December 14, 2022
Army veteran, Jose Najera will graduate this December with a master of science (MS) in human resources and organizational development from the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD). Najera is the recipient of three awards: the Virginia "Jenny" Madden Award for Graduate Leadership and Service, a Graduate Dean’s Citation Award, and the R. Wayne Pace Departmental Award in Human Resource Education.
The Virginia "Jenny" Madden Award recognizes a master's degree recipient who exhibits leadership through service to the recipient’s program, college, discipline, university, and community. Najera has led a life of service and leadership through his military service, his work to break down health equities in Louisville, his academic performance in his undergraduate and graduate career, and as founding president for a nationally recognized student chapter.
Najera immigrated to Los Angeles, California from Guatemala with his parents when he was two years old. After graduating from high school, he joined the army with the intention of committing to a few years. However, the events of 9/11 motivated him, and he went on to complete 20 years of service.
Najera retired from the army in 2017 and settled in Louisville with his wife Maria, who is still on active duty in Fort Knox. After he retired, something weighed on Najera, “When I look back in retrospect on what I did in the army, I didn't take advantage of the educational opportunities that were there for me, I was more focused on what was ahead of me, which was usually going to Iraq or Afghanistan.” Najera felt that the next step in his journey was committing to his education.
He chose the University of Louisville because of its proximity and the military opportunities it offered. In 2020, he completed a bachelor of science (BS) in organizational leadership and learning. “That only scratched the surface,” said Najera who immediately jumped into his MS degree. “I was just so intrigued by the curriculum and being in that environment. The faculty and staff were also so supportive,” said Najera.
He went on to explain that his faculty members were the ones who encouraged him to take the next step and pursue his MS. “One of my professors told me ‘Hey you’re writing and thinking at a master’s level, is that something you’ve considered?’” said Najera. “It took that push to let me know that I can do this.”
During his master's, Najera was also the founding president of the UofL Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) student chapter. This chapter is affiliated with a national organization for emerging and seasoned human resources professionals. They offer free virtual webinars and are involved in volunteer work on campus and in the community. “I don’t say no to opportunities so when they asked me to be president, I ran with it,” said Najera.
Community service quickly became a key part of Najera’s goals for the SHRM chapter. In his nomination letter Najera’s faculty mentor, Dr. Ann Herd stated that “his first major effort for the chapter was leading a coat and supply drive for the homeless in the Louisville area.” Najera describes this as one of his most memorable moments at UofL. “Annika Bennet – our vice president – took the leading role in organizing this event. We ended up with over ten trash bags worth of jackets and sweaters,” he said. “We not only helped someone else but we were recognized by the public.” Najera was moved by the number of people in the community willing to help them even as a small student chapter.
Volunteering has been fundamental to Najera’s personal growth. “You learn so much about yourself and other people. You learn about compassion,” he says. “I think my military background plays into that a lot.” Najera goes on to say that community service is what gets him up in the morning and he has the commitment to benefit other people.
“In addition to his continued leadership and service to the program, college, university, community and profession through SHRM, Jose is heavily involved with community-based organizations across the city, where he trains marginalized communities in digital skills,” said Dr. Herd.
Najera currently works as a training specialist in the UofL Digital Transformation Center. “This role combines my experience teaching classes in the military and my newfound knowledge from my undergraduate degree,” said Najera. A large part of his work involves breaking down barriers in health inequities. “This is so important in a community, especially Louisville,” he stated. His team collaborates with the Humana Health Equity and Innovation Hub. This partnership offers training opportunities for traditionally marginalized communities. Through “upskilling and reskilling”, individuals can earn digital competency and increase their chances of creating more sustainable careers and futures. They often work with organizations like non-profits that assist those marginalized communities. “That’s my biggest pride and joy, working with non-profit organizations,” said Najera.
After graduation, Najera plans to continue working in a non-profit setting by connecting talent to initiative-driven organizations. “There’s great talent who have a lot of eagerness to work with these communities, but no one is really reaching out to them,” said Najera. “I’m hoping to bridge that gap.” He says “It all comes down to luck, networking and skills. I hope I can provide at least two of those things.”
Najera sees himself as a connector. His passion is bringing people together. “I don’t know the answers to everything, but I probably know someone who does,” he explained. Najera credits the CEHD for giving him the opportunities and educational background he needed to continue serving others and lead a lifetime of service.
Jose Najera will graduate on December 16 at 7:00 PM at the KFCYum! Center.
About the College of Education and Human Development:
Founded in 1968, the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) is a vibrant community that prepares students for leadership in a variety of metropolitan settings including schools, public and private corporations, and governmental agencies.
CEHD embraces the University's mission to advance the intellectual, cultural, and economic development of our diverse communities and citizens. Our commitment to student success is unparalleled as we promote the highest levels of learning and social, emotional, and physical health and well-being for all children, individuals, and families.
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