HUGO LOPEZ-MUNOZ
High School Engagement Fellow
Hugo immigrated to the U.S. from Guadalajara, Mexico at the age of thirteen. He was an honor student in high school, took college courses, and participated in and won MESA competitions. Upon graduation, however, he was disqualified from his salutatorian rights for having been placed in an ESL course in 9th grade; instead, he received a plaque for his "Exceptional Test Scores."
Hugo’s college journey has been a long struggle. He was heavily impacted by his family circumstances and the political climate in the 90s, which affected his academic progress. For this reason, it took almost a decade to earn his first associate’s degree. Yet, through his personal struggles in pursuing education and making a living, he learned first-hand how vital it can be for undocumented students to have a support system to navigate through school and post-high school life. He recently started at Skyline College in order to continue his education and explore career options, and hopes to eventually transfer to a four-year college.
Hugo finds joy being in nature and enjoys playing soccer, running, hiking, camping, and mountain biking. He also enjoys a good philosophical conversation, attending church, and singing. Through the High School Engagement Fellowship, he looks forward to making a difference in the lives of undocumented/immigrant students and bringing motivation, resources, and opportunities to underrepresented students.
KAI MARTIN
Entrepreneurship Ambassador
Kai is a native of the twin islands of Trinidad and Tobago. After immigrating to the United States, she began her U.S. educational journey in the New York City public school system. She completed her associate's degree at the Borough of Manhattan Community College and later attended John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
While at John Jay, Kai faced the hardship of being undocumented as she struggled to pursue a degree while managing the cost of living. Armed with determination, she made the critical decision to work several jobs in order to continue her education. In 2018, Kai graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in law.
Presently, she attends George Washington University and is pursuing a master’s in public policy. After graduation, Kai hopes to work with state employment and education agencies to reform policies that restrict undocumented residents.
In her spare time, Kai finds joy in helping others and volunteering to give back as an alumni council member for TheDream.US and other organizations such as the Undocublack Network. Through the Entrepreneurship Fellowship, Kai looks forward to working with other fellows to provide undocumented entrepreneurs with the tools they need to grow and reach their highest level of success.
MAYRA PELAGIO
Mayra immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico in 2009. She is the eldest of six children and helps her mother by supporting her family financially and emotionally.
Mayra is currently pursuing environmental studies at San Jose State University. She chose this major after seeing a huge disconnect between the immigrant community and nature. She hopes to obtain a Ph.D. and become a professor in the future.
Mayra finds joy in her siblings and community. She is a member of PASOS, which is a group based in Sacred Heart Community Service that is run by immigrant community members who care about protecting the undocumented community. Through the Higher Education Fellowship, she looks forward to getting experience in data analysis, presenting data to the general public, and learning about resources for undocumented students in higher education.
NELSON MANCIA
High School Engagement Fellow
Nelson immigrated to the U.S. from El Salvador at the age of nine to reunite with his mother. He is starting his first semester at San Francisco State University, where he will be studying statistics. He is a hardworking and humble student who continues to seek out challenges and does not settle for less.
From his early years in the United States, Nelson found strength and encouragement growing up in a community of students and families with backgrounds similar to his own. These interactions motivated him to participate in multiple organizations throughout high school and to share resources and information with other students. Through the High School Engagement Fellowship, Nelson looks forward to learning about the immigrant population in different high schools, finding solutions to various problems they are currently facing, and building a good relationship with students.
Nelson finds joy in playing and watching soccer, listening to music, playing video games, and watching movies.
NORMA CASTAÑEDA
Entrepreneurship Ambassador
Norma immigrated to the U.S. from Michoacan, Mexico at the age of fifteen. She is a first-generation college student and graduated from California State University, Los Angeles with a degree in business administration and an emphasis on marketing management. She has associate degrees in executive assistance, accounting and real estate.
Norma began her entrepreneurship journey at the age of seven, taking care of her aunt’s liquor store and her grandmother’s street vending business. While attending college she launched and managed a small business through eBay for two years. After gaining experience in business management, she started her consulting services in 2012 and launched her real estate business in 2017. Through the real estate business, she has had the opportunity to work with first-time home buyers and has seen a need for increased financial literacy and retirement planning in the undocumented community. She hopes to start a non-profit for underrepresented communities in the future.
Norma finds joy in mentoring others and celebrating her culture. Through the Entrepreneurship Fellowship, she looks forward to connecting and sharing resources with other immigrant entrepreneurs.
RICARDO SANCHEZ
High School Engagement Fellow
Ricardo immigrated to the U.S. from Guadalajara, Mexico at the age of ten. He is currently attending Contra Costa College and plans to transfer to a four-year university to study mechanical engineering and Chicano studies.
At Contra Costa College, Ricardo volunteers at an organization that provides free legal workshops for students and community members. He is also working with administrators to create a space on campus for undocumented students.
Ricardo finds joy in volunteering, camping, swimming, and spending time with his friends and families. Through the High School Engagement Fellowship, Ricardo wants to inspire and empower people, instill self-determination and pride in students, and create a support system for students to achieve their academic goals.
TANIA VENTURA PEREZ
High School Engagement Fellow
Tania’s commitment to her education is a direct reflection of her hardworking parents, who despite having only a 6th grade education found ways to succeed and provide a better quality of life for their children.
Tania is currently attending Cañada College and plans to transfer to a four-year university in order to study business and accounting. Through her education, she hopes to give back to the community by starting an accounting business to help low-income entrepreneurs succeed in their business. She hopes to create equal opportunities in the business market for small businesses by providing financial coaching and tax services at a low, affordable cost.
Tania finds joy in her family’s health and wellbeing, helping her community, and a good book. Through the High School Engagement Fellowship, she looks forward to becoming a resource to undocumented students, encouraging students to pursue higher education, and working on new projects to help our community.