, specializing in behavioral health integration. Jaxyn is passionate about utilizing innovative methods to improve social determinants of health for vulnerable populations, especially transgender and gender diverse individuals and their families; they are grateful the Behavioral Health Integration Project provided the means for this focus. Jaxyn's background in campaign development using non-traditional methods has encouraged their focus in telehealth to improve access to healthcare. Their passion in healthcare developed in pediatric oncology settings in Kansas City and among patients at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Jaxyn grew up in rural Kansas, and since moving to Portland, knows their work will continue until transgender and gender diverse youth and families, from rural Oregon to Kansas, feel safe. Mx Jaxyn Roux Brown greatly appreciates the relationships they have with fellow transgender and gender diverse individuals oriented toward social justice. Their field experience with Legacy Health's Gender and Sexual Health Program provided Jaxyn with a community of care, especially during the pandemic; they are incredibly grateful for the influence this team has on the resiliency they will carry throughout their career. They also thank the fierce LGBTQ+ individuals in Oregon and PSU’s school of social work, as well as their advisors who have supported them. They are most thankful for Becca, their partner whose layers of strength serve as their inspiration, and their silly pup Neko. India Wynne INDIA WYNNE is graduating with a bachelor's degree in Social Work. They joined the Marine Corps in 2000. After serving five years and two tours in Afghanistan, India struggled with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It was the kindness of a social worker that pulled them back from the darkness. On the road to healing, India knew that they had to be that beacon in the dark for others. As a student leader, India has shown their compassion by fiercely advocating on behalf of student veterans, the LGBTQ+ community and all marginalized communities. In the summer, they will begin PSU’s Advanced Standing Master of Social Work program with a focus on Practice and Leadership with Communities. They plan to continue their education and receive a PhD in Social Work with a goal of becoming a federal policy advisor. India would like to thank their sister for proving to them that superheroes do exist. They would like to thank their NA family for carrying them while they learned to fly. They would like to thank the entire BSW faculty for grace, empathy, courage, and always encouraging them to dream bigger. Most of all, India would like to thank their service dog for being by their side through every second of this adventure. STUDENT SPEAKERS
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