Born to Care: A Life Meant for Social Work

From a young age, Minah Daniela Miranda has had an interest in people. Her first 13 years were spent moving around, which gave her the privilege of meeting diverse individuals and communities. This exposure deepened her understanding of different social dynamics and unique challenges people face. Whether it's a moment of joy or sadness, Miranda has always been drawn to witnessing and supporting others. This passion naturally led her toward the field of social work. 

“I love getting to know people and their stories,” Miranda said. “I fully enjoy hearing others share their passions and experiences. I love learning what motivates people and their ‘why’.” 

Miranda is from El Paso, Texas. When going through the college application process, she only applied to Baylor. Once she got to Waco, she worked at Fabled and the Meyers Center and did different volunteer work, especially with Mission Waco. Miranda says she has been blessed with her church community, Primera Iglesia Bautista de Waco. 

“I have a huge heart for the Waco community and a passion to work alongside those who have called Waco their home,” Miranda said. “I strive to love just as Jesus did, unconditionally and radically. I believe myself to be a compassionate servant leader. I work with and for people.”  

Through the help of her family, Miranda said she believes 100% that social work is her calling. Her family has taught her the profound beauty of empowering others, enabling them to take charge of their own growth, all the while providing them with the space and platform they need to flourish. Her faith in Jesus has also led her to believe that social work is her calling as he interacted and befriended those who were ignored. 

The influence of her family values helped influence Miranda's passion for supporting and helping others. She was raised in a family that nurtures the idea of “it takes a village”. Miranda’s family has made it clear that they do not leave anyone to suffer alone. It takes everyone for one person to heal. She recognizes the strengths and skills that all people have, and also recognizes that sometimes, unfortunately, that is not enough. There are systems that purposefully keep people in communities of marginalization and oppression. Miranda wants to be in a position where she can be a support and resource for those who don’t typically have access to support. 

Through the help of her family, Miranda said she believes 100% that social work is her calling. Her family has taught her the profound beauty of empowering others, enabling them to take charge of their own growth, all the while providing them with the space and platform they need to flourish.

 When asked what word she would use to describe herself, Miranda said “passionate”.  

 “Because I know this world is scary and all of us are experiencing it for the first time, I try to live a life of love and compassion... While sometimes people need to just be sad for and with them, when appropriate, I ask myself, 'Okay this is making me sad, so what am I going to do about it?',” Miranda said. “Asking this question allows me to be efficient in my work professionally and personally. It is okay to be frustrated about policies that are barring people from resources. It is okay to be angry about systems that are harmful to your client. It is okay that every time you think about someone vulnerable not receiving the care they deserve, you shed tears. I allow myself to feel all the feelings, but I find it ineffective to do nothing about it. I use my empathy to find solutions.” 

 Miranda was recognized as the 2024 BSW Alicia Martinez Spirt of Social Work recipient, an award that celebrates outstanding dedication, compassion, and advocacy in the field of social work.  

 Miranda said that everything she does comes from her heart, and that she does not expect recognition or praise. She noted, though, that the award serves as an affirmation for what she is doing, and that she still wants to learn more.  

 “Minah has such a strong value for upholding the dignity and worth of every person,” one of her faculty members said. “To hear her talk about her clients is heartwarming, as you can see the compassion, empathy, and care just dripping out of her.” 

Miranda graduated with her BSW in 2024 and began our Advanced Standing MSW program, in the clinical track. She is currently a research assistant for the Partnering for Heart of Texas (H.O.T.) Mental Health grant program.

“I am most proud of the community I have made in Waco. I have experienced my first time being an adult in Waco and I can proudly say that I believe I have done a great job,” Miranda said. “I am proud to say that I did not do this on my own. I have allowed people into my life to educate me, share their experiences, expose me to issues I did not know about, and give me a space to be.”  

 Congratulations, Minah! Your compassion for people and their lives is a reflection of the award you earned! Sic ‘Em!