Natasha Herrera is a dedicated social worker from San Diego with a deep-rooted passion for community service and advocacy. As a proud Mexican-American, Natasha’s commitment to social justice is both personal and professional. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from San Diego State University (SDSU), where she developed a strong foundation in social work principles and practice.

Immediately following her undergraduate studies, Natasha began her career working directly with Commercially Sexually Exploited Children (CSEC) and survivors of human trafficking. This experience provided her with invaluable insights into the complex challenges faced by these vulnerable populations. She then expanded her expertise as a drug and alcohol counselor inside San Diego juvenile halls, where she worked to support young people grappling with substance abuse and related issues.

For the past five years, Natasha has been a vital member of Promises2Kids, a San Diego-based organization dedicated to supporting foster youth. As a College Education Coordinator, she played a crucial role in assisting foster youth with their higher education goals. Recognizing a significant gap in services, Natasha took the initiative to develop and launch a high school education program, addressing the unique needs of foster youth and helping to bridge the educational divide.

Currently, Natasha is pursuing her Master of Social Work (MSW) and has the honor of being the first MSW intern at Eight16 Culinary Therapy. In this role, she is exploring innovative therapeutic approaches and contributing to the organization’s mission of providing trauma-informed culinary therapy. Her work at Eight16 represents a new frontier in her professional journey, blending her passion for social work with creative and impactful therapeutic interventions.

Natasha’s dedication to social work transcends her professional roles; she sees it as both her vocation and avocation. Her deep-rooted commitment to her community reflects her belief in the power of service and advocacy. Natasha describes herself as a community girl at heart, driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those she serves. Through her work and personal life, she continues to exemplify compassion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to social justice.