Reinvigorated: Recap of the 2025 SUCCESS Convening
On September 10-12, 2025, Immigrants Rising was proud to co-host the Supporting Undocumented Students’ College & Career Equity: Strategies for Success (SUCCESS) Convening for a third time, bringing together educators, advocates, and students to advance equitable opportunities for undocumented students. Our participation in this gathering was made possible with the valued support of the Haas Jr. Fund and the College Futures Foundation. In collaboration with the Presidents’ Alliance for Higher Education and Immigration, TheDream.US, University of Illinois Chicago, Illinois Institute of Technology, and Dominican University, and with support from the Abundant Futures Fund, ECMC Foundation, Mellon Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, Walder Foundation, and an anonymous individual, we gathered at the University of Illinois Chicago with more than 450 individuals from over 135 institutions and 65 organizations across 30+ states.
Many (but not all!) attendees of the 2025 SUCCESS Convening pose for a group photo.
Executive Director Dr. Iliana Perez joins Senator Dick Durbin, University of Illinois Chicago Chancellor Marie Lynn Miranda, President of Dominican University Glena G. Temple, President & CEO of The Presidents’ Alliance Dr. Miriam Feldblum, and President & CEO of TheDream.US Gaby Pacheco for a photo.
In order of left to right, Immigrants Rising’s Policy Advocacy Senior Manager Daniela R., Executive Director Dr, Iliana Perez, Programs Director Laura Monica B.G., and Career Pathways Manager Jesús F.R. smile for a team photo.
A Historic Convening
The 2025 SUCCESS Convening is the third of its kind, following the 2022 convening in Pennsylvania and the 2024 convening in Texas, continuing its mission to equip educators, students, and campuses with cutting-edge practices and resources that support undocumented students. This year’s Convening focused on the following two themes: “Unlocking Career Opportunities: Licensure, Employment-Based Options, & Advanced Degrees” and “Building Holistic Supports: Community, Wellness, & Immigration Services.”
Only a week before the first day of the Convening, as participants were preparing to travel, the U.S. President took to social media to threaten the city of Chicago with ramped-up deportation efforts. Given that the hosting location was at the heart of downtown Chicago, we were elated to see a room full of engaged allies and students despite the political backdrop. With more than 450 attendees, and remarks by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, and Congresswoman Delia Ramirez, not only did the 2025 SUCCESS Convening surpass the attendance numbers of previous convenings, but it also embodied our shared commitment to support undocumented students and not surrender to a hostile political environment.
Executive Director Dr. Iliana Perez provides welcoming and opening remarks.
U.S. Senator Dick Durbin gives a moving address to attendees.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker gives a hopeful address to attendees.
Meeting the Moment
As a co-host, Immigrants Rising was glad to provide broad-ranging support to help make the 2025 Convening possible, including:
- Executive Director Dr. Iliana Perez provided welcome and closing remarks and co-hosted the awards ceremony.
- Executive Director Dr. Iliana Perez co-led a presentation on “Career Counseling: Income Generation & Career Pathways.”
- Programs Director Laura Monica B.G. co-led a presentation on “Creating Welcoming Environments for Undocumented Students.”
- Career Pathways Manager Jesús F.R. co-led a presentation on “Exploring Career Pathways Beyond Graduation.”
- Mental Health Senior Manager Mayra B.-O. co-led presentations on “Model Professional & Occupational Licensure Policies & Implementation” and “Basic Needs’ Impacts on Students; Wellbeing & Strategies for Success.”
- Career Pathways Innovation Strategist Rocio P. and Programs Director Laura Monica B.G. met with the planning committee twice a month for eight months leading up to the Convening to organize event logistics. They also worked closely with the speakers and workshop presenters to determine session goals, outcomes, and content.
- Communications team members Beleza C., Grace Y., Keziah A., and Renata M. developed printed materials included in the 400+ attendees’ welcome bags and at the resource table.
- Director of Development and Communications Beleza C. supported the fundraising and awards review before the Convening.
Looking Ahead & Building Towards a More Inclusive Future
It is incumbent upon us all to invest in policy and programmatic changes that provide equitable opportunities for undocumented individuals to succeed in higher education, pursue careers, and generate income in ways that empower them. Following the 2025 SUCCESS Convening, Immigrants Rising looks forward to working with policymakers, strengthening existing partnerships, and fostering new ones to defend and create opportunities that are inclusive of undocumented students.
Programs Director Laura Monica B.G. stands on stage with co-panelists Asha Patel, Helen Wagner Coello, Marcela Rodriguez-Campo, and Gregor Mieder.
Executive Director Dr. Iliana Perez and Career Pathways Manager Jesús F.R. with co-panelists sit on stage for a panel event.
To learn more about the historic 2025 SUCCESS Convening, please visit its homepage or read its press release.
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For more information about the 2025 SUCCESS Convening Recap, contact Daniela Rodriguez, Policy Advocacy Senior Manager, at [email protected].
