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. Click here to register and join a support group.
Note: Though participation can be therapeutic, the groups are not a form of therapy.
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.
About the Group: This group is a supportive community for UndocuEducators* navigating complex professional journeys. In this space, participants are invited to share their challenges and triumphs on their professional and personal journeys. We hope this space can help all participants grapple with the isolation and weight of being undocumented in education and ultimately foster a community space for understanding and solidarity. Together, we confront the burdens often placed upon UndocuEducators, fostering a supportive environment where individuals can find solace, share resources, and celebrate their resilience. Join us as we navigate working in education with strength, creativity, and community support.
*UndocuEducators are undocumented professionals who work in educational institutions, including K-12 and higher education, and college access organizations. It includes those with DACA, TPS, or are in the process of adjusting their immigration status.
About the Facilitator: Huyen “Kiki” Vo, LCSW, (she/her) is a 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.
About the Group: Navigating life in the U.S. can be difficult when holding intersecting identities of being an LGBTQIA+ person of color who’s also undocumented. The UndocuLGBTQ+ Support Group is open to all individuals who are LGBTQIA+ seeking a safe space. Regardless of how you explore and express your LGBTQIA+ identity, this support group is created so you can show up as your authentic self and share personal experiences, discuss relevant issues, and build community in a safe and non-judgmental environment with other undocumented LGBTQIA+ individuals. In the spirit of community, participants will determine what themes will be discussed over the six weeks.
About the Facilitator: Jose Perez, LMFT (he/him/el), is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in the San Francisco Bay Area. He has the privilege of leading the mental health department at Samaritan House in San Mateo, where he works to expand access to mental health services for uninsured immigrants. In addition, Jose maintains a private practice specializing in immigrant mental health, with a focus on trauma, depression, anxiety, and acculturation challenges. As a proud gay man, Jose is deeply committed to creating inclusive, affirming spaces for individuals from all backgrounds. Jose takes a collaborative, strength-based approach to care, helping clients cultivate resilience, self-actualization, and healing. In his spare time, Jose is completing his Psy.D. in clinical psychology and enjoys hiking and exploring new foods and eateries.
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, founder and president of Sunrise Therapy Center (STC), and President of the Los Angeles Chapter of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. Akiah has over 24 years of work experience as a domestic violence prevention advocate, psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, anti-trafficking abolitionist, social justice activist, and clinical program manager in the public health and private practice sectors with various client populations. Akiah approaches treatment with cultural humility, promoting hospitality, empowerment, and creativity. Akiah is a certified SoulCollage(r) facilitator, a Somatic Experiencing practitioner trainee (Adv II), and a mixed media artist. Akiah’s motto for 2024 is, “Let’s rise from a place of rest.”
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: Mayra Almanza, LMFT (she/her) is a formerly undocumented Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist living in Southern California. She has worked in the non-profit mental health sector for over 10 years in various roles ranging from administrative coordination to clinical work and supervision. Her lived experiences guide the way she engages clients in therapy. Mayra’s commitment to providing mental health services that are equitable, accessible, and affordable led to the creation of her business, Contigo Counseling Inc., which is focused on serving the undocumented community.
About the Group: The support of sisters is unique and nourishing. This group is open to all undocuwomen seeking a space for sharing and connection in times of uncertainty. Exploring an intersectional identity can lead us to learn new coping skills and strategies from one another as we examine the impact of our multiple identities. The themes we’ll explore in this group will be determined by the first session—because you know your support needs best. We will come as we are, share what we know, and celebrate one another’s successes.
About the Facilitator: Dra. Nancy Rodriguez (she/her/ella) is a licensed bilingual, DACAmented psychologist and the founder of Healing Corazones Psychotherapy. She is dedicated to supporting BIPOC professionals navigating bicultural identities, striving to uplift their communities while breaking generational patterns that no longer serve them.
She founded her practice as a sanctuary for BIPOC individuals to unpack and heal from systemic oppression, intergenerational trauma, and racial trauma. Her approach is rooted in healing justice, centering decolonized psychotherapy to help clients reclaim their narratives and thrive on their own terms.
Beyond her clinical work, Dra. Rodriguez is passionate about fostering community. She hosts networking events for Latinx students pursuing higher education and early career Latinx professionals, creating spaces for connection, visibility, and support. Through these gatherings, she strives to cultivate a safe and empowering environment where womxn and femmes can share their experiences as BIWOC navigating institutions and spaces not built for them.
Dra. Rodriguez is committed to fostering healing, resilience, and liberation—both in the therapy room and the broader community.
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: Dra. Muriel Casamayor, DSW, LMFT (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.
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: Mayra Almanza, LMFT (she/her) is a formerly undocumented Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist living in Southern California. She has worked in the non-profit mental health sector for over 10 years in various roles ranging from administrative coordination to clinical work and supervision. Her lived experiences guide the way she engages clients in therapy. Mayra’s commitment to providing mental health services that are equitable, accessible, and affordable led to the creation of her business, Contigo Counseling Inc., which is focused on serving the undocumented community.
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 [email protected].
Akiah Robinson, LMFT |
Jose Perez, LMFT |
Kiki Vo, LCSW |
Kissu Taffere, LCSW |
Mayra Almanza, LMFT |
Dra. Muriel Casamayor, DSW, LMFT |
Dra. Nancy Rodriguez |
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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.
California state laws and policies protect access to public higher education for students who are undocumented—including students without DACA, TPS, or other forms of temporary status. Whether you are just beginning to explore your options after completing high school or your GED, currently enrolled in a California college or university, or newly seeing higher education as a possibility, our resources are here to support your academic journey.
Being AB 540-eligible is often the first step in accessing in-state tuition rates, state-based financial aid, and some private scholarships for undocumented students. Learn about what AB 540 is and how you can meet the requirements or take steps to build eligibility if you’re not yet qualified.
Understand the process, timeline, and steps to apply to the CA Dream Act Application (CADAA), the state financial aid application for undocumented students. Financial aid has three general areas available for eligible undocumented students: grants, scholarships, and loans. You don’t have to pay back grants and scholarships, but you do have to pay back loans. Remember, you have the agency to seek support and choose what you accept as part of your school’s financial aid package.
Get resources to support you in all parts of your educational journey. Access additional materials on CA in-state tuition, financial aid, and campus support. Find opportunities to tend to your mental health, kickstart your entrepreneurship journey, and support your career goals.
Learn about your immigration options by connecting with reliable legal support. Get tips and resources to find trustworthy providers across California. Understand the free legal resources available to you if you’re attending a CA Community College (CCC), CA State University (CSU), or University of California (UC) institution.
Understand your rights, including the policies that protect the information you share on your financial aid application (CADAA). Remember and review your constitutional rights when interacting with immigration agents or local police (on- and off- campus) authorities or participating in protests.
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If you are an UndocuEducator or an ally, sign up for our UndocuDigest for Higher Education. |
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."
