nava founded mexico's first educational institution for social work, the escuela de enseñanza doméstica (domestic education school). preparatory work had started in 1926 but official recognition came only on 2 february 1933. in that year, the secretariat of public education founded a social study program, and nava taught it. the school was inspired by nava's visit to the us where she had been in touch with schools for social workers. thanks to the impetus of the school, the profession became recognized in mexico as women began to take up employment as social workers in 1936.