Aliento Features: Karen Velazquez Muñoz
Karen Velazquez Muñoz (she/her/ella) graduated from Grand Canyon University in December of 2024. As a Dreamer, Karen draws from her unique lived experiences and her passion for advocacy, with a deep commitment to advocate for the rights of the immigrant community. As she continues her journey, she is determined to use her voice to make a lasting impact in the legal field and beyond.
Karen Reflects on Her Journey Through the Fellowship
I first discovered Aliento through the Canyon Dreamers club at GCU in 2021, during my very first semester of college. It didn’t take long before I connected with Aliento’s mission and the incredible network of support they offer. I attended club meetings, participated in various Aliento events, and began to grow in ways I never expected. The chance to develop my public speaking skills, build my interpersonal relationships, and learn about professionalism was something I truly needed, and Aliento provided me with that platform.
Early on, I immersed myself in everything Aliento had to offer, attending art galleries, summer leadership retreats, and the transformative E-day and mini E-day events. Through these experiences, I discovered the profound power of storytelling, which eventually led me to advocate for Dreamers directly with legislators during Aliento’s annual Education Day. In 2022, I had the honor of sharing my story with Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, advocating for Arizona’s Dreamer community. This experience not only deepened my connection to my community but also opened doors for me to share my story with various news outlets and speak as a panelist for other organizations. Additionally, I received valuable training in canvassing and phone banking—tools that strengthened my communication skills and helped me grow as a leader.
As an undocumented Dreamer, I’ve faced countless barriers to accessing higher education. However, rather than letting those challenges define me, I’ve used them as a means to gain skills and knowledge that have empowered me. My hope is to help students—regardless of their immigration status—access the education they seek and deserve. Education, for me, has been invaluable and transformative, and I want others to have the same opportunities to shape their futures.
Being an Aliento fellow has allowed me to actively work toward this goal. During my fellowship, I had the privilege of sharing my story at the Dreamers & Democracy Exhibit at the Arizona Latino Arts & Cultural Center (ALAC). The experience was empowering, and the support I received from those around me reminded me of the incredible strength in our stories and the critical importance of advocacy.
In the fall of 2024, I participated in the Aliento Votes campaign, where I engaged in phone banking and canvassing efforts to inform voters about Proposition 314 and its impact on Arizona’s immigrant community. This work deepened my commitment to advocacy and allowed me to further my skills while advancing the causes I care about most. As I look toward a future in law, my time as an Aliento fellow has been instrumental in shaping the kind of leader I aspire to be.
One of the most significant parts of my journey has been the growth I’ve experienced through advocacy and storytelling. These efforts have not only allowed me to connect with individuals who may not share my experiences, but they’ve also helped me develop the confidence to lead others.
In October 2024, I hosted "Baile de Acción," an event designed to encourage students to engage in their civic duties. It provided a fun and inviting space where we shared resources on voting. Then, in December 2024, I graduated from GCU with my bachelor’s degree. This milestone was especially meaningful as I was able to share my story with GCU News and speak at TheDream.US graduation ceremony, reflecting on everything I had accomplished during my time in undergrad.
For my final event as an Aliento fellow, I organized a "Know Your Rights" event titled “Strength Through Knowledge.” This gathering focused on providing students with the latest updates on immigration and educating them about their constitutional rights. These moments were not just about event planning but about fostering connection, support, and empowerment for my community. Hosting these events has solidified my commitment to pursuing a legal career, continuing to advocate for the rights of my community, and making a lasting impact on the lives of others.
Whether you’re a Dreamer or an ally, there is a community of individuals with strength, resilience, and commitment at Aliento. This fellowship allows you to advocate for the rights of those who are underrepresented and support efforts that create pathways to support the immigrant community in Arizona. You can make a difference, your story has power, and your commitment is needed. Whether you start by attending an event, sharing your story, or helping to raise awareness, your voice matters.
As I continue on my journey, my commitment to advocating for justice, equity, and access to education remains stronger than ever. The support and opportunities provided by Aliento have equipped me with the skills, knowledge, and confidence necessary to effect meaningful change. It is my sincere hope that my story serves as an inspiration to others, encouraging them to take action and join the movement for a more just and equitable future. Together, we have the power to create lasting change for all.
