Introduction: My Story, My Motivation For Advocating For Social Justice
My commitment to social justice isn’t just a professional pursuit; it’s deeply personal and rooted in my own journey. I have faced my share of challenges, including childhood adversity, economic hardship, and societal barriers. These experiences have shaped my unwavering dedication to empowering individuals, advocating for equality, and addressing social injustices. Through every hardship and attack, I’ve found a renewed sense of purpose—to create positive change in the lives of others.
Growing Up Amidst Adversity: The Battleground of Social Justice
I grew up in a home filled with the realities of working poverty and domestic violence, experiences that gave me a deep understanding of social inequality from an early age. My mother, a survivor herself, was pressured by my grandmother into child sex work to support her siblings and alcoholic father. Watching her resilience planted a seed in me—a drive to stand up for others enduring similar circumstances.
Our family home, built through Habitat for Humanity in Orange Park, Florida, served as a symbol of what community support and empowerment can accomplish. That home, a sanctuary in a turbulent world, made me appreciate the importance of support systems, something I strive to offer others in need.
Defying the Odds Through Education
Determined to find a way forward, I relied on grants and scholarships to attend the University of North Florida, where I studied International Affairs and Comparative Politics, along with a minor in Sociology. Education became my way out and my way up. I later pursued a law degree on my own terms, through online correspondence, with the guidance of only one tutor over four and a half years.
I focused on social justice and corporate governance in my thesis work because I saw the law as a tool for change—a way to dismantle unjust systems and replace them with more equitable ones. I knew, however, that the legal world wasn’t always welcoming to women like me. As a mixed-race Filipino American woman, I faced discrimination and adversity, but I also found strength in my identity, using these experiences to fuel my work.
What aspect of social justice do you feel most passionate about advocating for?
Economic Equality
Education Access and Reform
Gender and Racial Equality
Support for Marginalized Communities
Serving as a Career Guide Through Crisis
In the economic crises of 2008 in the U.S. and 2011 (Eurozone Crisis) in France, I found my calling as a career and life coach. People were struggling, and I wanted to help them find hope and stability amidst the chaos. I guided thousands through those uncertain times, sharing my insights and offering practical support.
It hasn’t always been easy. As a woman of color in a white male-dominated field, I’ve faced workplace discrimination and even sexual assault. These experiences only strengthened my resolve to help others navigate difficult paths and build thriving, resilient careers.
Social Justice In Law School: Advocating for Inclusive Education and Learning Techniques
In my work, I’m committed to making legal education more accessible and inclusive, especially for those with disabilities or neurodivergent individuals. I champion visual learning techniques because I believe everyone, regardless of their learning style and income level, deserves the opportunity to succeed in a field as demanding as law.
I’ve seen how traditional legal education often overlooks students with diverse needs, and I’m determined to change that. My goal is to reform educational practices in a world dominated by privilege and gatekeeping, so that future generations of advocates can learn and thrive in an inclusive environment.
Giving Back Through Non-Profits and Community Work To Advance Social Justice
I’ve always felt a responsibility to give back to my community. Over the years, I’ve worked with various non-profits, focusing on raising funds and providing resources for children and families escaping poverty and abuse. This work is incredibly close to my heart; it’s a continuation of the support I needed in my own childhood, which I’m now able to offer to others.
I believe that real change requires action on both the individual and systemic levels. Through my non-profit work, I strive to make a lasting impact by addressing the root causes of poverty and providing immediate support to families in need.
Conclusion: My Mission for Social Justice
My life experiences, both the struggles and the successes, have taught me that social justice is essential for creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. I know what it’s like to face adversity, and I know how powerful it is to have someone believe in you, support you, and help you rise above your circumstances. My mission is to be that support for others, to use my voice, my skills, and my experiences to advocate for justice, equity, and empowerment.
Your Turn!
What personal experiences have influenced your views on social justice, and how do you advocate for positive change?
Life The Good Life with Leslie Juvin-Acker: Embracing Emotional Intelligence, Intuition, and Social Justice for Lasting Fulfillment
Leslie Juvin-Acker, J.D., is a renowned expert in emotional intelligence, celebrated author, and intuitive life and career coach to top executives and celebrities. With a unique foundation in law, sociology, social justice, and a deep connection to spirit and intuition, Leslie brings a holistic perspective to life coaching. Her approach is not only shaped by an understanding of systemic issues and individual empowerment but is also guided by her ability to tap into intuition, providing clients with insights that help them connect more authentically to their own inner wisdom.
Leslie’s books and videos go beyond typical coaching by integrating practical tools for emotional intelligence, intuition, and spiritual awareness, with a strong focus on achieving balance, fulfillment, and resilience. With years of experience helping individuals transform their lives, she guides her clients to recognize and harness their full potential while encouraging a deeper understanding of the social structures that influence their journeys. Whether examining the impacts of corporate governance on individual well-being or advocating for inclusive, accessible education, Leslie’s work illuminates the powerful intersections of personal growth, social justice, and spiritual awareness.
Through her books, videos, and transformative speaking engagements, Leslie inspires audiences to break free from limiting beliefs, overcome social and emotional barriers, and cultivate lives of joy, success, and personal empowerment. Her insights are particularly valuable for leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking to improve their emotional well-being within a context that honors both the social landscape and their spiritual journey.
Invite Leslie Juvin-Acker to speak at your next event, and discover how her expertise in spirit, intuition, emotional intelligence, law, sociology, and social justice can elevate every aspect of your life, inspiring you to live a more authentic, purposeful, and spiritually attuned “Good Life.”
#LeslieJuvinAcker #SocialJustice #DomesticViolenceAwareness #CareerCoach #EducationReform #MixedRace #FilipinoAmerican #Resilience #WomenInLaw #InclusiveEducation #PovertyAwareness #LegalStudies #Nonprofit #EmpowerMarginalized #OvercomingAdversity #Advocacy #CorporateGovernance #VisualLearning #Mentorship #CareerGuidance #WorkingPoverty #LawEducation #WomenEmpowerment #Discrimination #LearningDisabilities #Neurodivergent #CrisisManagement #FamilySupport #RaisingAwareness #InclusiveSociety
Comments