Spring graduate breaks down barriers within the criminal justice system

Profile of Daniela Oramas Mora: A Notable Spring 2024 Graduate

Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2024 graduates.

Introduction

Daniela Oramas Mora, a graduating PhD student from St. Petersburg, Florida, has proven that dedication can lead to significant accomplishments. She is a first-generation immigrant from Cali, Colombia, and a first-generation student who has set the bar high for her future. Mora’s passion for criminology and criminal justice started at a young age when she found herself captivated by the many aspects of the field. She was especially interested in how external and systemic influences can alter an individual’s involvement in criminal behavior.

Choosing a Career Path

It was the famous quote, “Find a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life,” that solidified Mora’s decision to pursue a career in criminology and criminal justice. She chose Arizona State University (ASU) for her doctorate program due to the exceptional faculty of the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice.

Influential Mentorship

One professor in particular made Mora’s academic experience noteworthy. Dr. Ojmarrh Mitchell, who has been her mentor for six years, demonstrated the profound impact of exceptional mentorship on a student’s career trajectory. Inspired by Dr. Mitchell, Mora aspires to pay it forward by mentoring students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.

ASU’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity

Mora found ASU’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity resonated with her values and created a culture in which she felt comfortable growing as a scholar. She has been inspired by the impactful work carried out by both faculty and students from various backgrounds.

Advice for Students

Mora shares the best advice she has learned: “Success is a journey, not necessarily a destination. It might take time before you achieve your goals, but it’s crucial to celebrate the small victories along the way. Give yourself grace because you are doing a lot more than you often give yourself credit for. So, enjoy those small victories!”

Future Plans

After graduation, Mora will be embarking on an exciting journey as an assistant professor in the Department of Criminology, Law and Society at George Mason University. In this role, she will teach and conduct research focused on informing policies geared towards reducing the cumulative disadvantages experienced by racial and ethnic minorities, along with other marginalized communities, within the US court system.

Tackling the Mass Incarceration Crisis

If given $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, Mora would prioritize tackling the mass incarceration crisis and addressing the unwarranted disparities in the U.S. criminal justice system based on race, ethnicity, gender, age, legal status, LGBTQ+ status, and socioeconomic status.

The Process of Investigation

To investigate this issue, Mora would conduct empirical research to evaluate existing policies such as the progressive prosecution movement. She would also develop new policies aimed at reducing mass incarceration through alternatives like pretrial diversion programs and probation, while ensuring community safety and protecting victims’ rights. Additionally, efforts would focus on addressing unwarranted disparities across policing, courts, corrections, and the juvenile justice system.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The article discusses the field of criminology and criminal justice, which is directly related to SDG 16, which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
• Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels.
• Target 16.a: Strengthen relevant national institutions, including through international cooperation, for building capacity at all levels, in particular in developing countries, to prevent violence and combat terrorism and crime.

The article highlights the importance of addressing disparities in the criminal justice system and promoting inclusivity and equal access to justice. These targets align with the goals of SDG 16.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 16.3.1: Proportion of victims of violence in the previous 12 months who reported their victimization to competent authorities or other officially recognized mechanisms.
• Indicator 16.7.1: Proportions of positions (by sex, age, persons with disabilities, and population groups) in public institutions (national and local legislatures, public service, and judiciary) compared to national distributions.
• Indicator 16.a.1: Existence of independent national human rights institutions in compliance with the Paris Principles.

Although not explicitly mentioned in the article, these indicators can be used to measure progress towards the targets of SDG 16. They provide a way to assess the reporting of violence, inclusivity in public institutions, and the presence of independent human rights institutions.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Fuente: news.asu.edu

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