Julissa Govea, center, joins the Center for Worker Justice-Iowa City at a strike rally outside the Cargill corn plant in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Oct. 10, 2024.
By Lindsay Steele
The Catholic Messenger
University of Iowa student Julissa Govea observed wage theft cases at the Center for Worker Justice-Iowa City during the 2023-24 school year as part of her Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) internship. Now, she plays an active role in helping vulnerable workers in the Iowa City area recover their hard-earned income.
Govea is grateful for the opportunity to empower the poor and vulnerable so they can have the confidence to advocate for themselves, she said during the diocesan Social Action Office’s virtual Lunch and Learn session earlier this month. “Prior to this opportunity, I already had a passion for volunteering and advocating for the needs of the community. However, being given the chance to actively contribute as a student has provided me a unique perspective on the dynamics of nonprofit organizations.”
Govea is the first CCHD intern in diocesan history to serve a second year, said Deacon Kent Ferris, diocesan director of Social Action and Catholic Charities. “It’s been encouraging… to see her growth and development.”
CCHD is the official anti-poverty, social justice program of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), working to promote systemic change, leadership development and empowerment of low-income communities through grants and transformative education. The Diocese of Davenport annually supports a CCHD intern working with Quad Cities Interfaith-Davenport, Center for Worker Justice-Iowa City (CWJ), or Escucha Mi Voz.
Govea, who is bilingual in English and Spanish, started her internship at CWJ in the fall of 2023 and primarily works on wage theft cases, outreach, translating and community organizing. Wage theft occurs when an employer fails to compensate an individual, most commonly through unpaid overtime, shortened meal breaks, a lack of reimbursement, employee misclassification, and unpaid wages or tips. Locally, immigrants working in construction and food service seem most vulnerable to wage theft, Govea observes. CWJ reports that professional cleaners are also at risk.
CWJ can serve as a mediator between the affected worker and their employer, especially when the worker is afraid to speak up, Govea said. CWJ generally begins the process by collecting evidence from the affected worker and sending a letter to the employer. CWJ will pursue additional measures to reach a resolution. It’s important to get to know the worker first so they feel more comfortable participating in the process, she said.
Govea said working with CWJ through the CCHD internship has strengthened her confidence in her career plans. She originally planned to become an immigration lawyer, but the experience with CWJ sparked her interest in learning about labor laws and individual rights, as well. She is currently studying for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).
Deacon Ferris appreciates Govea’s willingness to help individuals living and working in poverty. “You’ve done a remarkable job,” he said.
A recording of the April 3 Lunch and Learn is available on the Diocese of Davenport’s YouTube page at https://tinyurl.com/5ec9jcam
Apply for CCHD internship
The diocesan Social Action Office is accepting applications for the 2025-2026 Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) internship. Any U.S. Catholic with an interest in solidarity building, participation of the poor and Catholic Social Teaching may apply. An ability to speak Spanish is preferred but not required.
The internship is 15 flexible hours per week for 24 weeks during the 2025-26 school year. Salary is $20 an hour. The intern must be able to attend the National CCHD orientation virtually May 28-30.
Applications are due May 2. For more information or to apply for the internship go to: https://tinyurl.com/DAVCCHD.
