Zulma Alejandra
Zulma Alejandra graduated from UC Berkeley on June 12 with a Bachelors in Sociology. Alejandra is the first member of his family to attend and now, graduate college. While at Berkeley, she participated in: Casa Mora, Centro Legal de La Raza, BOCA, Coaching Corp, Berkeley High RISE Tutoring Program, and Team-Up for Youth. She was also a member of Women's Club Soccer Team, Cal D1 Women's Soccer Team, Latino Pre-Law Society, RISE Youth Immigration Research Team, Educators for Fair Consideration, and the Youth Empowerment Program.
Lastly, she chaired Team-Up for Youth's Youth Advisory Committee, Youth Leadership Award in appreciation for her dedication to racial equity, immigration rights, and economic justice by the Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI), MC for RISE's viewing of their youth produced film, "The Next Step," a recognition of her unique contribution to the Legal Case Analysis Team by Educator's for Fair Consideration, and the publication of her article entitled, My Coach Changed My Life, in the San Francisco chronicle in 2009. Zulma is passionate about immigration rights and social justice and therefore is interested in pursuing a law degree in hope to become an immigration attorney.
Zulma Alejandra is excited to explore and strengthen her knowledge and advocacy skills on how to directly assist underrepresented communities. As a young scholar, she acknowledges her energy and drive to enhance her knowledge and skills because she can be that voice for those who live in the shadows. Her personal story, in particular, is the main reason she aspires to serve underrepresented communities like hers.
As a United States citizen and daughter of immigrants, she is well aware of the struggles immigrant people like her family encounter which is why she is wholeheartedly devoted to promote social justice. While she is obviously worried about her father's case as someone who has been directly harmed by his deportation, she is also concerned as an advocate for immigrants' rights. Her family's struggle sheds light on her unwavering commitment to serve the community, promote social justice, and pursue her journey toward becoming an immigration attorney.
Suitcase
Lastly, she chaired Team-Up for Youth's Youth Advisory Committee, Youth Leadership Award in appreciation for her dedication to racial equity, immigration rights, and economic justice by the Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI), MC for RISE's viewing of their youth produced film, "The Next Step," a recognition of her unique contribution to the Legal Case Analysis Team by Educator's for Fair Consideration, and the publication of her article entitled, My Coach Changed My Life, in the San Francisco chronicle in 2009. Zulma is passionate about immigration rights and social justice and therefore is interested in pursuing a law degree in hope to become an immigration attorney.
Zulma Alejandra is excited to explore and strengthen her knowledge and advocacy skills on how to directly assist underrepresented communities. As a young scholar, she acknowledges her energy and drive to enhance her knowledge and skills because she can be that voice for those who live in the shadows. Her personal story, in particular, is the main reason she aspires to serve underrepresented communities like hers.
As a United States citizen and daughter of immigrants, she is well aware of the struggles immigrant people like her family encounter which is why she is wholeheartedly devoted to promote social justice. While she is obviously worried about her father's case as someone who has been directly harmed by his deportation, she is also concerned as an advocate for immigrants' rights. Her family's struggle sheds light on her unwavering commitment to serve the community, promote social justice, and pursue her journey toward becoming an immigration attorney.
Suitcase
Diana Arreola
Diana is a photographer and currently a student at Foothill College where she is majoring in Studio Art with a focus in Photography and Photojournalism. She hopes to continue to a 4-year institution to study art and continue using her art to raise awareness for social change. Her work has appeared in the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Northern California national newsletter. You can view more of her work at dkaphotography.tumblr.com.
"Our Words, Our Worlds" Photography
CA DREAM Graduation Photography
"Our Words, Our Worlds" Photography
CA DREAM Graduation Photography
José Arreola
Jose was born in Durango, Mexico and came to the United States when he was four years old. With the unconditional love and support of his family and the guidance of many mentors along the way, Jose went on to study Political Science, History and Ethnic Studies at Santa Clara University — where he received a full scholarship. During his college career, Jose was an outspoken leader on campus around issues of racism, inequality, and oppression. Jose's work culminated as the Executive Director of the Multicultural Center of Santa Clara University. Upon graduation, Jose was trained as a community organizer for racial and economic justice by the Center for Third World Organizing in Oakland, CA. As an undocumented student himself, Jose utilizes his experiences to help empower and support other undocumented students across the country.
Get to Know Me
Get to Know Me
Krsna Avila
Krsna is a graduate of the University of California, Davis where he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology and Psychology in 2010. Having immigrated to the United States when he was only four months old, Krsna grew up feeling truly American, despite his legal status. Living in Oakland, he was a victim of four gun violence incidents. Education became Krsna's tool for freedom and self-advancement, a way to "level the playing field." Since joining E4FC's Legal Services Team, Krsna has developed an in-depth knowledge of U.S. immigration law and has been able to use his knowledge to pursue and gain lawful permanent residency for himself and to help others in similar situations. Krsna is looking forward to receiving acceptance letters from prestigious law schools around the nation in the near future and to reminding undocumented students that anything is possible! Visit Krsna's artist page.
I Wanna be a Citizen
Welcome to the United States of America
I Wanna be a Citizen
Welcome to the United States of America
Kemi Bello
Kemi is a Nigerian-American undocumented youth living in Texas. She hopes to explore the many facets of the undocumented experience through writing and narrative-building as activism. She is an alum of the University of Houston, where she received a B.S. in Economics, and is currently saving up money to continue her graduate education.
Battling Silence
Battling Silence
Edith Belman
Edith is a recent graduate from California State University, Northridge, where she majored in graphic design. She has lived in Southern California for 20 years; since she emigrated, at the age of three, from Copandaro, Michoacan, Mexico, where she was born. While at CSUN, she met and worked with Dreams To Be Heard, an undocumented student group on campus. It was there that she was inspired to create a similar group to provide support for undocumented students in her community. Edith has created Ventura County DREAM Scholars, which serves as a DREAM network to bring together the different immigrant and student community groups that already exist; Dreamers without Borders and Oxnard College DREAM Club. She hopes to inspire more DREAMers to come out of the shadows and pursue their dreams of higher education, because everyone has a RIGHT TO DREAM.
Dreamer
Right to Dream
Dreamer
Right to Dream
Beto
Beto is Mexican-Californian: born in Mexico, yet raised in California. He is currently an undergraduate at UC Berkeley, where he's majoring in Sociology and minoring in Gender & Women's Studies. As an activist-scholar and an aspiring phD student, he seeks to ground his original academic work on his experiences and on-going engagement with social justice activism particularly pertaining to migrant rights and educational justice for undocumented students. He has advocated for undocumented students on the Berkeley campus through student groups, such as Rising Immigrant Scholars through Education, as well as through close collaborations with staff and faculty. He is currently developing his undergraduate research work which looks at how undocumented youth navigate intimate relationships of love, kinship, and companionship.
I Wanna be a Citizen
I Wanna be a Citizen
Nadia Brasil
Nadia transferred last fall from Contra Costa College, where she was continuously on the Dean’s List, to San Francisco State University. She is working on her Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology that will be the foundation for her Masters in Kinesiology. She is preparing to become a physical therapist for patients with disabilities such as cerebal palsy, low-back pain, arthritis and fractures. She wants to help people regain their mobility by restoring muscle function, relieve pain and prevent future physical disabilites to positively affect their qualify of life.
Nadia has a great sense of what her community needs. She has volunteered supporting children through WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) and teenagers through Young Life. At WIC, she was involved with the breast-feeding program by contacting mothers and making certain their breast-feeding pump worked. At Young Life, she works with youth who are in high school to give them the opportunity to see the love and support that a community can foster for itself. Together, the will to provide medical care that is comprehensive of the patients’ backgrounds has led Nadia to pursue a career in physical therapy.
Memories
Nadia has a great sense of what her community needs. She has volunteered supporting children through WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) and teenagers through Young Life. At WIC, she was involved with the breast-feeding program by contacting mothers and making certain their breast-feeding pump worked. At Young Life, she works with youth who are in high school to give them the opportunity to see the love and support that a community can foster for itself. Together, the will to provide medical care that is comprehensive of the patients’ backgrounds has led Nadia to pursue a career in physical therapy.
Memories
Liliana Campos
“I continuously hear people say ‘we are the citizens of tomorrow’ or ‘young people are the future,’ but young people are leaders of today. Dreamers are citizens of today.” -- Liliana
Liliana Campos is a graduate of California State University, Long Beach where she received a B.A in Psychology. She believes her leadership work began when she immigrated to the U.S. with her family at the age of seven and since then has been driven to strive in school, at home and in her community. Since 2009, Liliana has been a Health Educator and Program Coordinator at the Center for Youth in Redwood City, where she has led a Young Latina Women’s Health Group, develops and implements Health Education sessions for 10th-12th graders, co-facilitates a Peer Education Program, and coordinates an Alternative to Suspension Program. Liliana has worked closely with the Immigrant Youth Action Team (IYAT) in Redwood City to outreach and educate the community about struggles of hard-working immigrant youth by hosting annual fundraising events to support Sequoia High School's Dream Club members and help students voice their stories. She has mentored and worked with undocumented students enrolled in the Health Careers Academy at Sequoia High School. In 2011, she was a scholarship recipient of the first national internship program of the UCLA Labor Center and interned at Legal Aid Society of San Mateo, where she helped coordinate a new project called LIBRE (Linking Immigrants to Benefits, Resources, and Education). She is currently preparing to enroll in graduate school to pursue her master's degree in Clinical Psychology. Her biggest accomplishment thus far has been being able to inspire and mentor her three brothers, all of whom are enrolled in college.
Dear Immigration Officer
Walk of Life
Liliana Campos is a graduate of California State University, Long Beach where she received a B.A in Psychology. She believes her leadership work began when she immigrated to the U.S. with her family at the age of seven and since then has been driven to strive in school, at home and in her community. Since 2009, Liliana has been a Health Educator and Program Coordinator at the Center for Youth in Redwood City, where she has led a Young Latina Women’s Health Group, develops and implements Health Education sessions for 10th-12th graders, co-facilitates a Peer Education Program, and coordinates an Alternative to Suspension Program. Liliana has worked closely with the Immigrant Youth Action Team (IYAT) in Redwood City to outreach and educate the community about struggles of hard-working immigrant youth by hosting annual fundraising events to support Sequoia High School's Dream Club members and help students voice their stories. She has mentored and worked with undocumented students enrolled in the Health Careers Academy at Sequoia High School. In 2011, she was a scholarship recipient of the first national internship program of the UCLA Labor Center and interned at Legal Aid Society of San Mateo, where she helped coordinate a new project called LIBRE (Linking Immigrants to Benefits, Resources, and Education). She is currently preparing to enroll in graduate school to pursue her master's degree in Clinical Psychology. Her biggest accomplishment thus far has been being able to inspire and mentor her three brothers, all of whom are enrolled in college.
Dear Immigration Officer
Walk of Life
Ana Cancino
Inspired by Sara's quality of responsibility and vision, in 2012 Ana returned to UC Berkeley to complete her B.A. in Latin American Literature after dropping out in 2010, her Senior year. Upon graduation, Ana hopes to farm in Brazil through World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms and return to the U.S. to attend law school.
Ana is the curious type. Her passions are driven by intellectual puzzles and physical challenges. Since 2010, Ana volunteered at East Bay Sanctuary Covenant, where she provided assistance to refugees all over the world with asylum applications. Because Ana is excited about food politics and animals rights, she volunteers as gardener at Sunny Side Organic Seedling in Richmond. Ana is a cycling advocate and a member of East Bay Bicycle Coalition. In 2011, Ana biked 540 miles advocating for the California DREAM Act and raised $1,500 in scholarships for her childhood friend's Masters at San Francisco State University. Ana's socio-political consciousness has foundation in Capoeira Angola and practices the Afro-Brazilian martial art and political expression under the guidance of Treinel Daniel at International Capoeira Angola Foundation in Oakland.
My Name is Ana
Ana is the curious type. Her passions are driven by intellectual puzzles and physical challenges. Since 2010, Ana volunteered at East Bay Sanctuary Covenant, where she provided assistance to refugees all over the world with asylum applications. Because Ana is excited about food politics and animals rights, she volunteers as gardener at Sunny Side Organic Seedling in Richmond. Ana is a cycling advocate and a member of East Bay Bicycle Coalition. In 2011, Ana biked 540 miles advocating for the California DREAM Act and raised $1,500 in scholarships for her childhood friend's Masters at San Francisco State University. Ana's socio-political consciousness has foundation in Capoeira Angola and practices the Afro-Brazilian martial art and political expression under the guidance of Treinel Daniel at International Capoeira Angola Foundation in Oakland.
My Name is Ana
denisse
Denisse is finishing her last year at UC Berkeley where she is double majoring in Sociology and Integrative Biology. She has a 3.6 GPA and was recently placed on the Dean's Honor List. Robert Fischer, professor in the Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, rates Denisse among the top 5% of UC Berkeley undergraduates in the Biological Sciences. Denisse currently works in Professor Fischer's lab, where she researches epigenetic processes in the plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Because plants and humans share common epigenetic mechanisms, her research will have an impact on human health research. She is active in the Biology Scholars Program and is a mentor to high school students through UC Berkeley's Prepare to Achieve a College Education (P.A.C.E.). She intends to pursue a career in medicine and education.
Passage to a Strange Land
Phone Call From Brother
Passage to a Strange Land
Phone Call From Brother
Catherine Eusebio
In the summer after high school, Catherine had already accepted that she and her friends would grow apart, with college splitting them into opposite geographical directions. She intended to go the furthest south, where, five hundred miles away, the university of her dreams had accepted her for all her merits and “flaws”—undocumented and all. But her status anchored her to her hometown, where she resentfully enrolled in community college, the only affordable route into higher education.
In 2009, Catherine transferred to the University of California, Berkeley, where she no longer allows the fear or shame of her status to paralyze her from taking action. Accepting her status allowed her to become an activist intent on making changes to the immigration system, and now she is comfortable telling her story even to an audience of strangers. It was only recently, however, that she shared this secret with her oldest friends, after years of dodging questions and avoiding conversation topics. She learned that the revelation changed nothing about their friendship. Catherine considers herself to be in a place in her life where she can finally revel in complete acceptance from her peers and from herself.
Donut Holes
How to Tell Your Story in 6 Steps
Secrets
In 2009, Catherine transferred to the University of California, Berkeley, where she no longer allows the fear or shame of her status to paralyze her from taking action. Accepting her status allowed her to become an activist intent on making changes to the immigration system, and now she is comfortable telling her story even to an audience of strangers. It was only recently, however, that she shared this secret with her oldest friends, after years of dodging questions and avoiding conversation topics. She learned that the revelation changed nothing about their friendship. Catherine considers herself to be in a place in her life where she can finally revel in complete acceptance from her peers and from herself.
Donut Holes
How to Tell Your Story in 6 Steps
Secrets
Perla Flores
Perla Aurora Flores is a graduate student in the Masters of Public Health program at San Francisco State University as well as the Program Director of the Associated Students’ Women’s Center on campus. She is also an alumna from UC Berkeley and graduated in 2009 with an emphasis in Spanish Language and Bilingual Issues and Pre-Health. Perla was fortunate to have much support and guidance during her academic pursuits as an undocumented undergraduate, and in turn was able to focus on her studies and extracurricular activities. As a co-founder of Rising Immigrant Scholars through Education (RISE) at UC Berkeley in 2006, she was able to catalyze the urgent conversation that administrators, faculty and staff at UC Berkeley started in regards to the treatment and extreme lack of resources that undocumented students had during that time. Perla became very active there advocating for support, empowerment and visibility for undocumented students in the Bay Area by co-organizing the first, second and third annual “Reaching Our Dreams” Conferences and supporting the new RISE leadership by returning as a speaker and workshop leader in later years, emphasizing how far the undocumented student movement has come maintaining the focus on the present and future stability of undocumented students in academia. Perla is proud to dedicate her current culminating experience project, the capstone/thesis of her master’s degree, to the undocumented student organizing community by focusing on identifying and evaluating the kinds of support offered by various community and/or non-profit organizations aiding the current student immigration movement, specifically assisting undocumented youth and young adult organizers who have grown up in the United States. She believes that by writing about the undocumented student community and not forgetting where she comes from, it will empower many to get involved and do the same in their own communities.
The Great Fires
The Great Fires
Vianney A. Gavilanes
Vianney A. Gavilanes was born in Jalisco, Mexico and grew up
in San Leandro, CA. She graduated from UCSC in 2008 with a BA in Sociology with
departmental honors. These last four years since graduation have provided
Vianney enriching experiences that further confirm her commitment to better
serve youth from under-resourced communities. Vianney believes education is a
tool individuals and communities can use to create social change by engaging
critically with their own educational process while upholding the values of
diversity and social justice. Being a first-generation-college-student graduate
has allowed her to recognize the critical role social and political activism
plays within the education of under-served students, and is now invested in
aiding other youth become more socially and politically conscious.
E4FC’s Creative Writing Program has a strong significance for her due to the layering of meanings that her writings and the act of writing them engenders in her. These pieces are a testament of both Vianney’s physical journey to the U.S., and her emotional journey in the act of re-membering herself as she fleshes them out. These pieces are part of her self-healing process that began with her first writing workshop in the summer of 2011. This process is both personal and communal for her, and it has marked the beginning of writing as therapy, writing as re-membering, and writing to make her whole again.
Aniversario & Reasons
Chalupa
In Between Worlds
Las Estrellas Doradas
E4FC’s Creative Writing Program has a strong significance for her due to the layering of meanings that her writings and the act of writing them engenders in her. These pieces are a testament of both Vianney’s physical journey to the U.S., and her emotional journey in the act of re-membering herself as she fleshes them out. These pieces are part of her self-healing process that began with her first writing workshop in the summer of 2011. This process is both personal and communal for her, and it has marked the beginning of writing as therapy, writing as re-membering, and writing to make her whole again.
Aniversario & Reasons
Chalupa
In Between Worlds
Las Estrellas Doradas
Miriam Gonzalez
Miriam was born in Puebla, México and lives in New York. She emigrated at the age of five, not knowing where she was headed or why. She loved taking photographs at a young age and still does. She loves shooting abstract objects, but recently started giving a voice to social concerns. With Miriam’s photographs, she hopes to inspire and help individuals around the world.
American Flag
American Flag
Ingrid Hernández
Since emigrating from Guatemala ten years ago, Ingrid continues to strive toward her goal of attaining higher levels of education and a career in the nonprofit business sector, despite the limitations and emotional challenges of being an undocumented student. In 2011, after hard work and dedication, she received her BS in management science and engineering from Stanford University.
At Stanford, Ingrid took an active role in the Latino community through leadership positions in many student organizations. In the summer of 2011, she completed a six-week fellowship serving low-income youth. She also plans to devote her time to studying for the GMAT and searching for opportunities that will give her experience in the nonprofit business sector. In the future, Ingrid wishes to pursue an MBA and fulfill her lifelong goal of becoming an entrepreneur and starting a socially responsible technology business.
Letter to Myself Before Leaving
Things I'll Never Say
At Stanford, Ingrid took an active role in the Latino community through leadership positions in many student organizations. In the summer of 2011, she completed a six-week fellowship serving low-income youth. She also plans to devote her time to studying for the GMAT and searching for opportunities that will give her experience in the nonprofit business sector. In the future, Ingrid wishes to pursue an MBA and fulfill her lifelong goal of becoming an entrepreneur and starting a socially responsible technology business.
Letter to Myself Before Leaving
Things I'll Never Say
Jonathan Hernández
Jonathan is a sophomore at De Anza College in Cupertino, California. In 2011, he graduated from Willow Glen High School in San Jose. He came to this country at the age of four and has lived here since. He grew up in Illinois, in a small town called Summit Argo, and later moved to Plainfield. At the age of 14, he moved to San Jose, CA because his dad lost his job due to an injury. Jonathan sees the move as a blessing; he began to run cross country and track and field during his junior year of high school, and continues to do so at De Anza. Besides his new-found love for running, he has always loved drawing and has always found himself soaring in the classroom. Jonathan has three siblings and lives with both of his parents. Thanks to his family, he is studying Biology and plans to transfer in the fall of 2013. Jonathan longs for the day when he will no longer have to lie about his identity.
Silence
Silence
Ju Hong
Ju Hong came from South Korea to the United States when he was 11 years old. Ju attended Laney College in Oakland, where he was elected as the first Asian American undocumented student body president. He graduated from Laney College with a 3.8 GPA and transferred to University of California, Berkeley.
Last summer, Ju conducted an act of civil disobedience along with other undocumented students to empower young undocumented immigrant youth and to protest the inhumane treatment of immigrants. This marks the first time undocumented youth participated in nonviolent civil disobedience in California.
Recently, he graduated from UC Berkeley where he studied Political Science and served as a student government Senator. Ultimately, he hopes to go to law school and become an immigration attorney to protect and serve immigrant communities at large.
I Wanna be a Citizen
Last summer, Ju conducted an act of civil disobedience along with other undocumented students to empower young undocumented immigrant youth and to protest the inhumane treatment of immigrants. This marks the first time undocumented youth participated in nonviolent civil disobedience in California.
Recently, he graduated from UC Berkeley where he studied Political Science and served as a student government Senator. Ultimately, he hopes to go to law school and become an immigration attorney to protect and serve immigrant communities at large.
I Wanna be a Citizen
Jessica Hyejin Lee
Jessica is an undocumented community organizer with DreamActivist Pennsylvania. She publicly came out as undocumented in March 2012 as part of a civil disobedience to demand the release of an undocumented El Salvadorian detainee. She co-founded SUDDEN Movement (Students for Undocumented Dreams & Decision Equity Now!) to change admissions & public safety policies on college campuses such as Bryn Mawr, Haverford, and Swarthmore Colleges and American University. Partnering with NAPAWF, she is also working on an all Asian American [un]documentary. She moved from Korea to Los Angeles at the age of 12 and is now a senior at Bryn Mawr College.
The Awakening
The Awakening
Eduardo Juárez Jr
Eduardo was born in Mexico City in 1983. He is a self-publishing comic book artist and traditional animator. Eduardo currently attends San Jose State University.
Path to Citizenship
The Adventures of Nayeli & Maria
Path to Citizenship
The Adventures of Nayeli & Maria
Angel Ku
Angel is a student at San Francisco State University majoring in Cell and Molecular Biology. As President of his university's chapter of Improving Dreams, Equity, Access and Success (IDEAS), a student-run group providing resources and support for AB540 students, Angel organized SFSU’s first annual AB540 conference. He has also served his community as a mentor for younger students through Next Generation Scholars. Ultimately, he aspires to obtain a PhD in Public Health and Science. He is well on his way to achieving this dream. In 2009, Angel became the youngest student at his school to be awarded the highly competitive Research Infrastructure in Minority Institutions (RIMI) fellowship, which has enabled him to begin research on increasing minority participation in clinical trials.
America
America
Jirayut Latthi
Jirayut Latthi emigrated from Thailand to the United States' Bay Area when he was nine years old. Aspiring to become a medical doctor, Jirayut is a recent graduate from the University of California-Berkeley, with a bachelor’s degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology. Throughout college, he funded his education with part-time jobs and private scholarships while staying involved in groups such as the Thai Student Association, Mentoring in Medicine & Science, ASPIRE at Asian Law Caucus, and Educators for Fair Consideration as a New American Scholar. He also hopes to pursue a Master's degree in Public Health and seeks to remedy the barriers that low-income and immigrant families of America face in accessing healthcare. His hobbies include singing, cooking, and continuing to channel his thoughts through his writing; with particular interest in the psychological effects of the undocumented status and identity on an individual. He believes that sharing his story as Asian and Undocumented will encourage others to step out of the shadows within their communities.
Name
Things I Don't Want
Name
Things I Don't Want
Grace Lee
Grace graduated with a BS in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from UC Berkeley in May 2012. During her time at Berkeley she developed her skills in Computer Graphics by working with the Advanced Digital Animation group to produce a short animation called "Fruitful." Outside of UC Berkeley, Grace has interned with the Interaction Lab at the University of Southern California, where she contributed to research efforts to simulate human-robot interaction in 3D visualization environments, and most recently at Pixar Animation Studios. The countless hours in labs as an undergraduate researcher and with her groups and professors are leading Grace to a career in research and development for films. With her skills, she aims to "tell stories that inspire and make people happy."
Animation for "Secrets"
Thanksgiving
Animation for "Secrets"
Thanksgiving
Steve Li
Steve Li was born in Lima, Peru and came to the United States when he was ten years old. In 2010 Steve Li was put into deportation proceedings and spent over two months in a detention center in Arizona awaiting deportation. Fortunately, he was able to come back home to San Francisco with the support from the community and the Asian Law Caucus, which led to Senator Dianne Feinstein introducing a private bill to delay Steve's deportation to Peru. Today he is a student at the University of California Davis and he is involved in the community as an advocate for the DREAM Act and immigrant rights. His career aspiration is to go into the field of medicine and open a free clinic in the Bay Area to serve uninsured/under insured immigrant communities.
Traffic Lights
Traffic Lights
Mario Lio
Mario is Chinese-Peruvian and immigrated to the U.S. from Peru when he was 12 years old. After only one year at Robertson Middle School, he ranked seventh place in his eighth grade class. He then went on to Oceana High School, where he was valedictorian of his graduating class. Mario obtained his bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from UC Berkeley and is currently a Construction Management graduate student at Cal State East Bay. Mario was one of E4FC's 2007 and 2009 Scholars, and currently serves as the E4FC Student Support Coordinator.
Dreams
Story About my Parents
That Morning
Dreams
Story About my Parents
That Morning
Roldan "R.J." Lozada
Roldan "R.J." Lozada is a multimedia storyteller exploring marginalized communities, diaspora, and popular culture, engaging in dialogues of space, identity, and memory. Lozada is currently a contributor and host for the weekly radio magazine APEX Express, addressing politics and culture in the Asian and Pacific Islander communities. Lozada is also the Director of Photography for Breathin': The Eddy Zheng Story, and has produced numerous segments for Cinema Asian America on the Comcast network.
Video for "Secrets"
Video for "Things I Don't Want"
Video for "Secrets"
Video for "Things I Don't Want"
Estefany Mendez
"I know that every trial I have gone through in life and will go through is to help me grow and become who my Heavenly Father wants me to become. Life is hard, bad things happen to good people, but I will never give up. I am willing to sacrifice anything to fight for my rights and pursue my dreams in this country." - Estefany Mendez.
Estefany Mendez was born in Mexico City. Her father, a journalist and founder of the PRD (The Party of the Democratic Revolution), was assaulted and nearly killed for publishing illegal practices amongst a certain political party. This assault was denounced in the Mexican Chamber of Congress, and aired throughout national media outlets. Despite all who were informed about the incident, no justice was done. The suspects were let free and still hold prestigious political positions in the government. Her mother, who worked as a school teacher for over 30 years, with her husbands experience and continual social injustices, decided to bring her daughters to the United States in hope of a brighter future and a safer world. Estefany graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor's in journalism and a minor in French literature. Estefany has earned national recognition for production and reporting work, and started the first Spanish newscast at a university level. She has not been able to take job opportunities because of her legal situation. Estefany aspires to become a successful newscast producer and get a master's degree in journalism. She hopes to one day visit her country and do an investigate story on her father's assault, seeking justice in hope of helping other journalists who are attacked and killed with no laws to protect them.
Mi Nueva Vida
Estefany Mendez was born in Mexico City. Her father, a journalist and founder of the PRD (The Party of the Democratic Revolution), was assaulted and nearly killed for publishing illegal practices amongst a certain political party. This assault was denounced in the Mexican Chamber of Congress, and aired throughout national media outlets. Despite all who were informed about the incident, no justice was done. The suspects were let free and still hold prestigious political positions in the government. Her mother, who worked as a school teacher for over 30 years, with her husbands experience and continual social injustices, decided to bring her daughters to the United States in hope of a brighter future and a safer world. Estefany graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor's in journalism and a minor in French literature. Estefany has earned national recognition for production and reporting work, and started the first Spanish newscast at a university level. She has not been able to take job opportunities because of her legal situation. Estefany aspires to become a successful newscast producer and get a master's degree in journalism. She hopes to one day visit her country and do an investigate story on her father's assault, seeking justice in hope of helping other journalists who are attacked and killed with no laws to protect them.
Mi Nueva Vida
Yoshi Mendez
At 15 years old, Yoshi left her rural community in Mexico and began a new life in California. After high school she attended Skyline Community College where she was an E4FC Immigrant Student Ambassador, gaining the knowledge and confidence she needed to resurrect P.O.D.E.R. (emPower Ourselves to Demand Educational Rights), the campus immigrant student support group. She then transferred to UC Berkeley as a Sociology major. She is now a leader of Berkeley Organizing Congregations for Action (BOCA), a liaison to Mujeres Activas en Letras y Cambio Social (MALSC, Women Active in Letters and Social Change), and an ambassador of the Chicana Latina Foundation Broadband Project. This summer Yoshi was selected as a Marco Firebaugh Scholar (named in honor of the late CA Assembly member who authored AB 540), where she collected field research for the first time. Ultimately, Yoshi wants to obtain a PhD in Counselor Education so she can motivate other students to pursue higher education.
Journey
Journey
Emmanuel Mendoza
Emmanuel is an engineer and an artist--in no particular order. He was born in Mexico and has resided in the United States since he turned eleven years old. He completed a B.S. in Civil Engineering and a Minor in Studio Art in 2010. Emmanuel is currently in pursue of a M.S. in Structural Engineering and continues to develop his passion for photography, along with other forms of expression such as: drawing, painting, and ceramics.
A Conversation with America
Students Fast for Immigration Reform
Website Launch Celebration
A Conversation with America
Students Fast for Immigration Reform
Website Launch Celebration
Fermín Mendoza
Fermín remembers November, 4, 2008—Obama had just been elected, but Proposition 8, the California ballot initiative to eliminate the right to marry for same-sex couples, passed the same day. On November 4, 2008, he felt sad, angry, and confused; his work on the “No on Proposition 8” campaign on campus seemed for naught. When he asked his college dorm mates to vote “No on 8,” and they asked if he would vote, he had to admit he was not a citizen. Fermín could not hide his undocumented status much longer, and thanks to the growing activist within, he would eventually share his story in the student paper.
On June 12, 2011, Fermín graduated from Stanford University with a BA in public policy. In college, the greatest thing he learned did not come from a book or a lecture; it was to love himself for who he is. He plans to continue gay and immigrant rights activism beyond college.
First Car Ride in America and Geography Class
On June 12, 2011, Fermín graduated from Stanford University with a BA in public policy. In college, the greatest thing he learned did not come from a book or a lecture; it was to love himself for who he is. He plans to continue gay and immigrant rights activism beyond college.
First Car Ride in America and Geography Class
Gabriela Monico
Gabriela was born and raised in El Salvador. She immigrated to the United States in 2005. She is currently an undergraduate at UC Berkeley and is majoring in Ethnic Studies. Her goal is to pursue graduate studies in American studies and law school. Gabriela has been active in her community during her time at Berkeley by doing work with organizations such Rising Immigrant Students through Education and E4FC's Legal Case Analysis Team. She is currently doing research about youth ineligible for the DREAM Act and the unintended consequences of legislation on individuals.
Living the Trailer Lifestyle
My Nights at Eshleman
Living the Trailer Lifestyle
My Nights at Eshleman
Jose MOra
Jose immigrated to the United States with this family at the age of six from Acapulco, Mexico. Throughout all his life he has lived in San Francisco, California attending Elementary school through High School. He currently transferred from City College of San Francisco (CCSF) with two Associate Degrees and working on this undergraduate studies at San Francisco State University with a Business Administration major and an emphasis in Management. During his time at CCSF, he was a founding member of Students Advocating for Equity (SAFE) the first AB540 club at his school. What started off as five core members slowly grew to thirty. He is especially proud to have helped endorse the first resource center at school meant specifically to aid undocumented students. Jose spends most of his time at school, work, and volunteer opportunities. Last year he was a part of Student Outreach Team for E4FC, facilitating presentations to high schools, colleges, parents, and educators, on how undocumented students can succeed in school. Currently he is a part of Improving Dreams, Equity, Access, and Success (IDEAS) another AB540 club founded at SFSU. Jose's main motivation to continue with his studies is his younger sister. She is also undocumented and he wants to pave the way for her. He knows that if he does not give up, she will not give up either. His main educational goals are to attend a Master's program. Jose would like to be a positive role model for students who have no one to look up to, he is always willing to listen and help out.
Untitled
Untitled
Nadia
Nadia was born in Mexico D.F., Mexico and came to the United States with her family when she was two years old. After graduating with honors from high school, she attended the University of California, Berkeley. During her college years, she was part of the Biology Scholars Program (BSP) and volunteered at the East Bay Sanctuary Covenant (EBSC) as well as the Washington Hospital. With the unwavering support of her parents and her two siblings, she graduated from UC Berkeley with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Ethnic Studies and Integrative Biology in 2009. Nadia also received an Associate of Arts degree in French at Chabot College in 2012. Nadia was also part of the 2011-2012 Student Outreach Team for E4FC. She is currently a graduate student pursuing a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree. She hopes to research health disparities within underrepresented groups and work towards eliminating the disparities. Her ultimate goal is to promote health and social justice.
A Knock on the Door
Still I Rise
A Knock on the Door
Still I Rise
Julio Navarrete
Born in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, México, Julio and his family migrated to the United States in 1992 in search of a better life. Julio is currently a grad student at The National Hispanic University, where he is pursuing a Master of Arts in Education. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Radio, Television, Film, and Theater from San Jose State University. Julio has a strong passion for participating in community service and human rights organizations. At SJSU, he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Lambda leadership and service organization, the Alpha Phi Omega community service fraternity, and the American GI Forum. After graduation, Julio worked at Downtown College Preparatory Charter High School, where he taught, motivated and mentored Latino students from low-income, immigrant families for three and a half years. Apart from his academic and professional endeavors, Julio enjoys writing, reading, exercising, and spending time with his loved ones.
Driving While Undocumented
Teaching While Undocumented
The Golden Door
Toads
Driving While Undocumented
Teaching While Undocumented
The Golden Door
Toads
Praise Odigie
Praise Odigie is a poet, singer, writer and filmmaker. She was born and raised in Nigeria, and came to the United States at the age of 10. She is currently a student at Adelphi University, where she is studying film and political science. She strongly believes in the power of words, especially through media. Her dream is to use the film industry to bring about social justice in her country, as well as the United States.
How an Undocumented Immigrant Looks at America
How an Undocumented Immigrant Looks at America
Jose Ortiz
Jose Ortiz is originally from Tijuana Baja California, Mexico. He came to the United States at the age of 8 and settled in California. Currently, he is an undergraduate student at UCLA majoring in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. For the past three years, he has been an active member of Improving Dreams, Equality, Access and Success (IDEAS) at UCLA, during which he has lobbied legislators in Sacramento and Washington D.C. for the passage of the Federal DREAM Act. "I used to live in the shadows, until my IDEAS family and other undocumented students politicized me and guided me in the process of sharing my story," says Jose. Despite his active leadership roles in advocating for the undocumented immigrant community, he also has an interest in contributing his skills and abilities to Medicine. During the summer of 2012, he conducted clinical cancer research at the City of Hope National Medical Center. He is a freelance artist and believes artwork serves as a medium to relax and heal. After graduating, he plans to apply to graduate school and become a research Oncologist.
Revelation of an Undocumented Immigrant
Revelation of an Undocumented Immigrant
Irving pineda
Irving was born in Zihuatanejo, Mexico and came to the United States when he was six years old. Driven by a desire to emulate his parent’s commitment to education, Irving graduated from Eastside College Preparatory School in 2006, attended Santa Clara University for his first two years of college, and then graduated from the University of California, Merced in 2010 with a BA in Political Science. At UC Merced, he was elected and served as Campus Organization Director for UCM’s External Office under the Student Government. In this position he oversaw campaigns for DREAM Act, Cal Grants, Pell Grants, and lobby efforts to raise money for higher education. He also helped organize student conferences, rallies, protests, and sit-ins, and facilitated numerous workshops at different conferences and college campuses. Irving was also nominated Vice Chair of the Campus Action Committee for the executive board of UCSA, a student advocacy organization that spans across all UC campuses.
Letter to a Child / Passage
Ode to the Disillusioned Activist
Segundos
Letter to a Child / Passage
Ode to the Disillusioned Activist
Segundos
Yosimar Reyes
From the Mountains of Guerrero, Mexico comes nationally acclaimed poet, Yosimar Reyes. Based out of San Jose, CA his style has been described as ""a brave and vulnerable voice that shines light on the issues affecting Queer Immigrant Youth and the many disenfranchised communities in the U.S and throughout the world.""
Yosimar’s distinct style has managed to get him to perform and give lectures on stages and classrooms all over the United States (always representing East Side San Jose and his beautiful Mexico).
He holds the title for the 2005 as well as the 2006 South Bay teen Grand SLAM Champion, has been featured in the Documentary 2nd Verse: the Rebirth of Poetry. (2ndversefilm.com) And published in Mariposas: A Modern Anthology of Queer Latino Poetry (Floricanto Press) His words have open up concerts for Carlos Santana in his latest endeavor Architects of a New Dawn (Aoand.com)
At the age of 19 Yosimar self-published his chapbook, For Colored Boys Who speaks softly… and his currently working on his second publication.
When he is not rocking the stage with his Diva attitude you catch Yosimar waiting for the bus and sharing PALABRA with his Abuelita always breaking it down hood and speaking from a community spirit.
Mi Viejito
Yosimar’s distinct style has managed to get him to perform and give lectures on stages and classrooms all over the United States (always representing East Side San Jose and his beautiful Mexico).
He holds the title for the 2005 as well as the 2006 South Bay teen Grand SLAM Champion, has been featured in the Documentary 2nd Verse: the Rebirth of Poetry. (2ndversefilm.com) And published in Mariposas: A Modern Anthology of Queer Latino Poetry (Floricanto Press) His words have open up concerts for Carlos Santana in his latest endeavor Architects of a New Dawn (Aoand.com)
At the age of 19 Yosimar self-published his chapbook, For Colored Boys Who speaks softly… and his currently working on his second publication.
When he is not rocking the stage with his Diva attitude you catch Yosimar waiting for the bus and sharing PALABRA with his Abuelita always breaking it down hood and speaking from a community spirit.
Mi Viejito
Rocio
Rocio is currently a Mechanical Engineering major at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. She immigrated to the United States at the age of six and is now about to finish her B.S. and go on to graduate school. She makes constant appearances on the Dean’s List and is currently on track to graduate with honors. Her involvement in Student government fuels her passion for higher education and inspires her to keep moving forward towards her PhD.
The Blonde
The Blonde
Edanet Rodriguez
Edanet came from Mexico where her family worked as farmers. Her father was the first to make the trek north and the rest of her family soon reunited with him. At the age of seven, Edanet became integrated in the Bay Area from which she now departs to begin her first year at the University of California, Los Angeles. This 4.03 high school graduate was involved with Student Support Foundation, played on both the school’s soccer and volley ball teams, and served on the Associated Student Body. She also sang at her community's church's choir and coached U12 girls in soccer. She enjoys tutoring and working with children. With her passion for science and children. She hopes to begin a Pre-med route and eventually become a pediatric surgeon.
Direction Matters?
Direction Matters?
Andrea Torres
Andrea is one of E4FC’s 2009 Ambassadors. She immigrated to the United States from Mexico when she was 15 years old. She is currently studying health education at San Francisco State University and hopes to pursue a career in medicine.
In Mexico I Left
La Marea & Suicidio
In Mexico I Left
La Marea & Suicidio
Santiago uceda
Santiago is a peruvian-born illustrator/designer now living in a small college town in the Pacific Northwest where he spends his days creating motion graphics and websites for Oregon State University. His work has appeared in the American Illustration Annual, you can see more of his work at santiagouceda.com.
Cesar Vega
César Miguel Vega-Magallón was born in Huentitán, a small town on the periphery of Guadalajara, Jalisco, México. He crossed into the United States at the age of four and has lived in Southern California with his family ever since. In 2010 he received an associate degree from Antelope Valley College and he has been accepted to both UCLA and USC to study art history. César Miguel is currently not pursuing an education due to financial issues brought about by his immigration status. His goal is to finish his undergraduate studies and start the long path towards a doctorate degree. He hopes an advanced education will give him the tools with which to faithfully document the art of other marginalized peoples.
We, Saracens
We, Saracens
Eleazar Velazquez
Eleazar is a student at the University of Oklahoma, majoring in Architecture. His family is Originally from Jalisco, México. He was born in Ciudad Guzmán, Jalisco, and emigrated to the United States with his family on his birthday, December 14, 1993. He is currently the DREAM ACT OKLAHOMA Co-affiliate Lead for Norman Oklahoma where he continues to fight for equality and justice for all DREAMers.
Identity
Identity
