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MY BEYOND THESE TOWERS STORY

Beyond These Towers

The Campaign for Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Siearah Robles ‘20: When Theory and Practice Make a Positive Impact Near Home

September 19, 2023

Siearah Robles ’20 is using her WPI education to enhance support for Middlesex County citizens in a meaningful and powerful way. Asblack and white photo of woman with long dark hair a victim witness advocate with the Middlesex District Attorney’s office, Robles works with issues including mental health, domestic violence, and abuse. “I work with victims, witnesses, and their families to ensure they are safe and receive the information and resources they need in the aftermath of violence. I keep people updated on the status of their cases and help explain the prosecution process. I also assist people with obtaining restraining orders and harassment prevention orders. And I am very proud to have a job that allows me to make a difference in my local community.”

Describing how her WPI education impacted her career, Robles shares, “Because the education at WPI focuses so heavily on interdisciplinary cooperation and teamwork, I worked on many group projects that helped me better work with others of different backgrounds and knowledge to get the desired result or outcome. In my current role I often need to work with a team; I work with other advocates, lawyers, clerks, probation, court officers, police, domestic violence agencies, shelters, clinicians, victims, and their family members to get my job done.”

Robles adds her most valuable WPI education experience was her Interactive Qualifying Project (IQP). “IQPs can sometimes feel like an educational experience and a vacation combined; one minute you’re working on your project and the next you’re snorkeling, zip lining, or just hanging out at the beach. And although I had a lot of fun on my IQP, I worked hard and was consistently challenged to step out of my comfort zone to do things I never thought I could — in order to help a real-world community in need.”

Thank you Siearah for using the theory and practice you gained at WPI to support the home community of your great alma mater.