Evania Losure, a senior at Mountain View High School, shares how her family's immigrant journey inspired her to lead with purpose. Through Aliento, she found a community where she could embrace her identity, amplify underrepresented voices, and grow as a leader.

Isabella Granados, a graduate of Highland Prep West, reflects on a year of growth, leadership, and self-discovery. As she navigated the challenges of her senior year, she learned to embrace imperfection, trust her voice, and focus on making a meaningful difference in her community.

Edie reflects on his experience as a first-generation American and the proud son of Salvadoran and Mexican immigrants. As a junior at Brophy College Preparatory, he shares how growing up in predominantly Hispanic communities shaped his sense of identity, belonging, and connection to his cultural roots.

Mirna Macedo shares her journey as a Dreamer, student leader, and Aliento Fellow. As a junior at Arizona State University pursuing degrees in Political Science and Business Data Analytics with a minor in Justice Studies, Mirna reflects on the experiences that shaped her identity, strengthened her resilience, and inspired her commitment to creating positive change in her community.

Raised in Avondale, Arizona, Ignacio navigated learning a new language, adapting to a new culture, and growing up as a Dreamer. Inspired by his parents’ sacrifices and resilience, he found purpose in advocating for his community and creating opportunities for others.

Lesli Luna is a junior at Arizona State University studying psychology. Inspired by her mom to speak up, she now uses her voice to advocate for herself and others who feel unheard.

Nikolas Gonzalez is a freshman at Arizona State University studying Construction Management and Technology. Coming from a family of immigrants, he learned the value of hard work and compassion early on—experiences that shaped his commitment to civic engagement through Aliento’s fellowship.

Arianna Gortarez is a proud first-generation Mexican-American and a senior at Mountain Pointe High School. Arianna carries the resilience and strength of her grandparents and mother, who immigrated to the United States in pursuit of a better future — a journey that continues to shape her identity and aspirations.

Citlali Fontes, a senior at Mesa High School, shares how being from a mixed-status family shapes her leadership as a student-athlete, Aliento Club president, and first-generation college-bound student.

Graciela Amavisca, a sophomore at Estrella Mountain Community College, shares how her family’s experiences and community stories inspired her to get educated and take action to create change in Arizona.

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.