UndocuCon
2023 Bios
Reyna Maldonado
Reyna Maldonado, born in Guerrero, Mexico, and raised in San Francisco's Mission District, co-owns La Guerrera's Kitchen with her mother, Ofelia Barajas. Her mother's 15 years as a street vendor kindled her interest in business. As an undocumented entrepreneur in the Bay Area, they founded a restaurant fueled by their love for Guerrero's culinary heritage. Reyna's mission is to uplift immigrant señoras in entrepreneurship and food industries. A Mills College graduate, she's an Immigrant Rights Community Organizer who ran programs aiding Bay Area undocumented youth, promoting mental health services and career guidance. Reyna's dedication to food justice and reshaping entrepreneurship embodies her determined spirit of community empowerment and care.
Lorenzo Gamboa
Lorenzo Gamboa hails from a small Colorado town, where he graduated with just seven peers in his high school class. Drawing from this unique background, Lorenzo intimately understands the challenges and apprehensions that surround pursuing higher education when resources are limited. Reflecting on his personal college journey, he seeks to demystify the process for first-generation students and inspire them. With over 15 years of admissions counseling experience, Lorenzo currently spearheads initiatives promoting inclusive higher education access. He holds a diverse educational background, including a B.S. in Economics from Santa Clara University, an M.A. in Mexican American Studies with a focus on Immigration and Higher Education from the University of Arizona, an M.B.A. from Santa Clara University, and is actively pursuing his E.D.D. at Santa Clara University.
Yuliana Vasquez
Yuliana Vasquez, an esteemed alumna of the MPC EOPS Program, draws strength from her personal and educational journey to fulfill her dream of becoming an academic counselor. As a first-generation Latina and the daughter of immigrants, her unwavering commitment is to empower her community. Yuliana passionately advocates for underprivileged students, with a special focus on undocumented scholars. Beyond her pivotal role in EOPS, she's renowned for her exceptional contributions to the Dreamer in Action Association, the Undocumented Resource Center, and the Monterey Adult School. Yuliana cherishes her role as an educator, taking pride in her roots in the community college system and the EOPS program. Through dedicated efforts, she aspires to inspire her students to unlock their full potential and achieve greatness.
Ignacio Moya
Nacho Moya, a recipient of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom Award and the Poppy Jasper award, is an inspiring artist who left a retail job in 2016 to follow his creative passion. He established the Moya Art Gallery and Studio in Gilroy, California, where he encourages people of all ages to embrace their creativity. Nacho's commitment extends to collaborations with major corporations and nonprofit organizations. Through his art and story, he inspires others to pursue their dreams, making him an exceptional figure in the art world.
Alexis Takagi
Alexis Takagi is a second-year doctoral student at Santa Clara University, studying Social Justice Leadership in Higher Education. In 2022, Alexis was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom as a commission member for the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), serving as the student representative for the independent non-profit sector, and was recently appointed to serve as a Community Engagement Advisory Board Member for California’s Cradle to Career (C2C) Data System. She is currently the Outreach Coordinator at Stanford University’s Institute for Computational and Mathematical Engineering (ICME). Alexis is a first-generation community college transfer student.
Miguel Pimentel
Miguel Pimentel, born in Puruarán, Michoacán, Mexico, moved to the U.S. at 11. A graduate of California State University East Bay (CSUEB) with dual B.A. degrees in Ethnic Studies and Spanish, he broke barriers as an undocumented student, becoming the first in his family to attend a 4-year university. DACA status recipient, Miguel excelled in education, working in various roles at an East Oakland charter school, attending Harvard's Family Engagement Institute, and representing Dreamers in New York City. He holds an M.A. in Education/Counseling and multiple credentials. In 2019, he received the Cal State East Bay 40 Under 40 Award. Co-author of "You Are Not Alone: Recipes to Obtain SUCCESS by Students for Students," this book received the International Latino Book Award in 2022.
Adhemir Romero
Adhemir Romero is an ILD Managing Attorney at Immigrant Legal Defense. With a strong background in immigration law and criminal defense, Adhemir specializes in crimmigration. He currently leads ILD's Legal-Education Partnerships with the California State University (CSU) and California Community College (CCC) systems, offering immigration legal services to students and community members across public higher education campuses statewide. Adhemir's commitment to immigrant rights began at the Monterey County Public Defender's Office, where he established the Immigration Program and provided vital support to criminal defense attorneys. His experience includes representing non-citizen clients in arraignments, defending cases from immigration detention, and conducting seminars on immigration consequences for non-citizens. Adhemir holds a J.D. from UC Law San Francisco and is fluent in Spanish.
Reyna Maldonado
Reyna Maldonado, born in Guerrero, Mexico, and raised in San Francisco's Mission District, co-owns La Guerrera's Kitchen with her mother, Ofelia Barajas. Her mother's 15 years as a street vendor kindled her interest in business. As an undocumented entrepreneur in the Bay Area, they founded a restaurant fueled by their love for Guerrero's culinary heritage. Reyna's mission is to uplift immigrant señoras in entrepreneurship and food industries. A Mills College graduate, she's an Immigrant Rights Community Organizer who ran programs aiding Bay Area undocumented youth, promoting mental health services and career guidance. Reyna's dedication to food justice and reshaping entrepreneurship embodies her determined spirit of community empowerment and care.
Lorenzo Gamboa
Lorenzo Gamboa hails from a small Colorado town, where he graduated with just seven peers in his high school class. Drawing from this unique background, Lorenzo intimately understands the challenges and apprehensions that surround pursuing higher education when resources are limited. Reflecting on his personal college journey, he seeks to demystify the process for first-generation students and inspire them. With over 15 years of admissions counseling experience, Lorenzo currently spearheads initiatives promoting inclusive higher education access. He holds a diverse educational background, including a B.S. in Economics from Santa Clara University, an M.A. in Mexican American Studies with a focus on Immigration and Higher Education from the University of Arizona, an M.B.A. from Santa Clara University, and is actively pursuing his E.D.D. at Santa Clara University.
Yuliana Vasquez
Yuliana Vasquez, an esteemed alumna of the MPC EOPS Program, draws strength from her personal and educational journey to fulfill her dream of becoming an academic counselor. As a first-generation Latina and the daughter of immigrants, her unwavering commitment is to empower her community. Yuliana passionately advocates for underprivileged students, with a special focus on undocumented scholars. Beyond her pivotal role in EOPS, she's renowned for her exceptional contributions to the Dreamer in Action Association, the Undocumented Resource Center, and the Monterey Adult School. Yuliana cherishes her role as an educator, taking pride in her roots in the community college system and the EOPS program. Through dedicated efforts, she aspires to inspire her students to unlock their full potential and achieve greatness.
Ignacio Moya
Nacho Moya, a recipient of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom Award and the Poppy Jasper award, is an inspiring artist who left a retail job in 2016 to follow his creative passion. He established the Moya Art Gallery and Studio in Gilroy, California, where he encourages people of all ages to embrace their creativity. Nacho's commitment extends to collaborations with major corporations and nonprofit organizations. Through his art and story, he inspires others to pursue their dreams, making him an exceptional figure in the art world.
Alexis Takagi
Alexis Takagi is a second-year doctoral student at Santa Clara University, studying Social Justice Leadership in Higher Education. In 2022, Alexis was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom as a commission member for the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), serving as the student representative for the independent non-profit sector, and was recently appointed to serve as a Community Engagement Advisory Board Member for California’s Cradle to Career (C2C) Data System. She is currently the Outreach Coordinator at Stanford University’s Institute for Computational and Mathematical Engineering (ICME). Alexis is a first-generation community college transfer student.
Miguel Pimentel
Miguel Pimentel, born in Puruarán, Michoacán, Mexico, moved to the U.S. at 11. A graduate of California State University East Bay (CSUEB) with dual B.A. degrees in Ethnic Studies and Spanish, he broke barriers as an undocumented student, becoming the first in his family to attend a 4-year university. DACA status recipient, Miguel excelled in education, working in various roles at an East Oakland charter school, attending Harvard's Family Engagement Institute, and representing Dreamers in New York City. He holds an M.A. in Education/Counseling and multiple credentials. In 2019, he received the Cal State East Bay 40 Under 40 Award. Co-author of "You Are Not Alone: Recipes to Obtain SUCCESS by Students for Students," this book received the International Latino Book Award in 2022.
Adhemir Romero
Adhemir Romero is an ILD Managing Attorney at Immigrant Legal Defense. With a strong background in immigration law and criminal defense, Adhemir specializes in crimmigration. He currently leads ILD's Legal-Education Partnerships with the California State University (CSU) and California Community College (CCC) systems, offering immigration legal services to students and community members across public higher education campuses statewide. Adhemir's commitment to immigrant rights began at the Monterey County Public Defender's Office, where he established the Immigration Program and provided vital support to criminal defense attorneys. His experience includes representing non-citizen clients in arraignments, defending cases from immigration detention, and conducting seminars on immigration consequences for non-citizens. Adhemir holds a J.D. from UC Law San Francisco and is fluent in Spanish.
Reyna Maldonado
Reyna Maldonado, born in Guerrero, Mexico, and raised in San Francisco's Mission District, co-owns La Guerrera's Kitchen with her mother, Ofelia Barajas. Her mother's 15 years as a street vendor kindled her interest in business. As an undocumented entrepreneur in the Bay Area, they founded a restaurant fueled by their love for Guerrero's culinary heritage. Reyna's mission is to uplift immigrant señoras in entrepreneurship and food industries. A Mills College graduate, she's an Immigrant Rights Community Organizer who ran programs aiding Bay Area undocumented youth, promoting mental health services and career guidance. Reyna's dedication to food justice and reshaping entrepreneurship embodies her determined spirit of community empowerment and care.
Lorenzo Gamboa
Lorenzo Gamboa hails from a small Colorado town, where he graduated with just seven peers in his high school class. Drawing from this unique background, Lorenzo intimately understands the challenges and apprehensions that surround pursuing higher education when resources are limited. Reflecting on his personal college journey, he seeks to demystify the process for first-generation students and inspire them. With over 15 years of admissions counseling experience, Lorenzo currently spearheads initiatives promoting inclusive higher education access. He holds a diverse educational background, including a B.S. in Economics from Santa Clara University, an M.A. in Mexican American Studies with a focus on Immigration and Higher Education from the University of Arizona, an M.B.A. from Santa Clara University, and is actively pursuing his E.D.D. at Santa Clara University.
Yuliana Vasquez
Yuliana Vasquez, an esteemed alumna of the MPC EOPS Program, draws strength from her personal and educational journey to fulfill her dream of becoming an academic counselor. As a first-generation Latina and the daughter of immigrants, her unwavering commitment is to empower her community. Yuliana passionately advocates for underprivileged students, with a special focus on undocumented scholars. Beyond her pivotal role in EOPS, she's renowned for her exceptional contributions to the Dreamer in Action Association, the Undocumented Resource Center, and the Monterey Adult School. Yuliana cherishes her role as an educator, taking pride in her roots in the community college system and the EOPS program. Through dedicated efforts, she aspires to inspire her students to unlock their full potential and achieve greatness.
Ignacio Moya
Nacho Moya, a recipient of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom Award and the Poppy Jasper award, is an inspiring artist who left a retail job in 2016 to follow his creative passion. He established the Moya Art Gallery and Studio in Gilroy, California, where he encourages people of all ages to embrace their creativity. Nacho's commitment extends to collaborations with major corporations and nonprofit organizations. Through his art and story, he inspires others to pursue their dreams, making him an exceptional figure in the art world.
Alexis Takagi
Alexis Takagi is a second-year doctoral student at Santa Clara University, studying Social Justice Leadership in Higher Education. In 2022, Alexis was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom as a commission member for the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), serving as the student representative for the independent non-profit sector, and was recently appointed to serve as a Community Engagement Advisory Board Member for California’s Cradle to Career (C2C) Data System. She is currently the Outreach Coordinator at Stanford University’s Institute for Computational and Mathematical Engineering (ICME). Alexis is a first-generation community college transfer student.
Miguel Pimentel
Miguel Pimentel, born in Puruarán, Michoacán, Mexico, moved to the U.S. at 11. A graduate of California State University East Bay (CSUEB) with dual B.A. degrees in Ethnic Studies and Spanish, he broke barriers as an undocumented student, becoming the first in his family to attend a 4-year university. DACA status recipient, Miguel excelled in education, working in various roles at an East Oakland charter school, attending Harvard's Family Engagement Institute, and representing Dreamers in New York City. He holds an M.A. in Education/Counseling and multiple credentials. In 2019, he received the Cal State East Bay 40 Under 40 Award. Co-author of "You Are Not Alone: Recipes to Obtain SUCCESS by Students for Students," this book received the International Latino Book Award in 2022.
Adhemir Romero
Adhemir Romero is an ILD Managing Attorney at Immigrant Legal Defense. With a strong background in immigration law and criminal defense, Adhemir specializes in crimmigration. He currently leads ILD's Legal-Education Partnerships with the California State University (CSU) and California Community College (CCC) systems, offering immigration legal services to students and community members across public higher education campuses statewide. Adhemir's commitment to immigrant rights began at the Monterey County Public Defender's Office, where he established the Immigration Program and provided vital support to criminal defense attorneys. His experience includes representing non-citizen clients in arraignments, defending cases from immigration detention, and conducting seminars on immigration consequences for non-citizens. Adhemir holds a J.D. from UC Law San Francisco and is fluent in Spanish.