I received a Bachelor’s in Political Science from CSU Bakersfield and Master of Public Policy at UC Riverside in Spring 2020. I chose Race and Immigration as my concentration as these two areas have had a great impact in my life and those around me. My other interests include public opinion, race and ethnic politics, and I have been pulled towards spatial analysis during my time in the MPP.

I was born and raised in Morelia (Mexico). My parents decided that it would be better to leave Mexico in order to be together as my dad used to go back and forth since 1989 because of his seasonal job in agriculture. My parents wanted a better life for my brother and I away from the growing violence that was increasing in Mexico. We were fortunate enough to immigrate to the U.S in 2006 after a failed attempt in getting a visa in 1996.

Being an immigrant gives you a different perspective on issues that non-immigrants don’t face. Being witness to the injustices that immigrants face every day really made me want to become an advocate for immigrant rights in one way or another (organizing, researching, etc). The moment I realized that I wanted to work on immigration-related issues was on the 2016 Election Day. I had never seen my dad worried as much as he was that night. I remember thinking that no one should feel scared or worried, but this was the new reality we had to adapt to.  At the time, I was a student at CSU Bakersfield and they had put on a panel of immigration lawyers who were going around the Central Valley providing  “Know Your Rights” workshops. This reinforced my goal to become an advocate for immigrant rights and minority issues. 

My role at CSI mainly consists of conducting interviews with local partners for our State of the Inland Empire Report series and for Census related activities. I also assist on other projects as needed. I am currently working on a survey and interview instruments related to the Government response to COVID.

The work that organizations like CIPC, IC4IJ, CCAEJ, Immigrant Defenders Law Center, among others, inspires me and gives me hope that there are individuals and organizations out there fighting to stop injustices. Especially during this difficult time we find ourselves in, it is always encouraging seeing all these organizations doing this type of work. Smaller organizations that can extend their work are an inspiration to other organizations and for individuals who are seeking to fight injustices.  The MPP program has provided resourceful skills and has helped me be more aware of salient issues related to immigration policy.  Once I graduate I plan on becoming more involved in the community in order to be able to help immigrants, minorities, and other vulnerable populations.