Aliento Features: Diego Acevedo

Introduce yourself!

Hello! My name is Diego Acevedo. I was born in Chihuahua Mexico and immigrated to the United States at the age of 2. I love to make music and any kind of art.

How did you hear about the Aliento Fellowship, and why did you choose Aliento?

I first heard about Aliento when I began to involve myself in Advocacy work at my highschool (Brophy College Prep). Aliento had a partnership with Advocacy Club which was the club that I chose to join. As an immigrant, I instantly was able to relate and connect with Aliento’s mission and values. I felt like there was a call for me to join the movement and use my own narrative and story to help my community. A year later, I was accepted into the fellowship program and I have loved every moment ever since.

What are some of the things you’ve learned as a fellow? Why was it important?

I learned about the power of community. I learned that anything is possible if you have a family who is passionate and willing to make a change. Aliento has taught me that Dreamers and Immigrants in America are as important as anybody else. Aliento has helped me find confidence in myself and my past. Aliento has given me countless opportunities to be a leader and show others the power of a narrative and a story. I have grown to be fearless and eager to make a difference.

What are some moments within the fellowship that you are most proud of?

There are so many moments that have really left a mark on me. I still remember the first meeting with the other fellows over zoom. Just a few weeks later we started working on phone banking events multiple days a week. I remember how much hard work was put in by everyone in our community and when we were finally able to meet in person during election day it was unforgettable. The day went by so fast. From going to different polling stations to knocking on people’s doors, we were able to make a difference as a community.

After we finished with the Aliento Votes Campaign we were eager to work on SCR 1044. Aliento had been working on this bill for years and I felt very fortunate to be part of our victory. We spent months meeting with representatives and waiting for the bill to go through the rigorous process of the legislature. But when it finally came time for the house to vote, we were all united as a community to celebrate the victory. I remember seeing so many familiar faces and hearing so many powerful stories. It really reminded me of what Aliento is really about: Helping our community as one.

Besides Aliento, what else were you involved with at school? What did you do?

At school I help lead our Advocacy Club. Advocacy Club is a student led club which focuses on helping the community in various ways. We have various campaigns that focus on different things from environmental justice, to justice for Immigrants and Dreamers. We hold different events that raise awareness and help spread calls to action. For example, earlier this year we had an event where we had different undocumented students and students who are part of a mixed status family tell their story. Afterwards, we had everybody call representatives and tell them how important it was for them to create a fair Dream Act in America.

So you make music? Tell us where we can find you!

Yes! I have made music for the last 3 years and you can find me on every music platform as Guac or as Lil Guac.

Listen to Guac on:

Any upcoming projects?

I am currently working on my upcoming EP which will hopefully be released later this year!

Would you recommend the fellowship? Why?

I would definitely recommend this fellowship. It is an opportunity to grow, make a mark, and build lifelong relationships. This fellowship is a reassurance of our importance and value. It teaches students how to be leaders in a world where leaders are needed. I will forever be grateful for this opportunity and I will forever remember this fellowship as a highlight of my senior year.

What’s next for you?

I will be going to the University of Santa Clara with a full ride scholarship. I received the Alberto Hurtado Scholarship which is given to 4 Dreamers in the country.