Through Aliento’s fellowship, I felt a sense of belonging and support. I was given the opportunity to grow as a leader with the tools and guidance provided by Aliento, which enabled me to advocate for and expand awareness about the immigrant community.

Emily Salgado, a senior at Bioscience High School, reflects on the powerful realization that young people like her are the future of this country.

Fatima Lopez Gutierrez is a first-generation student currently studying Family & Human Development & Transborder Chicana/o and Latina/o Studies at Arizona State University.

Hector is finishing his BA in Digital Film. His journey in advocacy and storytelling is far from over and he hopes to keep using his skills in film and photography to uplift communities and amplify unheard voices.

Reese Estrada is currently attending Phoenix College and is studying vocal performance.

Emily Sotelo Estrada recently completed her junior year at Arizona State University, where she is double majoring in Economics and Justice Studies, with a minor in Classics.

Naioby recently graduated from ASU Preparatory. This fall, she’s headed to Grand Canyon University to pursue engineering.

Joaquin recently graduated from Camelback High School. During his time there, he played baseball and served as Student Body Secretary and Treasurer as part of the Student Government.

‭For many, teenagehood is a time of uncertainty, self-discovery, and restless dreams—but that‬‭ instability is expected, even celebrated. For me, it mirrored a deeper, more unsettling reality.‬

Oselem recently graduated from Arizona State University with a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences.

Giselle is a recent graduate of Mesa High School, where she was an active member of the Aliento @ Mesa club, as well as Link Crew, DECA, FBLA, and STEP.

My name is José Luis Avila III, and I recently graudated from Brophy College Preparatory. My passion for advocacy is deeply rooted in empathy for those around me and my family’s history of Latino activism in Arizona, stretching back to the Chicano Movement of the 1960s.

Hi, my name is Renata Herrera Marquez. I am a proud daughter of Mexican immigrants and am roughly one minute younger than my twin sister/best friend, Regina Herrera Marquez.

My name is Fatima Villalpa, and I’m a senior at NFL Yet College Prep. I’m passionate about learning, growth, and giving back to my community.

Victor Mendez is a rising senior at Brophy College Preparatory, where he continues to grow as a student leader.

Karen Velazquez Muñoz (she/her/ella) graduated from Grand Canyon University in December of 2024.

Aliento se compromete a mantener a los estudiantes y las familias actualizados sobre lo último en educación e inmigración.

Aliento is committed to keeping students and families updated on the latest in education and immigration.

I know my dad’s debit card number by memory.

While I wish it was because he used to let me use to buy things I wanted, it’s because I have been in charge of making payments on his behalf since I could talk.