“Hi, my name is Adrian Buitron Boada. Due to economic hardship, I left my family and friends behind in my home country of Ecuador to come to the U.S. at the age of 16. Despite the social and language barriers I faced, I continued to strive to realize my dreams. Currently, I am pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering at UC Merced and am passionate about helping my community in any way possible.”

“Hi, my name is Alejandro García Del Río. I am a graduate of Cesar Chavez High School and currently enrolled in my first year at San Joaquin Delta College as a business major. I am a Mariachi musician who plays trumpet with a group and even does trumpet repairs on the side. I am very outgoing and love to hang out with friends and jam with other musicians. I’m always open to trying new (and old) things.”

“Hi, my name is Ana Cardenas. I have a bachelor’s degree in sociology and I am in my first year of a master’s program in sociological practice. I am passionate about social justice, particularly the rights of immigrants and low-income people of color.”

“Hi, my name is Celia Serrato. I was born in Michoacán, Mexico and I am currently a student at Santa Ana College where I am an UndocuScholars Fellow and a member of IDEAS Club. I am co-owner of HerbalHermanasCo., which was featured as one of the 10 Latina-Owned Businesses You Need on Your Radar by Hiplatina.com. As a firm believer in community mutual aid, I love sharing my knowledge of herbs, medicine-making, and entrepreneurship as well as hosting mini-workshops. Currently, I am collaboborating with other undocu-folks to create a collective on Southern California for undocumented people, including a market exclusively for undocumented vendors. I believe that if there is not a spot at the table for you, you make a table.”

“Hi, my name is Daniela Torres. I live in Desert Hot Springs and I’m a student at College of the Desert in the Health Science program. I aspire to become a registered nurse and then continue my education by studying dermatology at UCLA.”

“Hi, my name is Elizabeth Olajide. I am an enthusiastic beauty professional with a great attitude and a passion for the art of braiding, extensions, and wigs. I have a caring nature and am very empathetic, organized, emotionally stable, and adaptable. I am now venturing into the world of nursing and hope to finish mydegree by the fall of 2021.”

“Hi, my name is Esther Alvarez and I came to the U.S. when I was 2 years old. Now, I am 20 years old and live in El Monte, California. I am a full-time nursing major at Rio Hondo College and a mom to a beautiful 11-month-old daughter. I am outgoing, loud, and fond of meeting new people and hearing their stories. I’m thankful to be a Catalyst Fellow and excited for what’s to come.”

“Hi, my name is Hachi Capistrano and I am a current student at Sierra College in the Allied Health: Pre-Nursing program. I never expected to be able to attend college, which is why it is one of my proudest achievements. My goal is to become successful and give back to my community because I know what it is like to have nothing. I am proud of the woman I am becoming and look forward to continuing to learn every day.”

“Hi, my name is Irma Andazola. I am 48 years old and was born in Chihuahua, Mexico. I migrated to the U.S. in 1998 and studied English at North Orange Community College. I live in Anaheim, California and am a single mother of two beautiful girls (9 and 11 years old). It was not easy to start over in a new country, butI had to be brave in order to be a good role model for my daughters. I am the kind of person who likes to learn something new every day and always tries to see the positive side of every situation. I love to volunteer in my community.”

“Hi, my name is Jihye. I am a Pre-Nursing and Pre-Dentistry student at Fullerton College, where I have completed all my nursing courses and am currently taking additional dentistry courses. I have volunteered at St. Jude Medical Center in Fullerton and am currently volunteering at Emnate Hospital in West Covina. As a fellow, I hope to gain valuable experience and motivate my peers.”

“Hi, my name is Jose Mendez Entrekin. I am 32 years old and this year I will be graduating from MiraCosta College as a theatre major. At MiraCosta I founded the Undocumented People Rising in Solidarity and Empowerment (UPRISE) club in 2018, and in 2019 I was elected President of the Associated Student Government where I was able to advocated for the undocumented and mixed status community. My goal is to work in theatre, television, and film as an actor, director, and producer. I am also a certified yoga instructor.”

“Hi, my name is Juan Martinez. I am a third year student at Oxnard College hoping to transfer to a UC. I am a mechanical engineering major who is also interested in history, archeology, and English. I am a first-generation college student and the oldest sibling of the family. I strive to be a good example for my family and peers in everything that I do and look forward to working with the other fellows.”

“Hi, my name is Julio Nunez Garcia. I grew up in California and am currently enrolled in community college studying to become a mechanical engineer. I’m a hard worker with a 4.0 GPA who wakes up every day ready to give my all. I am thrilled to be a Catalyst Fellow. I look forward to uplifting the immigrant community and showing the world that education empowers.”

“Hi, my name is Lisbeth Gasca. I am 19 years old and in my second year at West Community College. My plan is to transfer to UC Davis in the fall of 2021 where I hope to major in chemistry and pursue a career in the field. I am involved in hosting workshops to help stuents who are undocumented, come from an immigrant background, and are interested in STEM, to apply for scholarships. My goal is to host workshops in five diffferent high schools in my area by the end of February.”

“Hi, my name is Luis Manuel Diaz García, but my friends and peers call me Manny. I am 20 years old and I was born in Acapulco, Mexico. I am a dreamer and my favorite hobby is writing poetry. My least favorite thing to do is wait. I really want to see a world in which we can all be united because I believe together we are truly stronger.”

“Hi, my name is Marco Ferreyra. I am kind, caring, friendly, and easy to get along with.”

“Hi, my name is Maria Fernanda Perez Garcia. I was born in Tehuacán, Puebla, Mexico and immigrated to the U.S. with my family a day before I turned one. My family settled in Pomona, California and then moved to Riverside where I grew up. After my parents divorced, times were tough but my sisters and I were lucky to have an inspiring and empowering role model: my mother. From her we learned how to be strong, independent women and how to have a positive mindset. I am into women’s empowerment, as well as helping undocumented students like myself to overcome their educational obstacles. I am very excited to represent Stanislaus State and look forward to making it a better place for my fellow undocumented students.”

“Hi, my name is Maria Leal Robleto. I am 25 years old and originally from Nicaragua, but currently live in Oakland where I attend Laney Community College as part of the Puente program and am pursuing a degree in Spanish. I have been a fellow with Immigrants Rising and a volunteer at Clinica de la Raza. I am legally blind, fun to work with, and enthusiastic about learning new things despite my disability. I am very passionate and committed to everything I put my mind to.”

“Hi, my name is Maribel Bustos. I am a hard-working woman who has found a lot of joy in my family and loves them very much. I am currently enrolled at CSU San Bernadino and am committed to studying hard until I reach my goal of graduating.”

“Hi, my name is Maricarmen Gonzalez. I was born in Mexicali, Mexico and immigrated to the United States at age 6 with my wonderful, hardworking parents. I am a first generation student and will be transferring to Sacramento State next fall. I am currently a business, communications and economics major and wish to pursue a career in marketing. I am an extrovert who loves to sing, dance and spend time with friends and loved ones. I also love reading, listening to music, exercising my body and enjoying nature. I have come through tough obstacles, but that has never stopped me from reaching my goals. I am undocumented and unafraid.”

“Hi, my name is Mariela Luna. I am currently pursuing a degree in biology at Butte College, though I hope to transfer soon to UC Davis to study biological and animal science. One day, I hope to become a wildlife veterinarian or zoologist. Although I love all things science, I also have a passion for drawing and painting, which is made me consider a career in scientific illustation. One thing I know for sure is that I am motivated and driven to accomplish my goals and I look forward to what the future holds for me.”

“Hi, my name is Maritza Gonzalez. I am a first year student at Bakersfield College where I am pursuing my nursing degree. I hope to transfer to a UC to earn my bachelor’s degree in science. I am a mother of a 5-year-old girl. I love DIY projects and being active in the community. I also like to gain as much knowledge as I can so that I am able to help others in need. “

“Hi, my name is Oluwatobi Babalola. I am 27 years old and a mother to a beautiful 7-year-old princess. I moved to the United States when I was 19 years old for school and in search for greener pastures. My aspiration in life is to become a nurse practitioner and enjoy life to the fullest. Happiness is an important virtue for me.”

“Hi, my name is Pedro Ortega. I was born in Nayarit, Mexico and raised in East Palo Alto, California . I am in my third year at Sonoma State University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in communications. I was a Boy Scout in high school so I love the outdoors, as well as trying new food, creating art, traveling, and spending time with loved ones. I aspire to one day have a company of my own or a career in marketing.”

“Hi, my name is Sharen Hudaja. I have roots in China, was born in Jakarta, Indonesia, and migrated to the United States at the age of 10. I am currently pursuing a degree in business administration at Los Angeles Trade Technical College. My dream is to become a marketer for Apple or a cosmetic company.”

“Hi, my name is Sherifa Momoh. I’m the oldest of three children raised in a loving Nigerian household and am currently attending Long Beach City College. I hope to gain admission to UC Irvine in the fall of 2022 as a psychology major and political science minor. I consider myself an exceptionally stubborn individual who finds it hard to given up on any task and has a tendency to daydream a lot about the future. I hope to one day attend law school and practice immigration law. Outside of school, I enjoy hiking, suspense novels, anime, weightlifting, and virtually any outdoor activity.”

“Hi, my name is Yusbely. I was born in Sinaloa, Mexico and immigrated to the U.S. with both my parents when I was 1 year old. 17 years later, I became a first generation college student. I hope to gain my communications degree and business certificate so I can continue to create innovative ideas that don’t just serve myself, but many other people too.”

“Hi, my name is Yvonne Silva. I am a first generation college student and a DACA recipient. I earned my undergraduate degree at Cal State Northridge in kinesiology. Later, I decided to return to school and got accepted at San Diego Mesa College in their Physical Therapy Assistant Program. My goal is to help patients who have had a stroke, TBI, Parkinson’s Disease, or other neurological diagnoses. “