Aliento Fellow Students
Arizona’s Future Fellowship is a transformative leadership development program for immigrant youth. Coming from schools across the valley, fellows work within their schools to practice self-advocacy skills and implement the organizing principles they learn during their monthly cohort trainings. Fellows work towards making their schools and their communities more equitable and inclusive by leading within ALIENTO's campaigns. Our fellows are provided with weekly 1:1 coaching with ALIENTO's experienced team!
‘24-’25 Arizona’s Future Fellowship
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Karen Velazquez Munoz
Grand Canyon University
“As a first-generation student, I have firsthand experience navigating the challenges of the immigration system and the limitations it imposes on education and career opportunities. I am eager to share my experiences with my peer fellows and to support them in overcoming their own challenges. I believe that by sharing my story, I can inspire others and foster a sense of community.“
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Victor Mendez
Brophy College Preparatory
“As a first-generation American, I have witnessed firsthand the resilience and determination of my immigrant family. My unique perspective, shaped by my family's experiences, allows me to connect with others on a deeper level. I am passionate about sharing my story and advocating for immigrant rights.“
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Fatima Villalpa
NFL Yet College Prep
“I have developed strong communication, presentation, and collaboration skills through my involvement in the CEBV fellowship. I am eager to apply these skills to address the pressing issues facing students. I am particularly interested in working with policymakers to create policies that support students.“
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Renata Herrera Marquez
Mountain View High School
“I am committed to using my experiences to support and empower my peers. I believe that by sharing my story, I can foster empathy and understanding within the fellowship community. I am eager to learn from others, build lasting relationships, and work together to create a more just and equitable future.”
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Jose Luis Avila III
Brophy College Preparatory
“I bring a strong commitment to social justice and a passion for empowering marginalized communities. I am eager to collaborate with my peers to develop innovative solutions to pressing social issues. By sharing my knowledge and perspectives, I hope to inspire and uplift others.”
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Oselem Amachree
Arizona State University
“As a migrant Black woman, I have experienced firsthand the unique challenges and discrimination faced by immigrant communities of color. I have navigated the complexities of the immigration system, including the fear of deportation and the limitations imposed by my immigration status.“
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Joaquin Vera
Camelback High School
“As a first-generation Mexican-American, I bring a unique perspective shaped by my family's immigration journey. I am passionate about using my voice to amplify the stories of marginalized individuals and advocate for policies that promote equity and justice. I am eager to share my experiences and knowledge with my peers, and to learn from their unique perspectives.”
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Naioby Sarabia
ASU Prep Downtown
“I am a dedicated and hardworking individual who is passionate about helping others. I am committed to using my skills and knowledge to make a positive impact on my community. I am eager to collaborate with my peers to develop innovative solutions to pressing social issues.“
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Emily Sotelo Estrada
Arizona State University
I am eager to share my experiences and perspectives with my peer fellows, particularly those who may be facing similar challenges. I believe that by sharing my story, I can inspire others and foster a sense of community.
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Theresa Estrada
Phoenix College
“I am passionate about using my voice to amplify the stories of marginalized communities and advocate for policies that promote equity and justice. I believe that by sharing my experiences and perspectives, I can inspire and empower my peers.“
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Emily Salgado
Bioscience High School
“As the president of the Civic Engagement Club at Bioscience High School, I have honed my leadership and communication skills. I believe that my skills in public speaking, community organizing, and youth engagement will make me a valuable asset to the Aliento Fellowship.“
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Giselle Piña Gómez
Mesa High School
“I believe in the power of empathy and active listening, and I am eager to create a space where my peers can share their experiences and challenges without judgment. I am excited to bring my skills in empathy, active listening, and community building to the Aliento Fellowship. I hope to contribute to a movement that empowers immigrant youth and promotes social justice.“
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Fatima Lopez Gutierrez
Arizona State University
“As a first-generation American with a large extended family I am passionate about using my voice to advocate for immigrant rights and promote social justice. I believe that by sharing my family's stories, I can raise awareness and inspire others to take action.“
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Hector J. Hernandez Garcia
Grand Canyon University
“I am passionate about empowering immigrant youth and helping them overcome barriers to achieve their full potential. Through my experiences as a Resident Assistant and Latino Student Union Social Media Director, I have developed strong leadership and communication skills. I am skilled at building community, fostering inclusivity, and providing support to others.“
‘23-’24 Arizona’s Future Fellowship
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Vanessa Martinez
Mesa High School
“Aliento's Fellowship will be able to help support my journey in advocating for immigration and other problems in our society."“
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Darlene Peralta
Pima Community College
"I believe through what I learn in Aliento, I can further allocate resources in and outside of my college campus and push forward positive immigration reform in Arizona."
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Heidy Tapia
Bioscience High School
"Our junior class was introduced to the ‘Better World Project,’ a meaningful, problem-solving, and innovative project that Bioscience prompts each student. As I continue researching and creating interventions for the social issues I’m focusing on, I hope to receive leadership development and counseling and learn how to organize events that will bring awareness to my cause."
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Luis Reyes
Arizona State University
"There are many things I am passionate about and a lot of injustice I see in my everyday life. Through this experience, Aliento will allow me to become a more capable person to perform my civic duty and help create a presence for those in need."
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Keila Lucero
Phoenix College
"I want to leave an impact in the world, and I feel that this fellowship will give me the tools to work with my community."
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Noelia Flores
Mountain View High School
"I believe that Aliento's fellowship program is an incredible opportunity to continue my advocacy for immigration and social justice."
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Alexis Torres
Arizona State University
"Arizona's Future Fellowship will support my journey to advocate for immigration, social justice, and racial equity, creating a world that supports all people by giving me a platform as a young leader."
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Asareli Lopez
Camelback High School
"I hope this fellowship creates social consciousness about the struggles of immigration, social injustice, and racial inequity. I hope our voices and stories are heard to the point where laws and regulations are changed."
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Sergio Cipriano
Bioscience High School
"I hope the Aliento Arizona’s Future Fellowship will support my journey by giving me the space and resources that I need to speak up for those who cannot speak up for themselves."
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Esveidy Rodriguez
Grand Canyon University
"My ultimate goal is to become an immigration attorney to help my community. Aliento Arizona’s Future Fellowship will allow me to gain skills, experiences, and more information about my community."
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Regina Herrera
Mountain View High School
"I hope that Aliento Arizona's Future Fellowship will support me on my advocacy journey in my community because I hope to consider others' perspectives, problems of their own, and thoughts when deciding what career path I choose to follow. There are many branches of social justice to choose from, but I believe this fellowship will provide clarity."
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Marisol Castro
Grand Canyon University
"I hope the Aliento Arizona's Future Fellowship will give me a platform to feel comfortable sharing my story and educating others. I hope to gain the resources necessary to learn how to engage with large groups of people and gather them to fight for one cause."
‘22-’23 Arizona’s Future Fellowship
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Yulissa Valencia
Student at GCU
“I believe that through this Fellowship and meeting more people who have the same aspirations, passions, struggles, can help me to learn that I am not alone, and in this way learn that I too can help others feel that they too are not alone.”
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Daniel Martinez Romero
Senior at Brophy College Preparatory
“Formative experiences such as this motivate me to continue fighting the good fight. I know this is just the beginning and being a member of the fellowship opens the doors of opportunity.”
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Zabdi Hernandez
Student at GCU
"With Aliento Fellowship, I will be able to gain skills and strategies that I can help out with, giving resources for students to prosper with their degrees. Along with educating them and advocating for the government to help us and support us to citizenship and give us more resources to continue to make changes in our communities."
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James Morales
Senior at Bioscience High School
“Through the Aliento fellowship I hope to learn how to impact, strategize, and organize both events and people that will result in positive actions. I would also like to connect with the established influencers and their work to further my knowledge. By banding a group of talented students that have the same goal creates an energy that can solve social injustice.”
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Adriana Aguilar
Senior at St. Mary Catholic High School
“I am looking forward to enhancing my work in social justice with Aliento's organizations that will constantly reaffirm my beliefs in the educational system and racial equality for everyone. Not only do I hope to grow more within my character by joining, but I also desire to add to the strong foundation that Aliento has molded for many young activists/allies like myself.”
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Octavio Garcia
Sophomore at Arizona State University
“As someone that aspires to be an immigration lawyer, it is important to know how I can advocate for my community. By being part of the fellowship, I will be able to get the experience that I need in order to best help solve the problems in my community.”
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Xiomara Flores
Senior at Mountain View High School
“Being able to be a part of this community is a real opportunity. To be able to join with the Aliento fellowship I hope to be a voice to those who can’t be a voice for themselves and do not have someone to advocate for them. With this new experience I hope to be a light to everyone around me with the new knowledge I will attain in this fellowship. It’s going to be a life changing experience to be surrounded with a team that cares about the same problems and injustices that others may not see.”
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Nathalya Galvez
Junior at Arizona State University
“Aliento's Fellowship would help me gain more insight and a better sense of compassion for the community. Through my newfound experience in this fellowship, I would be even more motivated to pursue a career in law and advocate for issues affecting people of color. “
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Miah Gomez
Senior at Mesa High School
I am an aspiring journalism and political science major. As a member of an immigrant family I hope to specialize my career and activism in advocating for immigration, social justice, and racial equality. I believe being a part of this fellowship will help me gain valuable skills that I can utilize in advocating for important issues.
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Betsy Arcos Juan
Junior at Mesa High School
For years, I felt dispirited in the light of the world's inequality. But as I've gotten older, I've felt more sanguine. It would enthrall me to meet them with a better understanding of how to communicate with legislators – to those in power to achieve a world that is more fit for everyone. These are all crucial skills I could learn from the Aliento Fellowship.
‘21-’22 Arizona’s Future Fellowship
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Miagros Heredia
Sophomore at Grand Canyon University
“I look forward to being part of the community that seeks change for the better. As an student, I faced the hardships that many of us go through on our own, and I want to be there to let others know that we are the community they have been seeking. I am eager to meet the other fellows & create long-lasting connections!”
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Luis Hernandez
Senior at Arizona State University
“I am very grateful and excited to be apart of this fellowship and advocate for a special community. This fellowship will allow me to be the change we need in our communities and raise awareness on important issues. I will be looking forward to making positive changes with great individuals.”
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Maria Dominguez
Senior at Carl Hayden High School
“To be part of this fellowship means I get to make a change in the community. I get to be involved with people who share the same values as I do. I look forward to be involved in dedicating my time to something that's going to benefit me and my community.”
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Melina Morales
Senior at Bioscience High School
”I saw how passionate everyone at Aliento is about advocacy. Through this fellowship I hope to develop my leadership skills and learn how to advocate.” -
Hidalty Gonzalez
Senior at Mountain View High School
“I’m look forward to being apart of this Aliento fellowship because we all share the same desires and wishes to improve our community. I’m excited to dive deeper and share my passions, goals, and visions with others that have similar stories like mine.”
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Guadalupe Reynoso Jimenez
Sophomore at Northern Arizona University
“I have seen first hand the impact Aliento has had on creating equality. This fellowship will allow me to be a bigger part of this change. I want to take this opportunity to help my community grow and empower them to seek opportunities they thought were impossible, especially when it comes to receiving higher education.”
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Bryanda Moreno Verdugo
Freshmen at Grand Canyon University
“I'm excited to see how Aliento can shape the minds and morals of young students, young adults, parents and families. Aliento will support any young or old immigrants or families in mix status families, watching them grow and improve themselves through kindness, love and support that they normally can't get. This fellowship will allow me to support and help Aliento and many others with their struggles they face.”
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Karla Lazcano
Senior at Mesa High School
“As a person who comes from a family full of immigrants, I have seen the struggle that kids go through to be able to get a higher education. They are normally the smartest and most hardworking people I know. This fellowship will allow me to help them create a better and brighter future.”
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Priscila Romero Guevara
Junior at Arizona State University
“Aliento is a safe haven that has given me the resources to build my leadership role. This fellowship will continue to teach me valuable assets when it comes to representing and satisfying my community's needs. I am excited to learn from amazing individuals, meet talented students, and seek a higher education for all!”
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Maryan Robledo
Senior at Bioscience High School
“As a daughter of immigrants, I’ve seen first hand the discrimination and hardships my family has experienced. Being a fellow, I hope to be an advocate for a better future for mixed status families.”
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Elizabeth Partida
Senior at Mesa High School
“As a daughter of immigrants, I understand the hardships and challenges my parents go to. That is why I am very excited to join Aliento to advocate for this community, to help DACA recipients folks. I want to make other people’s lives better and help them achieve a brighter future.”
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Ruby Gonzalez Alvarado
Junior at Academies at South Mountain
“Change and hope. That’s what this fellowship means to me. I want to be able to help and serve my community. Inspire others and be a part of something big. Empowering each other while seeking a higher education.”
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Helen Sanchez
Sophomore at University of Arizona
“As a fellow I hope to be a beacon of light for a community that feels left in the shadows. As the daughter of Mexican immigrants I have seen the hardships so many of my loved ones have had to endure and I know that through this fellowship I will be given the resources to turn Arizona’s future into a brighter one!”
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Nicholas Hernandez
Sophomore at Arizona State University
“I am very grateful and excited to be apart of this fellowship and advocate for a special community. This fellowship will allow me to be the change we need in our communities and raise awareness on important issues. I will be looking forward to making positive changes with great individuals.”
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Jennifer Patino
Junior at Grand Canyon University
“My favorite quote that I stand by is “ Be a voice to those who are left unheard .” I am huge advocate for Immigration Rights or in general Human Rights . I want to utilize my voice to its potential. This fellowship will allow me to impact this community for the better . Knowledge is power . To those who are and are here for a better future , I see you and stand with you.”
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Giovanni Briseno
Senior at Brophy College Preparatory
“My community has experienced inequality due to our immigration and mixed family status. This fellowship will allow me to help not only the community that has helped me progress throughout my life, but communities all over that are affected by such hardships and tribulations.”
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Gema Sanchez Gamez
Senior at Xavier College Preparatory
“Everyone deserves the chance to be in control of their own future. I am honored to be a part of Aliento because I have seen the amount of self-less, tireless work that goes into Aliento's education process. With this fellowship, I hope to empower people in their origin stories and bring hope to those affected by their citizenship status.”
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Lizbeth Espinoza
Freshmen at Arizona State University
“I've had the opportunity to witness Aliento's hands-on work in creating light for our community. Being able to take part as a fellow, will give me a chance to stand up in advocating what I am passionate about. I am looking forward to creating a change and becoming a voice for our future.”
‘20-’21 Arizona’s Future Fellowship
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Abril Valenzuela
Senior at Xavier College Preparatory
Ally- Mixed Status Family“Participating in Education Day and organizing for in-state tuition empowered me to support this cause as an ally. There is a huge necessity for policy change in Arizona which I will strive to fight for with this fellowship.”
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Britney Vera
Junior at Mesa High School
Ally- Mixed Status Family“I want to be a part of a change where every students receive the same treatment as their peers. This is a change I know Aliento will achieve.”
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Daniela Chavira
Freshman at Grand Canyon University Student
“I hope that the Aliento fellowship will give me the tools to grow and become a better version of myself every day… To help me learn how to heal and in the process help others do the same. I hope this fellowship teaches me all the things I need to not only create change but to empower others to do so as well.”
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Diana Quintana
Freshman at Arizona State University
Ally- Mixed Status Familiy“Participating in this fellowship will give me further opportunities to develop my leadership and be involved in problems that directly affect those I care deeply about. I’ve worked alongside the amazing individuals on the team before, learning as an mentee, but now I’m more than passionate to work as a leader and ally with Aliento.”
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Diego Acevedo
Senior at Brophy College Preparatory Student
“I know Aliento will provide me with a family that will push me to be better and provide me with a place to put my talents and drive to a better use. I will be given a powerful platform that will help me fight for what I am passionate about.”
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Emely Saenz
Senior at Westwood High School
Ally - Mixed Status Family“Through the fellowship, I will be able to learn more on how to help DACAmented mixed status families prosper during these troubling times. I am devoted to work alongside the Aliento fellows with the purpose of seeking a positive change to benefit my community.”
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Jael Camacho
Senior at Bioscience High School
“Becoming a fellow at Aliento will give me the opportunity to reach out to my community and help them whenever possible with the resources that Aliento provides. I have seen how Aliento has advocated for Dreamers, which is something that I really admire, because being a Dreamer myself I know that there are people who will support me. “
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Juan Carlos Cisneros
Sophmore at Benedictine University Student
“Aliento is not just about giving equal access to higher education. It is about creating a community which one can rely on. It teaches students how to be leaders on their campus and in life. Aliento’s fellowship will help me grow as a leader.“
‘19-’20 Arizona’s Future Fellowship
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Angelica Pacheco
Freshwoman at Mesa Community College
DACA Recipient“Having a voice to be able to make a change is what makes me passionate about helping those who are afraid to speak out, to be able to stand alongside with the students and families of the communities to advocate for higher education is what I’m willing to work towards.”
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Angel Palazuelos
Senior at Metro Tech High School Student
“Education is essential for self and community development; We must stand together to defend against this great injustice and demand what is rightfully ours. As an individual who struggles and sees many suffer these same ordeals motivates me to continue the fight against the unjust laws that target specific individuals and because of borders, dissuade them from pursuing higher education.”
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Araceli Lopez
Senior at Xavier College Preparatory
Student Ally“I am passionate about this work because I believe that students are our future and that everyone deserves an opportunity to receive higher education regardless of their immigration status. Through Aliento, I want to help in any way possible to take action for this issue as well as inform my peers and create a community of support.”
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Darian Benitez
Junior at Brophy College Preparatory
"A person's right to an education is like their right to sustenance. When someone is denied their education, whether directly or indirectly, they are being denied the nourishment and strength they need to defend themselves against other forms of oppression. I am committed to fighting to give DACA students the opportunity they need to accomplish their dreams."
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Denise Garcia
Senior at Mesa High School
Ally - Mixed Status Family“Throughout my high school career, I've witnessed students having to seek alternative routes to further their education, making the transition from high school to college twice as hard. This is why I believe it is vital to educate community members and legislators on why in-state tuition should be accessible to every Arizona high school graduate regardless of their status.”
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Maria Garcia
Senior at Tempe High School Student
“I remember seeing the students I looked up to work incredibly hard and yet, still had to pay out of state tuition. I am passionate about this work because I want to give my community this change they deserve. WE also have dreams, and goals. WE deserve this. “
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Mario Montoya
Senior at Arizona State University
DACA Recipient“Education is a crucial factor of shaping the future of generations to come. I believe education is something worth fighting for and I want to be part of the movement to ensure every Arizona student has access to higher education regardless of their Immigration status.”
‘18-’19 Arizona’s Future Fellowship
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Germán Preciado Rodríguez
Student at Bioscience High School
"Working with Aliento will allow me to expand my reach and will help me reach my goal of educating DACA students along with helping to increase the overall affordability of a higher education."
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Angélica Cesar
Student at Arizona State University
"I am passionate about advocating alongside DACA students for access to higher education because I know, from my experiences as a student at ASU, how critical higher education is in enabling us to attain our dreams."
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Ivette Sosa Barraza
Student at Westwood High School
"I believe everyone deserves an education, no matter their origin and status. It is critical that we educate the youth on this issue in order to create a support movement within our high schools."
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Saúl Rascón Salazar
Student at Brophy College Preparatory
"Having education is a human right, and although it is not being directly taken from us, it most definitely is in a very subtle and indirect way, through this opportunity I want to give my all towards this battle for the furthering of education for my fellow classmates
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María León Peña
Student at Paradise Valley Community College
"Since I was a little girl, I have had the dream of serving people as a doctor. I always pictured myself in another country treating kids in pain due to poverty and war. It is a vision of serving humanity with my gifts and talents. Education is something I treasure with all my heart and whenever it is attacked I feel like my whole world is coming to an end. We need to let our love for an education and our nation keep us strong enough to keep fighting."
Aliento Features: Saul Rascón
We would like to introduce you to Saul Rascon! Saul is a DACA recipient and a graduating Senior at Brophy College Preparatory. He is also part of our inaugural fellowship program here at Aliento!
Aliento Features: Angélica César
Meet Angélica César! She was born in California and raised in Mexico City with her mom and sister. They would later move to Arizona to seek a better life and educational opportunities. She is a graduating Senior at ASU, double majoring in Political Science and Transborder Studies with a certificate in Civic Education.
Aliento Features: German Preciado
Meet German! Originally from Caborca, Sonora, German is a DACA recipient and a Senior at Bioscience High School!
Aliento Features: Ivette Sosa
Meet Ivette Sosa, she was born and raised in Mesa, Arizona. She is a graduating Senior at Westwood High School and is a student fellow here at Aliento!
Aliento Features: Deya Garcia
Here is a feature on one of our valued team members, Deya Garcia! We asked Deya all kinds of questions to get to know her as an individual and as a contributor to Aliento. Here, Deya shares a little bit of her story and her role within our organization.
Aliento Voices: There is a dark cloud over the immigrant community.
Immigration raids in Mississippi, shootings in El Paso, and the constant rhetoric from the Trump administration harm the mental state of mixed status families. There is a dark cloud over the immigrant community.
Aliento Voices: I worked too hard for too long to give up now
My name is Angelica Pacheco and I am a DACA student. My family migrated to the United States when I was two years old in the hope of finding better opportunities and getting a better education for my siblings and I.
Aliento Voices - I still have to put four times the effort to be recognized in the country I grew up in.
My name is Angelica Pacheco and I am a DACA student. My family migrated to the United States when I was two years old in the hope of finding better opportunities and getting a better education for my siblings and I.
PRESS STATEMENT: Aliento Heads to DC for DACA Arguments
On Friday, Reyna Montoya was awarded the Young Professional award by the Greater Phoenix Chamber at the Athena Awards 2019!
Aliento Voices: “ I get to use my voice and see how it shapes others”
I have always been into music and writing because I love being creative. Music helps set a tone, it amplifies the strength behind the words giving it more depth. I break down my story by choosing the right words with specific syllables and sounds.
Aliento Voices: A Journey Towards Healing Generational Trauma
The Arts & Healing workshops are like healing circles and dedicated to people in the immigrant community. Every month there's a new healing topic that inspires an art activity.
Aliento Feature: Angelica Pacheco
My name is Angelica Pacheco and I am a DACA recipient from Chihuahua, Mexico. I am a 19 year old studying for my Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Mesa Community College.
Aliento Feature: Araceli Lopez
I am Araceli Lopez. I was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. I am a graduating Senior at Xavier College Preparatory High School.
Aliento Feature: Maria Garcia
My name is Maria Valeria Garcia Munoz and I did the Aliento fellowship as a senior at Tempe High School. I am from Aguascalientes, Mexico.
Aliento Feature: Denise Garcia
Hello! My name is Denise Garcia and I was born and raised in Mesa, Arizona. I am a graduating senior from Mesa High School!