Montclair State University Graduate Angela Castro Champions Community Service, Advocacy
Graduate Spotlight: A first-generation graduate from Paterson, N.J., Angela Castro shares how her roots inspired her mission to uplift others through education and compassion
Posted in: Homepage News and Events, Social Work and Child Advocacy, Student News
This story is part of a series celebrating Montclair State University’s Spring Commencement 2025 graduates – students who embody the University’s mission to broaden access to exceptional learning opportunities and contribute to the common good.
Angela Castro, a graduating senior majoring in Child Advocacy and Policy with a minor in Social Work, is guided by one principle: pay it forward. Raised in Paterson, New Jersey, she has spent her college years giving back to the very community that once lifted her up.
Her favorite place to serve is Oasis, a nonprofit that provided her with after-school care and summer programs as a child. Today, she’s on the other side – mentoring children, serving meals and organizing donations.
“It feels natural to go back, to give back to the place that gave me so much,” she says.
Real-World Advocacy Experience
In fall 2024, Castro interned with the New Destiny Family Success Center in Paterson, where she worked in a public school setting to support children and families. Her responsibilities included helping with applications, facilitating ESL courses and nutrition workshops, distributing clothing and hygiene supplies, and running after-school programs for first and second graders.
“This internship gave me insight on what it truly means to be an advocate for children and their families, ensuring they’re getting the help they need to thrive,” she says.
She also lent her time to St. Peter’s Haven in Clifton, helping sort and distribute food to families in need, and participated in service activities through Montclair’s Latin American Student Organization and the Omega Phi Chi Multicultural Sorority.
“It’s rewarding to know that a small thing you do can change someone’s day – or even transform who they are,” she says.
At Montclair, her leadership in various campus activities as a commuter student inspired a new dream – a career in higher education.
“Angela exemplifies what it means to be a servant leader. From her advocacy for commuter students to her volunteer work supporting the homeless and promoting multiculturalism, she has consistently shown a deep commitment to public service,” says Antonio Talamo, assistant director of the Student Center and Commuter Life.
“Angela uses every opportunity to uplift others, create inclusive spaces, and make a meaningful impact both on campus and in the community,” he adds.
“I love helping people become more engaged, find their purpose, and seeing that light bulb go off in their heads,” Castro says. This summer, she’ll begin a master’s in Higher Education at Rowan University.
Graduation and Gratitude
When she walks across the Commencement stage, she’ll wear a message on her graduation cap in Spanish: “Cada sacrificio tiene su recompensa” – every sacrifice has its reward.
“It’s a reminder that everything I’ve sacrificed and dedicated time, energy and effort to is for a greater purpose.”
The University will celebrate its graduates at Commencement exercises on Wednesday, May 7 and Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
Story by Marilyn Joyce Lehren, University Communications and Marketing
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