Speranza Gonzalez is a social worker dedicated to supporting children, youth, and families through compassionate, informed, and advocacy-driven practice. She earned her Master of Social Work from Samuel Merritt University in Oakland, California in 2026, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from University of San Francisco.
Her professional experience is rooted in child welfare and family services, with specialized expertise in supervised visitation, family engagement, and systems-based support. Speranza has worked directly with families navigating complex circumstances, with a focus on creating safe, structured, and meaningful connections that promote reunification and long-term stability.
As someone with lived experience in the foster care system, her work is deeply personal and purpose-driven. Nationally, only about 4% of foster youth earn a bachelor’s degree and approximately 1% go on to earn a master’s degree. Reaching this milestone is not only an academic achievement, but a reflection of resilience, determination, and a commitment to changing outcomes for others.
Speranza previously served as a Child Welfare Worker with Alameda County, where she supported families within the same system that once shaped her own life. This full-circle experience continues to inform her approach, allowing her to bridge professional knowledge with authentic understanding.
In addition to her work in social services, Speranza is the founder of **Next Step Career Coaching**, a growing platform focused on resume development, career strategy, and empowering individuals to navigate the job market with confidence.
Looking ahead, she is exploring law school to expand her impact in advocacy and policy, with the goal of influencing systemic change within child welfare and beyond.
