Joel Ontiveros

From a young age, Joel's exposure to diverse narratives and texts enriched his understanding, fostering a wide range of experiences and perspectives. Growing up in the vibrant backdrop of Salt Lake City, Utah, Joel inherently grasped the value of education, both in its formal and informal manifestations. This unwavering commitment to learning led him to achieve degrees in Philosophy, History, and Sociology from Southern Utah University. While pursuing his philosophy degree, Joel delved into the intricacies of ancient texts, mastering the translation of Attic Greek. Through this skill, he brought to life works like Platos "Crito," Euripides' "Medea," and Sophocles "Oedipus Rex." His exceptional dedication earned him induction into Phi Kappa Phi, a prestigious and longstanding international honor society. Subsequently, Joel pursued a history degree, immersing himself in the study of modern social movements. This academic journey equipped him to analyze the convergence of ideology and social change, catalyzed by protest, conflict, and communal dynamics. Combining his philosophical insights with his historical acumen, Joel's curiosity led him to sociology, where he sought to unravel the underlying sociological forces shaping our societal framework. His studies encompassed profound areas like social theory, racial dynamics, social inequality, and criminology. Throughout his tenure as a sociology student, Joel's exceptional writings garnered numerous awards, culminating in his recognition as the Social Scientist Student of the Year in 2020. Joel is currently working on a masters degree in public administration.