José Manuel Gonzalez Vera, a doctoral student in the Combined Clinical/Counseling program, recently achieved a significant milestone by receiving the 7 for 17 Award from the Utah Global Diplomacy. This award recognizes emerging leaders in the state of Utah who are passionately committed to addressing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which cover a wide array of critical global issues, including quality education, climate action, zero hunger, affordable clean energy, and gender equality.

The Utah Global Diplomacy, a non-profit organization, is dedicated to fostering respect and understanding between the residents of Utah and individuals from other nations, with an emphasis on the power of citizen diplomacy.

José Manuel Gonzalez Vera was recognized within the category of reduced inequalities because of his dedication to creating a more inclusive and equitable society. In his own words, "I worked closely with Dr. Sara Boghosian and Athletics United, a non-profit organization that helps youth build community through sports, to develop and continually maintain a free recreational soccer program for immigrant and refugee youth." Additionally, he worked with The Family Place to provide essential services to undocumented immigrants and Latino clients. At The Family Place, he played a pivotal role in shaping specific policies aimed at enhancing mental health services for immigrant populations. He shares that he was inspired to this work based on his lived experience as an immigrant and his connection with other immigrants in Cache Valley.

Gonzalez Vera expressed his gratitude for the award and for his experience by emphasizing that these projects were made possible by the community. “I am grateful for Dr. Boghosian, Athletics United, The Family Place, my advisor Dr. Melanie Domenech Rodríguez, and everyone else who helped with these projects. To me, this award is about recognizing our efforts as a community to create lasting change.”

For those aspiring to make a positive impact and work towards achieving sustainable development goals, Gonzalez Vera offers this advice: "If you see a need in your community that you think you can help with, collaborate with your community to find a solution. Interventions don’t have to be big; they can be as simple as building community by kicking a ball around.”