Alumni Spotlight: From MIMS to Human Rights First

Tell us about your time in MIMS.

My time at MIMS was full of learning and growth, both inside and outside of the classroom. I was given the freedom to explore migration from many different perspectives and gained experiences that allowed me to use what I learned in the real world. In my time at MIMS, I was able to live in Mexico City, work with migrants in the Dominican Republic and study humanitarian emergency management in Rome. I took Immigration Law at the USF School of Law and collaborated with other young professionals through the United Nations Association. I felt that I was able to cater my MIMS experience to my interests, which were ever-evolving over the course of the program.

What is unique about MIMS that inspired you to join and how did the program prepare you for your future career path?

I was inspired to join MIMS because migration was a topic that interested me, and I didn’t see many other programs that allowed me to specialize in migration specifically. Through MIMS, I felt fully prepared to not only understand the academic side of migration, but to be able to use that knowledge in a way that was helpful to migrants now. Migration was, and continues to be, an important international issue. I feel that MIMS prepares students to understand this issue and make real change.

What is one of your fondest memories while at USF?

One of my fondest memories was the 6 months I spent living in Mexico City, Mexico through MIMS. I was able to continue my master’s degree with the amazing professors at Universidad Iberoamerica and gain an international perspective on migration. While there, I volunteered at a shelter for unaccompanied minors, which was as challenging as it was rewarding.

What are you up to now?

I work at Human Rights First in Washington, D.C. in their Refugee Representation department. I love being able to do legal representation work with refugees as part of a larger human rights-oriented organization.

What advice would you give to current MIMS students?

There are a lot of different ways you can use your MIMS degree. Once you decide what you want from your career, find someone who is doing something similar and ask them how they got there. It has been incredibly useful to me to receive advice and connections from people I admire. Also, take any opportunity that comes your way. It may not seem like something you are interested in at the time, but the experience and connections that you gain can help you to get the opportunities that you want later on.