Hey John!
I’ve known for a long time that I’ve wanted to pursue a career in mental health, but it wasn’t until early 2020 when I realized the impact that my work would have. Our undocumented communities experience mental health in a way that can feel isolating at times and with less resources. It tightened my resolve that I wanted to be a therapist serving our community.
You can support Immigrants Rising’s Mental Health Career Program which supports aspiring mental health professionals like me today!
I’m excited to share that with the support of our community, I will continue onto my second year with Immigrants Rising’s Mental Health Career program, which supports aspiring undocutherapists like me with mentorship, clinical hours for my requirements, and a community. This year, three of us from this past year and two new members will form a cohort in Immigrants Rising’s Mental Health Career Program.
Here’s a little bit about me and my fellow Mental Health Career Program participants!
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Born and raised in Mexico, Cinthia is the first in her family to obtain a master’s degree. For the past 6 years, Cinthia has had the privilege of working with Latinx community as a warmline volunteer and therapist-in-training. Through the Mental Health Career program, she hopes to continue growing as a therapist and human while serving her community.
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Dulce Ortega Rojas, MSW was born in Queretaro, Mexico. At the age of 11, she migrated to Los Angeles to reunite with her father. As a first generation undocumented student, Dulce learned to navigate through the education system. Her educational journey took her from University of California, Santa Barbara to Los Angeles Valley College and eventually to California State University Northridge where she earned her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in social work. Her work centers migration and generational trauma and she hopes to interrupt the cycles of maladaptive coping whilst honoring and centering culture and our ancestors.
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Julio Cesar Zamarripa is a first generation student who grew up in Sacramento. His commitment to making a positive difference in students’ lives, he worked as a college admissions counselor before pursuing a career as a therapist. Julio currently works with young adults as an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor.
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Born and raised in El Salvador, Linda Aquino left her parents and siblings behind to come to the United States at the age of 18. Linda began studying ESL at Las Positas Community College from where she graduated with her associate degree, she eventually earned her bachelor’s degree from San Francisco State University and received her master’s degree from San Jose State University, graduating in 2020 with the help of SB 68 Linda is working on her clinical social worker licensure, and Linda is determined to give back to the immigrant and minority community because she has lived their struggles.
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Xingxing Wan was born and raised in China and arrived in the United States at the age of 20 in pursuit of better educational opportunities. Xingxing received her MBA in marketing and human resources from Oregon State University as she worked multiple jobs to support herself. After graduating, she was mistreated and under by her employers because of her immigration status. She never gave up on her dreams and eventually finished her MFT program.
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This work is led for and by members of our undocumented community. The five of us are working towards a future where our wellness will not be defined by our immigration statuses. We hope you’ll consider supporting.
Thanks!
Julio
Julio Cesar Zamarripa
Mental Health Career Program Participant
Immigrants Rising
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Please consider MAKING A DONATION so we can continue supporting undocumented young people in achieving their educational and career goals and thriving in this country.
Make a Donation!
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