Making Study Abroad More Accessible to Black and Brown People: Unexpected Journeys with Sarah Jones

Instead of a single, pivotal moment, Sarah Jones compares her journey towards social justice work to a fire that ignited during her first experiences with race and racism in the 1st grade, defining further memories and experiences as the logs that kept the fire burning.She shares a story about how studying abroad as a first-generation college student revealed how capitalism reinforces inequity by limiting access to travel opportunities, especially for Black and Brown students. Her experience clarified her commitment to making travel experiences more accessible and inclusive, which she does in her work today, leading global leadership programs with an intentional focus on equity.Sarah shares what sustains her, what keeps her up at night when it comes to global equity trends, and why rest, community, and storytelling matters in social justice work.You can Connect with Sarah Jones on LinkedIn.🔔 If you haven't already...SUBSCRIBE to Social Justice Origin Stories on YouTube!❤️ SUPPORT THE PROJECTSupport this work by becoming a patron.💬 SHARE YOUR STORY OR FEEDBACKYour voice helps shape this community and may be featured in a future episode.Email: [email protected] a Voice Note on our contact page or speakpipe page.Or leave a comment below🎧 LISTEN & FOLLOWWebsite: socialjusticeoriginstories.comFollow The Podcast on Apple Podcasts.Listen wherever You Get Your Podcasts.Instagram @socialjusticeoriginstoriesFacebook @socialjusticeoriginstoriesFollow on BlueskyFollow Social Justice Origin Stories on LinkedInConnect with Relando on LinkedIn.Visit these additional links for more information.-----Social Justice Origin Stories is produced, edited, and hosted by Relando Thompkins-Jones.00:00 Study Abroad Spark02:07 Money Shapes Access03:32 Career Mission Emerges06:00 Show Identity and Values07:19 Meet Sarah Jones13:10 Early Racial Awakening17:40 Soccer Field Microaggressions20:42 Finding Support Systems24:13 Mentors Megan and Monroe29:58 Spanish and Demographic Shifts36:59 Katrina Displacement Story46:03 Leading with Equity Today51:01 Why This Work Matters52:51 Alumni Moment of Support54:34 Representation Fuels the Fire58:09 What Keeps Me Up01:02:54 Internalized Oppression01:11:17 Internalized Superiority01:16:35 Mentors and Rest01:22:46 Black Food as Joy01:30:05 Gratitude and Shoutouts01:33:03 Listener Takeaways01:35:10 Finish the Statements01:38:30 Wisdom for the Future01:39:31 Naming the Journey01:41:52 Closing and Community