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The Brave House team consists primarily of interns and volunteers, who we proudly highlight below, as well as a small full-time staff of 4 who lead the day-to-day legal/holistic service provision and programming.
We appreciate the time and energy of all our team members who leverage their unique professional/educational experiences and diverse perspectives to strengthen our mission every day. We are proud of our collaborative, community-based approach to making an impact. Read our DEI Statement here. Support our mission here. |
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Meet our Team. |
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LAUREN
Founder & Executive Director |
TENZIN
App Navigator |
LEORA
Youth Advocate & Avodah Fellow |
SHIYULLI
Mentorship Coordinator |
JOY
Community Advocate |
MABEL
Program Manager |
DANNEY
Pro Bono Attorney |
ERIKA
Outreach Director |
JESSIE
Mentorship Coordinator |
LAURA
Paralegal Intern |
DANA
Paralegal Intern |
ANASTASIA
App Resource Specialist |
KARLA
Brave House Ambassador |
AVISHA
Data Analysis Intern |
FATOU
Youth Advocacy Intern |
GLORIA
Youth Advocacy Intern |
MCKENNA
Growth Intern |
NEHA
English School Intern |
VICTORIA
English School Intern |
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Board of Directors.
PRIYA
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MIKELINA
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LORETTA
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EMILY
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RACHEL
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KARELLE
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SUMITA
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ANA MARIA
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Brave House Culture Manifesto.
During spring 2022, our team members collaborated to create a document that highlights the values and ethos of the Brave House.
Click here to check out our Brave House Culture Manifesto.
Click here to check out our Brave House Culture Manifesto.
Lauren BlodgettFounder & Executive Director.
Job. Immigration Attorney and Executive Director at The Brave House Home. Brooklyn, NY Pronouns. She/ her/ hers What “Brave” means to you. Having hope, finding joy, and spreading love, despite the fear, pain and obstacles that you encounter. |
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Biography.
Lauren Blodgett is an immigration attorney and the founder and Executive Director of the Brave House. Lauren was honored on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for Law and Policy for her innovative approach to protecting human rights in a holistic and joyful way. She has been featured in the New York Times, Glamour Magazine, and NASDAQ on issues concerning women’s rights and immigration. Lauren graduated cum laude from Harvard Law School, where she served on the board of the Harvard Immigration Project and worked in non-profits in Morocco, Thailand, Jordan, Tanzania and Cambodia. Before law school, Lauren was a Fulbright scholar in Austria, and worked at a refugee center in South Africa. Originally from Boston, Lauren graduated summa cum laude from Boston College with a double major in Political Science and German. Lauren's hobbies include roller-disco, running, dancing, reading, and meditation.
Lauren Blodgett is an immigration attorney and the founder and Executive Director of the Brave House. Lauren was honored on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for Law and Policy for her innovative approach to protecting human rights in a holistic and joyful way. She has been featured in the New York Times, Glamour Magazine, and NASDAQ on issues concerning women’s rights and immigration. Lauren graduated cum laude from Harvard Law School, where she served on the board of the Harvard Immigration Project and worked in non-profits in Morocco, Thailand, Jordan, Tanzania and Cambodia. Before law school, Lauren was a Fulbright scholar in Austria, and worked at a refugee center in South Africa. Originally from Boston, Lauren graduated summa cum laude from Boston College with a double major in Political Science and German. Lauren's hobbies include roller-disco, running, dancing, reading, and meditation.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did you/your family immigrate from?
Portugal and Ireland |
Tenzin Choeyang
App Navigator.
Home. Queens, NY Pronouns. She/ her/ hers What “Brave” means to you. Being able to speak your mind. |
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Biography.
I was born and raised in India. I am of Tibetan descent. I speak Tibetan, Hindi and English. I went to St. Lawrence University to study Economics and currently work in finance. My passion includes educating people on financial literacy and creating space for Tibetan Americans to speak about their experiences through Positionality podcast.
I was born and raised in India. I am of Tibetan descent. I speak Tibetan, Hindi and English. I went to St. Lawrence University to study Economics and currently work in finance. My passion includes educating people on financial literacy and creating space for Tibetan Americans to speak about their experiences through Positionality podcast.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did you/your family immigrate from?
India |
Leora Sammett
Youth Advocate and Avodah Fellow.
Home. Boston, MA Pronouns. She/ her/ hers What “Brave” means to you. Brave means returning to internal sources of power and resiliency, despite all that may try to diminish such sources. It means the ability to overcome. |
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Biography.
Leora graduated from Franklin & Marshall College in the spring of 2022 where she studied Sociology and Spanish, with a focus in Latin American Studies. She is passionate about adventuring, trying new food, spending time by the ocean, dancing, as well as connecting meaningfully with new people. Leora has experience supporting and advocating for immigrant communities in both Boston and Lancaster, PA, and now she is thrilled to be working with such vibrant communities in NYC!
Leora graduated from Franklin & Marshall College in the spring of 2022 where she studied Sociology and Spanish, with a focus in Latin American Studies. She is passionate about adventuring, trying new food, spending time by the ocean, dancing, as well as connecting meaningfully with new people. Leora has experience supporting and advocating for immigrant communities in both Boston and Lancaster, PA, and now she is thrilled to be working with such vibrant communities in NYC!
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did you/your family immigrate from?
Guatemala |
Shiyulli SuriyakumarMentorship Advisor.
Job. Client Solutions Partner at ClassPass Home. Brooklyn, NY What “Brave” means to you. Speaking up for yourself and others (especially when it’s uncomfortable or unpopular); not letting trauma or obstacles define you; bringing kindness, humility, and tenacity to everything you do. |
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Biography.
Shiyulli currently works for ClassPass, a fitness and wellness membership that allows you to book thousands of fitness classes, gym services, and wellness services all over the world through one easy app. She partners with large companies to bring a custom ClassPass membership to their employees. Previously she worked at Taproot Foundation, a nonprofit that builds the capacity of other social change organizations, where she worked with multinational companies to design and scale high-impact skill-based volunteering programs. Shiyulli also sits on the Junior Board of Hour Children, a New York-based nonprofit providing wraparound services for women re-entering society and reuniting with their families after incarceration. When she’s not at work, you can find her rock climbing with friends in the Shawgunks, tinkering in her kitchen, or buried in a great book.
Shiyulli currently works for ClassPass, a fitness and wellness membership that allows you to book thousands of fitness classes, gym services, and wellness services all over the world through one easy app. She partners with large companies to bring a custom ClassPass membership to their employees. Previously she worked at Taproot Foundation, a nonprofit that builds the capacity of other social change organizations, where she worked with multinational companies to design and scale high-impact skill-based volunteering programs. Shiyulli also sits on the Junior Board of Hour Children, a New York-based nonprofit providing wraparound services for women re-entering society and reuniting with their families after incarceration. When she’s not at work, you can find her rock climbing with friends in the Shawgunks, tinkering in her kitchen, or buried in a great book.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did you/your family immigrate from?
Sri Lanka |
Joy DumasCommunity Advocate.
Home. Yakima, Washington Pronouns. She/ her/ hers What “Brave” means to you. Daring to follow your gut, with the willingness to make mistakes |
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Biography.
Joy graduated in May of 2022 with a Bachelor's degree in Hispanic Studies and Human Rights from Columbia University. Before working at The Brave House, Joy spent her school years on campus in New York City, and spent her summers working in various industries in her home of Yakima, Washington. In March of 2020, Joy and other young locals developed a mutual aid network called Yakima Community Aid. YCA continues to provide food, hygiene supplies, and other requests to folks on the streets of Yakima. Joy loves her neighborhood of Hamilton Heights and enjoys spending time in the public parks of Harlem. Joy has never traveled to a Spanish-speaking country but dreams of visiting Mexico City.
Joy graduated in May of 2022 with a Bachelor's degree in Hispanic Studies and Human Rights from Columbia University. Before working at The Brave House, Joy spent her school years on campus in New York City, and spent her summers working in various industries in her home of Yakima, Washington. In March of 2020, Joy and other young locals developed a mutual aid network called Yakima Community Aid. YCA continues to provide food, hygiene supplies, and other requests to folks on the streets of Yakima. Joy loves her neighborhood of Hamilton Heights and enjoys spending time in the public parks of Harlem. Joy has never traveled to a Spanish-speaking country but dreams of visiting Mexico City.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Mabel SmithProgram Manager.
Home. Berkeley, CA Pronouns. she/her What “Brave” means to you. Being curious about and embracing the outside of your comfort zone. |
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Biography.
Mabel grew up in Berkeley, California, and is a recent graduate of Columbia University with a major in Economics. Through years of work experience in the nonprofit sector, construction, and the service industry, she has explored curiosities about workers rights, arts, abolition democracy, immigration, and human rights. Mabel has worked in research and teaching in Columbia’s Labor Economics Department, interned in the Venture & Fellowship Sector at Ashoka Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, interned for Education for Sharing, and worked as a Research Assistant for Art Resistance Through Education (ARTE) in partnership with Columbia’s Initiative for a Just Society. In these roles, her appreciation for community building and community care has continued to grow. She plays the trombone and makes art in her free time.
Mabel grew up in Berkeley, California, and is a recent graduate of Columbia University with a major in Economics. Through years of work experience in the nonprofit sector, construction, and the service industry, she has explored curiosities about workers rights, arts, abolition democracy, immigration, and human rights. Mabel has worked in research and teaching in Columbia’s Labor Economics Department, interned in the Venture & Fellowship Sector at Ashoka Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, interned for Education for Sharing, and worked as a Research Assistant for Art Resistance Through Education (ARTE) in partnership with Columbia’s Initiative for a Just Society. In these roles, her appreciation for community building and community care has continued to grow. She plays the trombone and makes art in her free time.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did you/your family immigrate from?
Greece & Sweden |
Danney Salvatierra
Pro Bono Attorney.
Home. New York, NY Pronouns. she/her/hers What "Brave" means to you. Being brave means having the courage to follow your heart. To be human is to be brave. |
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Biography.
Danney Salvatierra was born in Peru and immigrated to the United States with her family at the age of 13. Danney completed her undergraduate studies in Political Science and Global Media Communication at Florida International University. Specialized fields of study include: political repression and human rights, international relations, Latin America foreign policy, and global economic and social affairs. Danney also utilized her communications degree to explore the field of public relations and marketing. She worked as a public relations specialist for an art company located in Wynwood, Miami. After spending a year working with artists and curators, she found a true passion for visual arts, film, photography, poetry, and storytelling. These art forms remain her favorite hobbies.
Prior to law school, she traveled as a volunteer to rural areas in Latin America to work on sanitation and education projects for underdeveloped communities. She received her law degree from New York Law School. During her law school career, Danney was actively involved with the Latin American Law Students Association (LALSA) and the Immigration Law Students Association (ILSA). She worked as a legal intern for human rights organizations such as Church World Service and Human Rights First. In that capacity, she has advocated for immigrant children, families, and refugee communities. She also participated in New York Law School’s asylum clinic, where she helped a couple obtain asylum in the United States after facing years of persecution in their home country due to their sexuality. Since graduating law school, Danney has provided legal representation to vulnerable communities during her time working as a staff attorney at African Services Committee and Make The Road NY in the areas of affirmative and defensive immigration matters, landlord/tenant, family, public benefits, and advanced directives.
Today, Danney is a contract immigration attorney for The Brave House. She is also working on employment based immigrant visas for U.S. based companies, specifically restaurants (freelance).
Spanish is Danney’s first language. She loves to learn new languages. She is currently trying to learn French and Dutch!
Danney Salvatierra was born in Peru and immigrated to the United States with her family at the age of 13. Danney completed her undergraduate studies in Political Science and Global Media Communication at Florida International University. Specialized fields of study include: political repression and human rights, international relations, Latin America foreign policy, and global economic and social affairs. Danney also utilized her communications degree to explore the field of public relations and marketing. She worked as a public relations specialist for an art company located in Wynwood, Miami. After spending a year working with artists and curators, she found a true passion for visual arts, film, photography, poetry, and storytelling. These art forms remain her favorite hobbies.
Prior to law school, she traveled as a volunteer to rural areas in Latin America to work on sanitation and education projects for underdeveloped communities. She received her law degree from New York Law School. During her law school career, Danney was actively involved with the Latin American Law Students Association (LALSA) and the Immigration Law Students Association (ILSA). She worked as a legal intern for human rights organizations such as Church World Service and Human Rights First. In that capacity, she has advocated for immigrant children, families, and refugee communities. She also participated in New York Law School’s asylum clinic, where she helped a couple obtain asylum in the United States after facing years of persecution in their home country due to their sexuality. Since graduating law school, Danney has provided legal representation to vulnerable communities during her time working as a staff attorney at African Services Committee and Make The Road NY in the areas of affirmative and defensive immigration matters, landlord/tenant, family, public benefits, and advanced directives.
Today, Danney is a contract immigration attorney for The Brave House. She is also working on employment based immigrant visas for U.S. based companies, specifically restaurants (freelance).
Spanish is Danney’s first language. She loves to learn new languages. She is currently trying to learn French and Dutch!
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did you/your family immigrate from?
Peru |
Erika GamaOutreach Director.
Home. Mexico City, MX Pronouns. She/ her/ hers What "Brave" means to you. Acting with empathy and being relentlessly optimistic. |
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Biography.
Erika graduated with a bachelor’s in International Relations from Universidad Anáhuac in Mexico City in 2021. She is passionate about advancing social justice through gender-focused and youth-led solutions and has interned for Ashoka and the Mexican Council of Foreign Affairs. Erika also loves to watch basketball and can often be found reading (and heavily underlining) books.
Erika graduated with a bachelor’s in International Relations from Universidad Anáhuac in Mexico City in 2021. She is passionate about advancing social justice through gender-focused and youth-led solutions and has interned for Ashoka and the Mexican Council of Foreign Affairs. Erika also loves to watch basketball and can often be found reading (and heavily underlining) books.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Jessie HimelMentorship Coordinator.
Home. Manhattan, NY Pronouns. He/ him/ his What "Brave" means to you. Brave means feeling the fear, and doing what you’re afraid of anyway. |
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Biography.
I was born and raised in Manhattan. I recently graduated from NYU where I majored in Sociology and minored in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Studies. By way of background, I interned for 18 months with “Safe Passage Project,” a non-profit legal organization that provides free counsel and support to immigrant children facing deportation. I also help Wizard World, a national science-fiction/pop culture convention tour, to research and facilitate the donation of used graphic novels/books to local non-profit organizations. To date, I have successfully organized the donation of over 2,500 books/graphic novels to different non-profit organizations around the country. As for future goals, I plan to attend law school and pursue immigration law in the next few years. I am passionate about ethics. Specifically, as part of my independent study this semester at NYU, I researched and designed a semester-long middle school curriculum to teach students normative ethics through superhero comics. The curriculum includes robust lesson plans, discussion points, projects and readings. In my free time, I like to run around the reservoir, rollerblade around central park, take my dog for walks around the city, read comics and hang out with my friends.
I was born and raised in Manhattan. I recently graduated from NYU where I majored in Sociology and minored in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Studies. By way of background, I interned for 18 months with “Safe Passage Project,” a non-profit legal organization that provides free counsel and support to immigrant children facing deportation. I also help Wizard World, a national science-fiction/pop culture convention tour, to research and facilitate the donation of used graphic novels/books to local non-profit organizations. To date, I have successfully organized the donation of over 2,500 books/graphic novels to different non-profit organizations around the country. As for future goals, I plan to attend law school and pursue immigration law in the next few years. I am passionate about ethics. Specifically, as part of my independent study this semester at NYU, I researched and designed a semester-long middle school curriculum to teach students normative ethics through superhero comics. The curriculum includes robust lesson plans, discussion points, projects and readings. In my free time, I like to run around the reservoir, rollerblade around central park, take my dog for walks around the city, read comics and hang out with my friends.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did you/your family immigrate from?
Ireland, Hungary, Poland and Germany |
Laura RomeroYouth Advocacy Coordinator.
Home. Los Angeles, CA Pronouns. she/her/hers What "Brave" means to you. To be brave means to allow yourself the opportunity to experience challenges. You are your first and most important advocate, and you are capable of advocating for a life that will encourage growth, empowerment, and fulfillment. |
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Biography.
Laura was born in Boston, but moved to Los Angeles when she was two years old. She is now a second year student at Columbia University studying political science and human rights. She's always been passionate about women's rights, representation, menstrual equity, educational equity, and immigration. Laura identifies as first generation, and is proud of how this identity has helped shape her passions. She hopes to study immigration law after college. Laura also loves to sing, read, and run. Laura hopes, through her work as a student and individual, that she can encourage others who look like her to take over spaces they rightfully deserve.
Laura was born in Boston, but moved to Los Angeles when she was two years old. She is now a second year student at Columbia University studying political science and human rights. She's always been passionate about women's rights, representation, menstrual equity, educational equity, and immigration. Laura identifies as first generation, and is proud of how this identity has helped shape her passions. She hopes to study immigration law after college. Laura also loves to sing, read, and run. Laura hopes, through her work as a student and individual, that she can encourage others who look like her to take over spaces they rightfully deserve.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did you/your family immigrate from?
El Salvador <3 |
Dana MolinaYouth Advocacy Specialist.
Home. Sarasota, Florida Pronouns. she/her What "Brave" means to you. To be Brave is to face what is most difficult, and through this, embracing our fears. |
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Biography.
Dana is a student at Barnard College who aspires to study law. She loves to read, exercise, and spend time with family and friends. She is excited to be part of The Brave House and create life-long connections.
Dana is a student at Barnard College who aspires to study law. She loves to read, exercise, and spend time with family and friends. She is excited to be part of The Brave House and create life-long connections.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did you/your family immigrate from?
My family immigrated from Argentina! |
Anastasia Tamboer
Resource Specialist.
Home. Amsterdam, the Netherlands Pronouns. She/ her What “Brave” means to you. Being comfortable with vulnerability and living your life authentically |
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Biography.
Grew up in the Netherlands with a Dutch dad and an American mom, which allowed me to have a global upbringing. Currently, I am a senior at NYU Gallatin studying Social Entrepreneurship. Spent time volunteering in a refugee camp in Greece which sparked my passion for working with women to encourage them to achieve what they want in their life. Very excited to intern with the Brave House because of the awesome team and members :)
Grew up in the Netherlands with a Dutch dad and an American mom, which allowed me to have a global upbringing. Currently, I am a senior at NYU Gallatin studying Social Entrepreneurship. Spent time volunteering in a refugee camp in Greece which sparked my passion for working with women to encourage them to achieve what they want in their life. Very excited to intern with the Brave House because of the awesome team and members :)
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did you/your family immigrate from?
The Netherlands |
Priya Ramanathan
Home. Brooklyn, NY
Job. VP of Government & Workforce Partnerships at General Assembly Pronouns. She/ her/ hers What “Brave” means to you. Being brave means not letting things scare you from achieving your dreams or supporting the dreams of others. |
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Biography.
Priya is the VP of Government & Workforce Partnerships at General Assembly, a global pioneer in digital skills education that is committed to building accessible pathways meaningful careers in technology. Priya was formerly the VP of Growth & Strategy at Per Scholas, a national tech training organization that provides no-cost technology training to adults from communities that are often underserved, connecting them to careers in technology. In her more than 12 years working in both the public and private sector, she believes nontraditional educational options that are focused on skills of the future will remove barriers to economic prosperity for diverse talent that still remains grossly underrepresented in so many companies across the world.
She received her BA at the George Washington University in Washington, DC and her MS in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA. Priya and her family immigrated to the US from India when she was five years old.
Priya is the VP of Government & Workforce Partnerships at General Assembly, a global pioneer in digital skills education that is committed to building accessible pathways meaningful careers in technology. Priya was formerly the VP of Growth & Strategy at Per Scholas, a national tech training organization that provides no-cost technology training to adults from communities that are often underserved, connecting them to careers in technology. In her more than 12 years working in both the public and private sector, she believes nontraditional educational options that are focused on skills of the future will remove barriers to economic prosperity for diverse talent that still remains grossly underrepresented in so many companies across the world.
She received her BA at the George Washington University in Washington, DC and her MS in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA. Priya and her family immigrated to the US from India when she was five years old.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did you/your family immigrate from?
India |
Mikelina Belaineh
Member of the Board of Directors.
Job. Director of Impact, Last Prisoner Project Home. Brooklyn, NY. What “Brave” means to you. To be your most authentic self when the world tells you to be something or someone else. |
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Biography.
Mikelina has spent their carer exploring how to facilitate community regeneration and empowerment in marginalized communities. Their work has focused on examining the disparate impact of the criminal legal on black and brown communities, and working with various stakeholders (impacted community, advocates, government decision makers, and experts) to explore innovative solutions. Previously, Mikelina served as the Chief Program Officer for the nonprofit social enterprise InnerCity Weightlifting, a street violence reduction program serving street and gang-involved young adults by connecting them with new resources, networks, and opportunities. They now support the organization's work in an advisory role.
Mikelina became interested in social justice issues in college, where they spent their four years organizing around LGBTQ issues in rural parts of Texas. In law school, they narrowed their focus to issues around criminal justice, recognizing it as a system that has implications for all areas of social justice, and therefore an opportunity to facilitate great impact. Mikelina holds a JD from Harvard Law School, where they served as co-president on the board of Lambda and co-founded the Queer and Trans People of Color student organization. Mikelina also has a BA with honors from the Texas A&M University. Mikelina was born and raised in Arlington, TX, where their family and community settled after immigrating from Ethiopia.
Mikelina has spent their carer exploring how to facilitate community regeneration and empowerment in marginalized communities. Their work has focused on examining the disparate impact of the criminal legal on black and brown communities, and working with various stakeholders (impacted community, advocates, government decision makers, and experts) to explore innovative solutions. Previously, Mikelina served as the Chief Program Officer for the nonprofit social enterprise InnerCity Weightlifting, a street violence reduction program serving street and gang-involved young adults by connecting them with new resources, networks, and opportunities. They now support the organization's work in an advisory role.
Mikelina became interested in social justice issues in college, where they spent their four years organizing around LGBTQ issues in rural parts of Texas. In law school, they narrowed their focus to issues around criminal justice, recognizing it as a system that has implications for all areas of social justice, and therefore an opportunity to facilitate great impact. Mikelina holds a JD from Harvard Law School, where they served as co-president on the board of Lambda and co-founded the Queer and Trans People of Color student organization. Mikelina also has a BA with honors from the Texas A&M University. Mikelina was born and raised in Arlington, TX, where their family and community settled after immigrating from Ethiopia.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did you/your family immigrate from?
Ethiopia and Eritrea |
Loretta Lopez Carstensen
Member of the Board of Directors.
Job. Social Worker, Violence Intervention Program Home. Brooklyn, NY What “Brave” means to you. Listening to the voices of the unheard and recognizing that they have stories to tell. |
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Biography.
Loretta was born and raised in Guadalajara, Mexico. She immigrated to NY at 18 to study Creative Writing at Bard College. Since then she has lived in Texas, Vietnam, and Queens, NY, her current home. She is a writer, aspiring illustrator, and a non-profit professional focused on bettering the lives of refugees and survivors of gender based violence. She's currently a graduate student on the clinical track at Columbia's School of Social Work
Loretta was born and raised in Guadalajara, Mexico. She immigrated to NY at 18 to study Creative Writing at Bard College. Since then she has lived in Texas, Vietnam, and Queens, NY, her current home. She is a writer, aspiring illustrator, and a non-profit professional focused on bettering the lives of refugees and survivors of gender based violence. She's currently a graduate student on the clinical track at Columbia's School of Social Work
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did you/your family immigrate from?
Mexico |
Emily Nash
Member of the Board of Directors.
Job. Associate, Foley Hoag LLP Home. Boston, MA What “Brave” means to you. Trusting yourself and your inner strength to carry you forward--in your principles, choices, words, and actions--despite whatever pressure you face to do the opposite. |
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Biography.
Emily is an associate at Foley Hoag LLP in Boston, where she works in litigation and labor and employment, and a pro bono practice including civil rights litigation and immigration. She received her JD from Harvard Law School in 2016, after which she clerked for the Honorable Denise J. Casper, in the U.S. District Court for District of Massachusetts.
Emily grew up in Armonk, NY, and she received her BA in sociology from NYU in 2011. Emily's experience working with nonprofit organizations began in college, when she spent a semester as an intern at Amnesty International USA. After graduating, she spent a year teaching English to children in Metz, France, after which she worked as a project manager at Innovative Philanthropy, providing development consulting and assistance--largely through grant review and major fundraising event planning--to nonprofits and foundations in New York City.
Emily is an associate at Foley Hoag LLP in Boston, where she works in litigation and labor and employment, and a pro bono practice including civil rights litigation and immigration. She received her JD from Harvard Law School in 2016, after which she clerked for the Honorable Denise J. Casper, in the U.S. District Court for District of Massachusetts.
Emily grew up in Armonk, NY, and she received her BA in sociology from NYU in 2011. Emily's experience working with nonprofit organizations began in college, when she spent a semester as an intern at Amnesty International USA. After graduating, she spent a year teaching English to children in Metz, France, after which she worked as a project manager at Innovative Philanthropy, providing development consulting and assistance--largely through grant review and major fundraising event planning--to nonprofits and foundations in New York City.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did you/your family immigrate from?
Italy and somewhere in Eastern Europe |
Rachel Becker
Member of the Board of Directors.
Job. Account Director at LinkedIn Home. New York, NY Pronouns. she/her/hers What "Brave" means to you. Brave means going outside of your comfort zone and establishing a new path. It means pushing the boundaries. |
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Biography.
Rachel is an Account Director at LinkedIn and consults with clients, advising them on talent strategy. She received her MBA from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business in 2018 and her BA in International Relations from Vanderbilt University in 2011. Rachel grew up in Westchester, New York and is the daughter of a Colombian immigrant mother. Rachel is inspired by her mother's story of bravery in establishing her life in the United States and paving the way for her younger sister, nieces and nephews.
Rachel is an Account Director at LinkedIn and consults with clients, advising them on talent strategy. She received her MBA from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business in 2018 and her BA in International Relations from Vanderbilt University in 2011. Rachel grew up in Westchester, New York and is the daughter of a Colombian immigrant mother. Rachel is inspired by her mother's story of bravery in establishing her life in the United States and paving the way for her younger sister, nieces and nephews.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did you/your family immigrate from?
Colombia, Russia |
Karelle Gordon
Member of the Board of Directors.
Job. Marketing Director at Fortune Media Home. Brooklyn, NY Pronouns. she/her/hers What "Brave" means to you. Even in the unknown, doing it anyway. |
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Biography.
Karelle Gordon is a Marketing Director at Fortune Media. She is responsible for growth, and partnerships of Fortune Education, a newly launched business.
Prior to joining Fortune Media, she worked in strategic partnerships, marketing, and event production at several companies within the FinTech and Tech space.
Karelle’s greatest strengths are her creativity, drive and leadership. She thrives in the startup space, particularly in areas of business that help expand the company’s visibility and reach. Her most recent project involves a partnership that focuses on lead generation, data-driven marketing, and growth marketing.
As a seasoned marketing professional, with over 10 years of experience, Karelle is known for innovation, implementation, and driving brand growth.
Originally from Miami, by way of Kingston Jamaica, she is now based in New York City.
Karelle Gordon is a Marketing Director at Fortune Media. She is responsible for growth, and partnerships of Fortune Education, a newly launched business.
Prior to joining Fortune Media, she worked in strategic partnerships, marketing, and event production at several companies within the FinTech and Tech space.
Karelle’s greatest strengths are her creativity, drive and leadership. She thrives in the startup space, particularly in areas of business that help expand the company’s visibility and reach. Her most recent project involves a partnership that focuses on lead generation, data-driven marketing, and growth marketing.
As a seasoned marketing professional, with over 10 years of experience, Karelle is known for innovation, implementation, and driving brand growth.
Originally from Miami, by way of Kingston Jamaica, she is now based in New York City.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did you/your family immigrate from?
Kingston, Jamaica |
Sumita Saini
Member of the Board of Directors.
Job. Senior Vice President, Finance at Bed Bath & Beyond Home. Warren, NJ Pronouns. she/her What "Brave" means to you. Moving forward, even when afraid. Not losing to fear – but standing defiantly against all odds, staying resilient and strong, while protecting those weaker.. |
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Biography.
Sumita is Senior Vice President, Finance at Bed Bath & Beyond. Prior to this, Sumita was SVP and Chief Financial Officer at Party City leading the Retail division. Her career spans several prominent national retailers where she helped lead transformation/change across the organization. She has been recognized as a trusted strategic business partner and as a female leader and mentor.
She completed her Executive Education in Strategic Finance from Harvard University in Boston, MA and received an MBA in Finance from the University of Akron in Akron, OH. She holds a BA in Spanish and Business from JNU, India and is certified Six Sigma green belt. Her speaking engagements include keynote speaker in Financial Planning & Analysis/Pricing, and she has participated as a panelist on several finance groups with other senior finance leaders sharing her expertise.
Sumita has always been passionate about helping women advance in their careers. She served on the Northeast Ohio Stem Alliance Board (2006-2015), a non-profit originally founded to encourage middle school girls in STEM and driven by demand expanded to include all through high school. She strongly believes that education and exposure to career pathways is key to success, and this enhanced knowledge gives women courage and confidence to increase their chance at winning in the workplace.
Sumita is Senior Vice President, Finance at Bed Bath & Beyond. Prior to this, Sumita was SVP and Chief Financial Officer at Party City leading the Retail division. Her career spans several prominent national retailers where she helped lead transformation/change across the organization. She has been recognized as a trusted strategic business partner and as a female leader and mentor.
She completed her Executive Education in Strategic Finance from Harvard University in Boston, MA and received an MBA in Finance from the University of Akron in Akron, OH. She holds a BA in Spanish and Business from JNU, India and is certified Six Sigma green belt. Her speaking engagements include keynote speaker in Financial Planning & Analysis/Pricing, and she has participated as a panelist on several finance groups with other senior finance leaders sharing her expertise.
Sumita has always been passionate about helping women advance in their careers. She served on the Northeast Ohio Stem Alliance Board (2006-2015), a non-profit originally founded to encourage middle school girls in STEM and driven by demand expanded to include all through high school. She strongly believes that education and exposure to career pathways is key to success, and this enhanced knowledge gives women courage and confidence to increase their chance at winning in the workplace.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did you/your family immigrate from?
India |
Ana Maria ChamorroMember of the Board of Directors.
Job. Product Strategy and Marketing Lead at Meta Home. NYC, NY Pronouns. she/her What "Brave" means to you. Taking that step forward you've been thinking about. Knowing you have the certainty of what you've learned in the past, with your vision clear to where you're headed, an open heart and mind, and knowing that anything is possible. Even in the uncertain, there is certainty. |
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Biography.
Ana Maria is a Product Strategy and Marketing Lead at Meta where she focused on productizing solutions for all Meta users under 18. Ana Maria joined Meta in 2022 after spending 4+ years at Google working on product strategy and product policy. Prior to that, she received her MBA from University of Virginia Darden School of Business in 2018 and a BA in International Relations and Diplomacy from Seton Hall University in 2012. Ana Maria grew up primarily in Colombia, but has spent time in Ecuador, Venezuela, and Sweden. She is a yoga. meditation and breathwork teacher, and an aspiring creative writer.
Ana Maria is a Product Strategy and Marketing Lead at Meta where she focused on productizing solutions for all Meta users under 18. Ana Maria joined Meta in 2022 after spending 4+ years at Google working on product strategy and product policy. Prior to that, she received her MBA from University of Virginia Darden School of Business in 2018 and a BA in International Relations and Diplomacy from Seton Hall University in 2012. Ana Maria grew up primarily in Colombia, but has spent time in Ecuador, Venezuela, and Sweden. She is a yoga. meditation and breathwork teacher, and an aspiring creative writer.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did you/your family immigrate from?
Colombia |
Avisha SomuData Analysis Coordinator.
Home. Hyderabad, India Pronouns. she/her What "Brave" means to you. To me being brave means being unafraid and morally courageous |
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Biography.
Avisha Somu is a sophomore at Barnard College pursuing a major in Economics and a double minor in Mathematical Sciences and Environmental Science. Her passions lie in all aspects of the field of sustainability. Having grown up in India, she is a proud international student. With an interest in exploring new places, she loves to travel and go on unique adventures. She is a foodie at heart which means that you will often catch her trying different restaurants all around the city!
Avisha Somu is a sophomore at Barnard College pursuing a major in Economics and a double minor in Mathematical Sciences and Environmental Science. Her passions lie in all aspects of the field of sustainability. Having grown up in India, she is a proud international student. With an interest in exploring new places, she loves to travel and go on unique adventures. She is a foodie at heart which means that you will often catch her trying different restaurants all around the city!
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did you/your family immigrate from?
India |
Fatou GibbaYouth Advocate Co-coordinator.
Home. Bronx, New York Pronouns. she/her What "Brave" means to you. Being brave to me means always being yourself and not being afraid to show it and regardless of how many times you've failed, you still get back up and try again. |
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Biography.
Fatou is a senior at John Jay College of Criminal Justice majoring in Criminal Justice with a minor in Counseling. Although she is not sure exactly what career path to take after graduation, she aspires to help people whatever that may look like. Fatou was born in a small country in West Africa called Gambia but because of her father's career in government, she moved around a lot. She enjoys playing soccer and meeting new people.
Fatou is a senior at John Jay College of Criminal Justice majoring in Criminal Justice with a minor in Counseling. Although she is not sure exactly what career path to take after graduation, she aspires to help people whatever that may look like. Fatou was born in a small country in West Africa called Gambia but because of her father's career in government, she moved around a lot. She enjoys playing soccer and meeting new people.
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Where did you/your family immigrate from?
Banjul, The Gambia |
Gloria Arauja RuizYouth Advocate Co-coordinator.
Home. Tacoma, Washington Pronouns. she/her What "Brave" means to you. Using your privilege to elevate the voices of the most marginalized in your community. |
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Biography.
Gloria is a sophomore at Columbia University majoring in political science and concentrating in computer science. She is a proud first-generation/low-income(FLI) student and is interested in expanding access to higher education for FLI students and immigrant youth. She has worked with the Association of Washington Student Voice and Advisory Council to facilitate state-wide conversations around equity. Gloria is passionate about politics as a central determinant factor in society and has lobbied in D.C. for a path to legal status for farmer workers via the Farmer Workers Modernization Act of 2021 (H.R. 1603). She is currently a member of the Columbia College/Engineering First-in-Family Low-Income Advisory Board and is working on a subcommittee dedicated to creating institutional proposals to address the unmet and future needs of undocumented students in a constantly changing legal system.
Gloria is a sophomore at Columbia University majoring in political science and concentrating in computer science. She is a proud first-generation/low-income(FLI) student and is interested in expanding access to higher education for FLI students and immigrant youth. She has worked with the Association of Washington Student Voice and Advisory Council to facilitate state-wide conversations around equity. Gloria is passionate about politics as a central determinant factor in society and has lobbied in D.C. for a path to legal status for farmer workers via the Farmer Workers Modernization Act of 2021 (H.R. 1603). She is currently a member of the Columbia College/Engineering First-in-Family Low-Income Advisory Board and is working on a subcommittee dedicated to creating institutional proposals to address the unmet and future needs of undocumented students in a constantly changing legal system.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did you/your family immigrate from?
Mexico |
McKenna RobertsGrowth Coordinator.
Home. Okanogan, Washington Pronouns. she/her/hers What "Brave" means to you. Brave means to be capable of recognizing what in our lives is worth conquering our fear and pushing ourselves to face that fear head on. |
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Biography.
McKenna was born and raised in Okanogan, Washington and is proud to call the Pacific Northwest home. Since leaving Washington for New York City, she is now in her first year at Barnard College studying sociology and either history or political science. As an aspiring law student, McKenna has a deep passion in ensuring access to resources for underserved young people, not only at The Brave House in New York, but also back home in Omak, Washington where she works at the Foundation for Youth Resiliency and Engagement durning her academic breaks. She is passionate about sexual health education advocacy, immigration and education policy, and the arts. During her free time, McKenna loves photography, going to museums around the city, seeing live music, and she is currently learning Spanish!
McKenna was born and raised in Okanogan, Washington and is proud to call the Pacific Northwest home. Since leaving Washington for New York City, she is now in her first year at Barnard College studying sociology and either history or political science. As an aspiring law student, McKenna has a deep passion in ensuring access to resources for underserved young people, not only at The Brave House in New York, but also back home in Omak, Washington where she works at the Foundation for Youth Resiliency and Engagement durning her academic breaks. She is passionate about sexual health education advocacy, immigration and education policy, and the arts. During her free time, McKenna loves photography, going to museums around the city, seeing live music, and she is currently learning Spanish!
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did you/your family immigrate from?
Northern Ireland |
Neha ManiEnglish School Co-coordinator.
Home. Bronx, New York Pronouns. she/her/hers What "Brave" means to you. Being brave to means allowing yourself to feel vulnerable and overcoming that vulnerability. |
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Biography.
I’m a current sophomore at Columbia University studying biochemistry and linguistics. I’m originally from the Bronx and have worked in a variety of immigration clinics (New Sanctuary Coalition, CBST) as well as currently volunteer for Bellevue Hospital where I advocate for under-served patient populations in healthcare. Throughout these experiences, I’ve served as a Spanish translator and I’m passionate about linguistic inclusivity. I’m excited to be part of The Brave House in the capacity of an English Teacher Intern!
I’m a current sophomore at Columbia University studying biochemistry and linguistics. I’m originally from the Bronx and have worked in a variety of immigration clinics (New Sanctuary Coalition, CBST) as well as currently volunteer for Bellevue Hospital where I advocate for under-served patient populations in healthcare. Throughout these experiences, I’ve served as a Spanish translator and I’m passionate about linguistic inclusivity. I’m excited to be part of The Brave House in the capacity of an English Teacher Intern!
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did you/your family immigrate from?
India |
Victoria Van DrostYouth Advocate Coordinator.
Home. Staten Island, New York Pronouns. she/her What "Brave" means to you. To me, brave means being confident enough in your abilities that you know are capable of whatever you put your mind to, and not letting adversity hold you back. |
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Biography.
My name is Victoria Van Drost and I am currently a senior at New York University, studying Global Public Health with a concentration in Biology. I am on the pre-med track, and plan on pursuing a career in Obstetrics and Gynecology. I have a particular interest in health disparities and have a passion for serving the underserved. Some of my favorite hobbies are working out, going out to eat around NYC, shopping in Soho, and hanging with friends.
My name is Victoria Van Drost and I am currently a senior at New York University, studying Global Public Health with a concentration in Biology. I am on the pre-med track, and plan on pursuing a career in Obstetrics and Gynecology. I have a particular interest in health disparities and have a passion for serving the underserved. Some of my favorite hobbies are working out, going out to eat around NYC, shopping in Soho, and hanging with friends.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Karla Galiano HerreraBrave House Ambassador.
Home. New York Pronouns. she/her/ella What "Brave" means to you. It means being the person who stands out in a crowd, who voices their opinion even if others try to make them feel small, and who does not let defeat bring them down. |
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Biography.
A first-generation student and immigrant, Karla has used her experiences navigating a complex immigration system to advocate for herself and others in similar circumstances. A graduate of John Jay College, Karla has served as an advocate for undocumented students, helping create the first Immigrant Student Success Center in New York State, which provided a safe space and resources for undocumented students on campus. In addition to her on-campus advocacy, Karla has continued to support and defend immigrant communities through various legal internships and fellowship opportunities. Her advocacy and background have led her to pursue a career in Human Rights and Immigration.
A first-generation student and immigrant, Karla has used her experiences navigating a complex immigration system to advocate for herself and others in similar circumstances. A graduate of John Jay College, Karla has served as an advocate for undocumented students, helping create the first Immigrant Student Success Center in New York State, which provided a safe space and resources for undocumented students on campus. In addition to her on-campus advocacy, Karla has continued to support and defend immigrant communities through various legal internships and fellowship opportunities. Her advocacy and background have led her to pursue a career in Human Rights and Immigration.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did you/your family immigrate from?
Honduras |
