Alumni Spotlight: Immigrant and Refugee Rights in Denver

Tell us about your time in MIMS.

I loved my time at MIMS. I was working full time in the USF law school while I was in MIMS so I was very busy but I loved everything I was doing, so it was a very fulfilling time in my life. I have loved learning since I was a young child. Higher education was always my dream but my immigration status became a big obstacle for me when I was transitioning out of high school. Thankfully, I made it through college so just being in graduate school felt my ultimate dream come true. I was very grateful and proud to be in the first cohort 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?

There are still very few Migration Studies graduate programs so MIMS was already a unique program in that regard, but the thing that inspired me to join this program was the opportunity to spend a semester in Mexico City. Migration, by definition, implicates at least two countries so the transnational aspect of the program felt extremely valuable. Taking courses at Universidad Iberoamericana was the highlight of my time at MIMS. The program prepared me in many ways for my career path, but one of the most useful experiences was my independent research experience in Mexico and the process of writing a thesis. I have repeatedly used the research and writing skills that I developed and sharpened at MIMS in my jobs after the program.

What is one of your fondest memories while at USF?

One of my fondest memories of my time in MIMS was riding the Ibero bus back into the city after evening classes at Ibero. Traffic was often pretty bad so there was ample time to build relationships with classmates. I connected with several of the Ibero students and made lifelong friends on the long bus rides back from class.

What are you up to now?

I’m currently working for the City and County of Denver, Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (DOIRA). As part of the Agency for Human Rights and Community Partnerships, DOIRA promotes the well-being of immigrant and refugee residents in Denver. We advance their meaningful integration into Denver’s vibrant civic, economic and cultural life through programs, policy, and partnerships. I joined the office last November as the Cities for Action Regional Coordinator. Cities for Action (C4A) is a national coalition of cities and counties advocating for immigrant inclusive localities. C4A staff provide members with technical assistance and best practice guidance on municipal policies and programs that advance the rights and wellbeing of immigrants and refugees. I oversee member relations and have been responsible for leading our recruitment strategy. Prior to the pandemic, this involved traveling regionally to build relationships with local leaders. I also support the development and implementation of national advocacy campaigns centered on emergent immigration policy. For example, we are just wrapping up our Cities for DACA campaign, a multi-pronged campaign aimed at uplifting the stories and contributions of DACA recipients in cities.

What advice would you give to current MIMS students?

Trust the process. Things may not be exactly how you think they should be, but that is part of the learning too. Take what you can from every class and experience that comes at you and have fun!