Immigrants Rising’s Facilitated Activity Groups offer undocumented young people tangible skills, knowledge, and accountability to pursue personal, educational, and professional goals.
Facilitated Activity Groups provide a space for undocumented high school and college students to explore a topic while building relationships with one another. All activity groups will be guided by a skilled facilitator who is intimately familiar with the undocumented experience.
Activity Groups will meet for 6 consecutive weeks in a virtual setting. Explore the topics we’re offering this year below.
Everyone deserves an education that is enjoyable, fulfilling, and free from constraints! Unfortunately, undocumented students face additional barriers to pursuing their educational goals and enjoying their educational journeys due to the added stress that comes with limited access to financial and campus resources. This activity group will introduce you to strategies, resources, tips, and key actionable steps you can take to finance your college education and advocate for more and better campus resources. By the end of this activity group, you will implement a plan to increase your funding to help you alleviate some of the financial barriers to pursuing your educational goals.
You will receive a Certificate of Completion after attending at least five sessions.
This activity group is for undocumented high school and college students in the U.S.
This activity group is offered three times between Fall 2022 and Spring 2023.
We are currently not offering new Activity Group sessions.
Immigrants Rising’s Wellness Support Groups help undocumented people stay grounded and connected to the community.
These 6-week Wellness Support Groups led by trained mental health providers or registered clinicians, are designed to help undocumented people feel less alone and more understood. The weekly virtual sessions are closed; meaning that advance registration is required, with the goal of creating a confidential space where 10-12 participants can feel grounded, find community, and share their unique experiences, challenges, and successes with one another.
Note: Though participation can be therapeutic, the groups are not a form of therapy.
All groups starting in October have reached maximum capacity. Our next round of Wellness Support Groups after will start in mid-January. Sign up here to get updates when the groups reopen.
About the Group: Being a Black and undocumented immigrant in the US can be both challenging and isolating. While these identities shape how the world perceives and interacts with us, being a Black immigrant also means holding other identities—country, ethnicity, language, and more. Through thoughtful prompts and discussions, this group offers a space to share what it’s like to be a Black immigrant in America, providing community, connection, and care during difficult times.
About the Facilitator: Kissu Taffere (she/her) is a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience in the non-profit and humanitarian sectors. She immigrated to the United States from East Africa with her family as a child. The years-long process of adjusting her immigration status sparked her interest in advocating for racial justice and exploring the connections between mental health, anti-blackness, and migration. Since graduating with her master’s in social work, Kissu has worked in community clinics, private practice settings and non-profits. She also values lived experience and appreciates that wisdom doesn’t come only in the form of formal degrees or licensure. Kissu is a native Tigrinya speaker and speaks basic French and understands Amharic.
All groups starting in October have reached maximum capacity. Sign up here to get updates when the groups reopen.
About the Group: Navigating life as an undocumented person means facing uncertainty on a daily basis. There are so many forces outside of our control that shape our lives and impact our ability to plan for the future. In this group, we will discuss the different ways that uncertainty impacts how we show up in our relationships, the personal and professional choices we make, and our overall mental and emotional well-being. We will make space to connect, support, and learn from one another throughout the group process and the facilitator will introduce and guide participants through various coping strategies and relaxation techniques.
About the Facilitator: Dr. Muriel Casamayor (she/her) earned her Doctor of Social Work (DSW) degree in 2024 and is a licensed psychotherapist in California (LMFT License #116554). Her journey in psychotherapy began in 2014 when she enrolled in the Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy program at Hope International University. Since completing her master’s degree in 2016, Dr. Casamayor has specialized in providing mental health evaluations and therapy for individuals dealing with a range of moderate to severe psychiatric disorders, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), psychotic disorders, depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. Dr. Casamayor’s expertise is centered on working with undocumented, 2SLGBTQIA+, and immigrant communities. She has developed mental health programs specifically designed to address disparities and promote equity among marginalized populations.
All groups starting in October have reached maximum capacity. Sign up here to get updates when the groups reopen.
About the Group: In this group, we will embrace our unique paths and struggles as undocumented people. We will make space to connect, support, and learn from one another through nurturing self-compassion practices. This group will be facilitated as an honest and open dialogue space to allow everyone to reflect on our individual and collective journeys as well as challenges with self-compassion. The facilitator will share and provide a space to practice various mindfulness and relaxation techniques. Join us as we work together to create a more loving and balanced life, fostering inner peace and lasting wellness.
About the Facilitator: Lina Hannigan, Ph.D. (she/her) is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice. She earned her doctorate degree at Alliant International University, specializing in health psychology. She received extensive training in primary care behavioral medicine and chronic pain management at UCSF/SFGH and Kaiser Permanente, integrating the physical and mental domains to optimize health. As a Japanese American whose parents were immigrants, Lina grew up navigating between cultures. After graduating from the University of Washington, she lived for two years in a small town in Hokkaido, Japan before going to graduate school with a commitment to serving immigrant and AAPI communities. She works to fight bias and understand cultural influences within and between people. She is proud to be a volunteer therapist and group facilitator at Immigrants Rising.
All groups starting in October have reached maximum capacity. Sign up here to get updates when the groups reopen.
About the Group: The Support Group for Undocumented Entrepreneurs offers a safe, supportive space specifically for entrepreneurs who face the unique challenges of running a business while undocumented. Our goal is to empower founders not only to navigate obstacles but to build thriving, successful businesses, demonstrating that undocumented entrepreneurs can be a powerful force in the business world. The group will meet once a week for 55-minute sessions for six weeks. Led by licensed therapists and experienced facilitators, our support group aims to foster a sense of community, resilience, and personal growth among its members.
About the Facilitators: With over 25 years of experience in psychology and human potential, Gina (she/her) guides entrepreneurs and leaders through the complexities of personal and professional growth. She worked with visionary startup founders behind ventures worth $50B and leaders managing over $300B in assets. Gina serves as an Executive Coach at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business and facilitates the Interpersonal Dynamics Course, focusing on emotional intelligence and influence. Licensed as a psychotherapist in CA, NY, and FL, her collaborative approach empowers clients to realize their full potential. In her free time, Gina enjoys singing, nature walks, and hunting for the perfect mango.
Diana (she/her) is a performance coach specializing in helping entrepreneurs and investors navigate leadership challenges. With a background in counseling psychology and real-world experience in entrepreneurial and investment spaces, she focuses on fostering transformative personal and professional growth. As an Executive Coach and Interpersonal Dynamics Facilitator at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business, Diana guides MBA students and executives to develop emotional intelligence and resilience. Outside of coaching, she serves on several nonprofit boards in San Francisco, including Telegraph Hill Neighborhood Center and Dear Community. Away from work, Diana enjoys time with her Husky, Ella.
As an Executive Coach and Interpersonal Dynamics Facilitator at Stanford University Graduate School of Business, Diana supports MBA students and executives in advancing their emotional intelligence and resilience in leadership. Beyond coaching, she is deeply committed to supporting her community. Diana serves as a Board Member at Telegraph Hill Neighborhood Center and Portsmouth Square Garage, local nonprofits in San Francisco. Additionally, Diana is an active member of the Lotus Project Professional Advisory Board and Dear Community Advisory Board, working towards expanding assistance and engaging with Asian Americans and Asian immigrants. When not working, Diana loves spending time with her Husky, Ella.
All groups starting in October have reached maximum capacity. Sign up here to get updates when the groups reopen.
About the Group: If it feels like navigating romantic relationships while undocumented adds another layer of complexity to your life, you are not alone. This group is open to any person navigating mixed status relationships and/or dating while undocumented including folks of all sexualities and gender identities. Over the course of six weeks, we will share stories about dating and partnerships, mirror and validate one another’s experiences, and build community in a safe and nonjudgmental environment. The themes discussed throughout the six weeks will be determined by the participants because you know best what support you need.
About the Facilitator: Akiah Robinson Selwa, LMFT, (she/her) is a licensed Marriage Family Therapist, and founder/president of Sunrise Therapy Center (SCT), Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling, Inc. Akiah has over 21 years of work experience as a domestic violence prevention advocate, psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, anti-trafficking abolitionist, and clinical program manager in the public health and private practice sectors. Akiah is very skilled in working with families, individuals, children, the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Persons of Color) population, domestic violence/trafficked survivors, and members of the adoption/foster care constellations. Akiah approaches treatment with cultural humility that promotes acceptance, empowerment, and creativity. Akiah has developed specializations in biblical counseling, trauma-informed therapy, Somatic-Experiencing treatment, family therapy, and play therapy.
All groups starting in October have reached maximum capacity. Sign up here to get updates when the groups reopen.
About the Group: This group is a supportive community for undocumented students navigating the complexities of higher education. In this space, members are invited to share their challenges and triumphs on their educational journey. From encountering barriers like misunderstandings in financial aid offices and limited scholarship opportunities to grappling with the isolation and weight of hiding one’s identity, this group offers understanding and solidarity. Together, we confront the burdens of perfection often placed upon undocumented students, fostering a supportive environment where individuals can find solace, share resources, and celebrate their resilience. Join us in navigating higher education with strength, creativity, and community support.
About the Facilitator: Huyen “Kiki” Vo, LCSW, (she/her) is a DACAmented Vietnamese immigrant, a licensed psychotherapist, and a mental health clinician at Stanford Medicine, Children’s Health. She has the privilege of providing services to children, adolescents, individuals, and families from diverse backgrounds (e.g. low-income, AAPI, mixed status, undocumented, BIPOC, LGBTQ, etc.) throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. She values a holistic and collaborative approach to care, utilizing a trauma-informed cultural humility and strength-based lens to promote clients’ self-determination, potential, and resilience. She honors each client’s unique history, cultural background, personality, and lived experience, and meets them where they are in their respective self-discovery/healing journey.
All groups starting in October have reached maximum capacity. Sign up here to get updates when the groups reopen.
If you’re wondering whether our Wellness Support Groups are the right fit, here is what you need to know. These groups are right for you if:
If you have any questions, please check out our Participant FAQ. If your question is not answered there, please contact our Wellness Support Group Coordinator, Dani Amador, at damador@immigrantsrising.org.
Immigrants Rising’s Educational Transitions Coaching provides undocumented students mentorship and guidance to successfully transition to their next stage in life.
Immigrants Rising Coaches are experts in working directly with undocumented students. Our coaches will work with you to achieve the goals that you identify between January and May 2022. Coaches support you through active listening, asking questions, and being fully invested in your success. They provide a safe space for you to envision and plan your next steps. Our coaches are part of a network of other undocumented folks and will be able to connect you to a supportive community as well.
Educational Transitions Coaching is for students who:
You will meet with your coach in a 1-1 video zoom call once a week to discuss your situation and empower your actions.
Your coach can support you with:
We are not currently accepting any new coaching participants.
Click here for answers to more Commonly Asked Questions.
Are you applying, re-entering or already enrolled in a California college or university? Make sure you’re getting all the funding you’re eligible for and the support you need with these helpful resources designed for undocumented individuals pursuing an undergraduate degree.
CA DREAM ACT MAP
Navigate the process of applying for financial aid with this helpful tool.
CA DREAM ACT AND CAL GRANT APPLICATION CHECKLISTS
Review these checklists to ensure that you’ve completed the necessary steps to be considered for all state financial aid, including the Cal Grant and Middle-Class Scholarship.
APPLYING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS
Explore these online databases of scholarships that don’t require proof of citizenship.
Inclusion & Change Group, Scholar, Staff
"I march in gratitude for educators like Rosa Maria, my ESL teacher from Costa Rica, whom I met in Los Angeles when I was 17," said Marithza. "Her classroom was the only safe place that I had; it was the only place where I felt heard and seen. I left Rosa Maria’s class a year later with a new language, a new community and a commitment to my education."
Inclusion & Change Group
"What happens when you can't pursue your dreams in the U.S.? Meet David Cruz Hernandez who moved to England in 2016 to pursue his scientific career."
High School Engagement, Inclusion & Change Group, Program Participant
"I remember thinking, ‘Wow, I can go to college.'"
Inclusion & Change Group, Scholar
"I am not defined by my immigration status. I am a human being with dreams and goals."
