When Johanna Snyder began studying at Lasell, she was unsure where she could foresee herself going within the psychology field. Through her internships, Johanna found a unique passion for advocacy.

Inspired to create change within her surrounding communities, she decided to become a Double Laser, working towards a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Master’s in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Violence Prevention and Advocacy. 

During her junior year, Johanna served as an intern at the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC). She provided Bystander Intervention training for elementary, middle, and high schools across the greater Boston area and audited sexual misconduct web pages of local colleges and universities to ensure they were in compliance with the Massachusetts Health Department and BARCC. 

Following her work for the BARCC, Johanna became Lasell’s Title IX intern continuing to pursue her passion for advocacy and make a direct impact in the community. She has been focused on creating on-campus events surrounding awareness and support for survivors, such as the Clothesline Project, Take Back the Night, and the White Ribbon Campaign. Johanna’s work with the Title IX office has made a positive impact on Lasell’s campus by promoting support, awareness, and prevention. She hopes to continue to pursue her passion for advocacy and inspiring positive change by working within this field in the future.

Why did you choose Lasell?

I liked the idea of a small campus with fewer students in the classroom so that I'd have the ability to connect with classmates and professors. I also liked proximity to Boston as well as the closeness to home. Lasell also offered me the ability to play sports and still maintain a large focus on academics and internships.

What have you enjoyed about your Psychology major?

There have been multiple opportunities for growth through my academic program. The major one that has shaped my choice of future work would be my Sexual Violence Advocacy class as well as my directed study in sexual violence prevention. We also had to complete a one semester internship my junior year and I interned at Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC) where I had fell in love with community outreach and educational work in violence prevention and advocacy.

What clubs and organizations are you involved in?

I am Lasell University's Title IX intern. I create social media posts, plan and organize awareness events on campus, and create awareness on campus. I am also on the Field Hockey team.

In one sentence, how has the Psychology program positively influenced you.

The Psychology program had allowed for me to combine my passions with my academics.