Staff Spotlight | Jania Cano Murphy

Jania Cano Murphy is a case manager with CRIS’ Match Grant Program.

“When I first arrived in the United States, I had just graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management from a Peruvian university. I was drawn here by an internship at a renowned ski resort, where I could practice my English and refine my hospitality skills. After meeting my husband during the program, I decided to stay in the US and build my career. After several years of working directly with guests, I transferred to manage housekeeping staff—many of whom were Spanish speakers—a role that opened my eyes to a new, deeply fulfilling side of my profession. While working behind the scenes, I realized how much I enjoyed breaking down language barriers and helping bridge the communication gap between supervisors and staff, and I loved the opportunity to speak the language that I love every day. After five years in hospitality, this experience spurred my transition into education and advocacy work.

I started by taking on roles in youth programs at nonprofit organizations on the west side of Columbus, where I got my first taste of classroom instruction. During this time, I fell in love with teaching and earned an ESL certification. For the next five years, I worked as a Bilingual Instructional Assistant and later as an ESL Teacher. I found purpose in helping address all of the barriers my students faced—not just academic—and I was driven to connect my students and their families with resources that could change their lives. After several years, my passion for helping families access support pushed me to explore community liaison work.

This exploration led me to CRIS, where I started as a Spanish Interpreter and Case Manager for the TIES program in March of 2022, and later the Match Grant program, where I serve today. 

I understand firsthand the challenges of moving to a new country and adapting to a new culture, and I can’t imagine how daunting it must be for our immigrant families who arrive without language skills and who carry little but hope with them. If I can make even a small difference in easing that transition, one family at a time, all my efforts are worthwhile. At CRIS, I see our impact daily. 

I love to connect with other Spanish speakers who have left their countries and communities behind: we provide each other with a little piece of home through the language we share and the traditions we hold close. Working with immigrants and refugees—as an immigrant myself—feels like the culmination of all of my past experiences.”