How do I support the community?

As the Undocumented Student Resource Center Interim Director, I am here to create environments where all UCD students can thrive regardless of immigration. Thus, I support our community by: 

• Advocating for the UCD undocumented student community needs at the divisional, campus and system wide levels
• Cultivate Strategic Partnerships with UCD Departments and Student Leaders such as UCIMM, SHCS, Financial Aid, ICC and SPEAK
• Overseeing USRC Budget, Community Advocate Inclusive Internship Program, and initiatives that are in alignment with our mission statement
• Guiding Community Advocates towards developing and implementing USRC Programming in a way that centers healing, empowerment and critical hope for the undocumented and immigrant student communities at UCD
• Providing expert navigational capital and advocacy strategies for scholars to practice the power of their voice in a variety of settings 

Campus Partners can reach out to me about:

• Human centered environments where everyone can thrive regardless of immigration status
• Experiential Learning Opportunities for Undocumented Students at UCD
• Explore Partnerships, Collaborations and Sponsorships with the USRC
• Colleague Consultations regarding undocumented student support at UCD 
• Coaching and supervision models that prioritize health, our overall wellbeing, mindfulness practices and regulated nervous systems
• USRC Programming Dates and topics 

About Me

After immigrating from Guadalajara, Mexico, and attending UC Davis as a formerly undocumented undergraduate student, I was inspired to build a career in higher education where my full, and most authentic self was required to co-create safe and welcoming environments for undocumented students like me at UCD. To this work, I bring meaningful experiences as a higher ed practitioner in both academic and student affairs settings infusing student development theory, social justice, and advocacy frameworks into my leadership practice. I regularly ground myself and my work with and for undocumented and historically excluded scholars at UCD in experiences of love and abundance provided by parents and ancestors as part of our migration journey. As I grow in wisdom and experience in this role, it is my sincere hope that by nurturing myself and healing in the community, I give undocumented students permission to do the same as they grow into their chosen selves at UCD.

Fun Facts

• 3 song recommendations? Rumor has it by Adele, Golden and Soda Pop from Kpop Demon Hunters, Summer by Calvin Harris.
• Favorite places to eat in Davis? My Burma, Sophia's Thai Kitchen, The Dumpling House... the list is endless...
• What is something you look forward to this academic year? Writing our annual report to the UC Office of the President (UCOP) which allows me to pause and reflect on individual and collective wins and challenges we navigated as a team and community the past year, to integrate the lessons and continue to provide our services with care.