Community Spotlight : Jovonne Dempster, MSW

1. What is your name?

Jovonne Dempster

2. Where are you from?

Oceanside, California (San Diego County)

3. How long have you lived in Humboldt?

10 years. I came up to Humboldt to attend the Master’s of Social Work program fall of 2009 sight unseen. I moved away for a year in 2015 and have been committed to being here since.

4. What is your profession?

HSU Social Work Lecturer, Group Fitness Instructor, Wellness Consulting and Coaching.

5. How long have you been in that profession and what pushes you to do that

work? I care about healing; for individuals, families, and communities. These are the ways that I know how to use my gifts to be a part of that healing movement. I’ve known since I was a small child that I would only be as healthy as the people around me. I guess that’s why social work, teaching, and encouraging has always been my scope of purpose.

6. What are some of your favorite things to do in Humboldt?

I love visiting the beaches and the rivers.

9. What are some things you’re grateful/thankful for?

That I am finally doing things in my life that feel meaningful and align with my soul’s passions and purpose.

10. What are some things that inspire you?

Watching others make behavior changes. Watching others fight darkness and seek out light. Watching people challenge their beliefs, values, and perspectives by using empathy to connect with others. Watching others find joy in their lives.

11. What do you do for fun? What are your hobbies?

I like to hear good live music, dance, laugh with friends, and spend with my dog. Sometimes I like to craft, sew, and look at pretty things.

12. Where can the readers catch you in Humboldt?

I teach dance fitness classes at Arcata Healthsport on Wednesday’s and Friday’s at 5:30pm. Sometimes, folks can find me doing pop up dance classes at Body High Pole Dance, and I will be facilitating more Women’s Wellness Workshops this year (stay tuned...)

13. What’s something you would tell your 8 year old self?

I would tell that sweet, cute, precious 8 year old Jovonne that she is worthy, she is valuable, and she is truly and deeply beautiful.

14. Why is BH’s work important to you?

The work that Black Humboldt is doing for Humboldt County is transformative. It’s difficult to put into words the importance of providing spaces for people, particularly people of color, to be seen and heard by other people who share their experience. Humboldt County is growing and with growth comes diversity. I feel committed to being in this community and there is work to do here. Thank you, Black Humboldt, for finding ways to bring connection. It’s powerful.