Jovonne Dempster
Lecturer
Jovonne Dempster, MSW, is a dynamic and passionate social work professional who currently resides in Phoenix, AZ. With a broad spectrum of experience spanning over 12 years, Jovonne has dedicated her career to empowering and supporting individuals and communities. She is the Director of Social and Administrative Services and a Social Worker at a Charter School serving grades 7-12, where she leads initiatives to foster emotional well-being and academic success among students.
In addition to her current leadership role in Arizona, Jovonne has been a Social Work Lecturer at Cal Poly Humboldt since 2016, where she brings her extensive field experience into the classroom in the Distance Learning program. She is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of social workers, with a particular focus on the interplay of relationships, cultural contexts, and social work provision. Grounded in Relational-Cultural Theory, Jovonne's teaching emphasizes the importance of mutual empathy, connection, and relational resilience in effective social work practice.
Jovonne earned her Master of Social Work degree from Cal Poly Humboldt, where she developed a deep commitment to serving rural and indigenous populations. Her career in Humboldt County, CA, has been marked by a diverse range of roles, including Child Welfare Services social worker, Service Coordinator for adults with developmental disabilities, and investigator of elder and dependent adult abuse with Adult Protective Services.
Beyond her formal roles, Jovonne is a private Confidence Coach, helping clients achieve personal growth and self-assurance. She is also a dancer and performer, channeling her creativity and energy into artistic expression. Jovonne regularly hosts workshops at conventions and wellness retreats, where she shares her insights on topics ranging from emotional resilience to community healing.
Jovonne’s work is deeply rooted in her belief in the power of education, empowerment, and cultural sensitivity. Whether in the classroom, on stage, or in one-on-one coaching sessions, she is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of those she serves.