Aliento Features: Lesli Luna Lemuz
I remember what it felt like to stay quiet, even when I had something to say.
Growing up in a mixed-status family, I often wanted to speak up but was afraid. I didn’t fully understand everything at the time, but I knew fear and uncertainty were part of my reality. For a long time, I stayed in the background and kept my thoughts to myself, but now things have changed.
My name is Lesli Luna, and I am a junior at Arizona State University, majoring in psychology with a minor in educational studies. I’m someone who loves creativity, growth, and self-expression, whether through my goals, my interests, or even changing my hair color. You’ll rarely see me with the same hair color. But beyond that, what truly shaped me was learning to use my voice. My mom inspired me to speak up, and now I use my voice not just for myself, but for others who feel unheard.
I first heard about Aliento in 2023 when I was a high school senior, unsure about my future. College, money, and uncertainty felt overwhelming, and I often felt lost. What I needed most was community, and when I discovered Aliento, something about it called to me. Learning about their work, their events, and their impact, I realized this was a place where I could belong and grow.
Policies like Prop 308, in-state tuition for Dreamers, have deeply impacted me. Without Prop 308, I wouldn't have been able to attend Arizona State University, and discovering Aliento’s role in that work showed me the real power of advocacy. When I learned about HCR 2027, a legislative referral attempt to repeal in-state tuition for Dreamers, I immediately thought of students in the same place I once was: unsure, unsupported, and overlooked. Seeing myself in them reminded me why this work matters.
My proudest moment in the fellowship was serving as a facilitator and storyteller during Education Day. Sharing my story with representatives and senators was terrifying at first. I had always been shy, worried about judgment, and hesitant to be seen. But in that moment, I realized that my voice mattered more than my fear. Leadership isn’t about being fearless; it’s about showing up and supporting others through the fear, knowing that together we can make a difference.
Looking ahead, I want to continue seeking spaces like Aliento, connecting my passion for psychology with community work, advocacy, and support. My advice to future fellows is simple. It’s okay to feel afraid, but don’t let that fear stop you. Your story matters, and it has the power to create change.
One quote that inspires me is from The Lego Movie: “You are the most talented, most interesting, and most extraordinary person in the universe. And you are capable of amazing things because you are the special, and so am I, and so is everyone.” Don’t be afraid. Share your story, make a change, and believe in yourself!
