Austra is the Social Services Coordinator for Detained Adults at GHIRP. Before her time at GHIRP, she was a Senior Legal Assistant at Suarez Candler Law, PLLC. Austra has over 15 years of experience in immigration law. She worked at Foster, LLP as a legal assistant and at Catholic Charities as a legal case worker.

Ms. Zapata earned her master’s degree in Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas. She also has a bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Springfield College and an associate degree in Criminal Justice from Delgado Community College.

Ms. Zapata is a member of the National Association of Social Workers. Ms. Zapata has written and presented on trauma-informed care, diversity in the workplace, and the effects of alcohol on women ages 18-25 in Houston. She is currently the assistant director to Lumalali Limu International Organization, an organization the promotes health, growth, and well-being of the Garifuna people globally. Austra is fluent in Spanish and proficient in Garifuna.

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