Meet our team!
Samantha Alvarado
Samantha is a fourth-year Sociology major with a concentration in Law and Society.
I’m a first-generation college student from Santa Ana, CA and the daughter of two Mexican immigrants from Jalisco. Growing up, my parents would share their stories of crossing the border, language barriers, and how they wanted me and my sisters to have better opportunities and a better life. My parents inspired me to want to learn about the hardships migrants face and want to be a part of something bigger than myself. I joined the MMFRP because I want to advocate for my community, those who can’t advocate for themselves, and help shed light on migrant rights.
Tracy Alvarez
Tracy is a third-year Global Health major.
I am a first-generation transfer student at UCSD. My mom migrated from Mexico in her early 20s. She has told me bits about her immigration story. My mom was a single parent taking care of me and my siblings. She would do many jobs, sometimes for little money. Her mindset was always that as long as we focus on school, we won’t have to do the hard jobs she did. Growing up, I really got to appreciate everything my mom sacrificed for us and the many jobs she took on. In MMFRP, I want to give back to those who sacrificed their livelihoods for their families or just in search of a better life and gain more insight throughout the research process.
Lalo Aparicio Colores
Lalo is a fourth-year Global Health major with a minor in Real Estate in Development.
I am a first-generation college student from Mexico, currently residing in Oceanside, California. Born in Mexico, I have embraced the challenges and opportunities that come with being a first-generation student, using them as motivation to pursue higher education. With a passion for helping others and a strong commitment to academic excellence, I am determined to achieve the goal of attending medical school in the future. Driven by the desire to make a positive impact in the healthcare field, I am working diligently towards a career as a physician, aspiring to serve diverse communities and contribute to improving healthcare access and quality.
Yulissa Arista
Yulissa is a fourth-year Political Science major with a concentration in Public Law and a minor in Sociology.
I am a first-generation Mexican-American, born in Los Angeles and raised in the Westlake district. My parents migrated from Guerrero and Hidalgo, Mexico, in the late 1990s. My mom worked as a farmworker before moving to Los Angeles, where she met my dad. Together, they worked as street vendors in the Santee Alley of Downtown LA, selling items like fruit, DVDs, ice cream, and more. Seeing my parents live in constant fear of deportation while navigating systems not built for them motivated me to pursue higher education. Throughout the years I have done work to support undocumented students and migrant communities through public service in law offices that assist self-represented litigants. I joined MMFRP to continue to advocate for migrant communities while also learning more about the injustices farmworkers face.
Isabel Doris Arntz
Isabel is a third-year undergraduate student with a double major in Sociocultural Anthropology & Interdisciplinary Computing and the Arts.
I was born and raised in a part of Sonoma known as Fetters Hot Springs-Agua Caliente. Where I lived about half of the community had immigrated from México to work on the vineyards in Wine Country. I am white and my family has been in the United States for many generations. During my childhood, I became aware of the advantages this gave me that I had not earned. In my community, I saw both the injustices Latino immigrants in the US face as well as the resilience and strength of the cultural connections that they brought. I have been treated with nothing but respect in this bi-cultural space and was very welcomed by migrants in spite of the lacking welcome they received coming to the US. I am excited to have the chance to do fieldwork that could help better the lives of immigrants to bring more dignity to people brave enough to dream of a better life.
Eugenia Arteaga
Eugenia is a fourth-year Sociology major with a concentration in Economy and Society.
Both of my parents immigrated from Jalisco, Mexico at the ages of 17-18 both hoping for a better life in the U.S. My dad’s first job was working as a migrant farmworker in Ventura and Salinas California where he would work with my grandpa who was also a part of the Bracero program around the 1950s-60s. Although the working conditions were dangerous and the pay was not enough, they continued to strive for better economic opportunities for their families through this labor. They would tell me the stories of how and why they immigrated as a kid and I was always empathetic and curious of their experiences, but now as an adult I have started to realize that I will never fully get to understand them. My parents always stated that the reason they came to the U.S. was due to the fact that they did not want their children to experience their economic and social circumstances. In this program, I hope to fully understand these economic/social barriers that many migrants are facing currently and hopefully find ways to fix the issues that cause these difficulties and hardships. I want to be a voice and lend support to these migrant communities while also spreading needed awareness through my research.
Jasmine Barahona
Jasmine is a fourth-year Linguistics major with a minor in Spanish Literature.
I am a first-generation Latina from Los Angeles, raised in the San Fernando Valley. My mother immigrated from Mexico, and my father from El Salvador. Inspired by my mother’s phrase, “échale ganas,” I strive to honor the opportunities I have been given, which she never had. My passion for giving back to my community grew during college when I realized I wanted to use my education to make a difference. As a Linguistics major with a minor in Spanish, I am particularly interested in how language barriers affect farmworkers’ experiences and how they navigate these challenges. Through MMFRP, I aim to gain new insights into how farmworkers manage these obstacles and contribute to the advocacy efforts that help guide them toward safer, more sustainable futures. After graduation, I plan to pursue a Master’s or Ph.D. in school psychology or child development to continue advocating for Latinx newcomer students, helping them maintain their heritage language and providing the resources they need to thrive.
Dia Celaya Carrillo
Dia is a third-year double majoring in Public Health with a concentration in Community Health Sciences and Political Science: Race, Ethnicity, and Politics.
Growing up in low-income communities like Baldwin Park, South El Monte, and La Puente in Southern California, I experienced firsthand what it means to lack access to reliable healthcare, organic fresh food, a safe neighborhood, and health promotion programs. Throughout my childhood, my career ambitions and interests were always heavily influenced by those around me. My interests have come out of and been closely tied to important values: integrity, unity, accountability, perseverance, and forming vulnerable, deep emotional connections with people. I set my career goals at a young age, by helping people and uplifting my Latinx community as key elements and seeing how my family, as immigrants, struggled with poor access to healthcare, with no government help for financial aid, and not being able to prepare their children for the systems that put obstacles in their way. Throughout middle and high school, I realized that, for me, a job in healthcare and law would give me the missing puzzle pieces I needed to fulfill long-term goals. I hope to pursue a PhD/ JD dual degree program to pursue a career as a public health lawyer in the government sector, continue occupational health research, and teach public health classes in a top research university as a professor.
Cindy Cena
Cindy is a fourth-year Anthropology major with a Sociocultural Concentration and a minor in Human Rights and Migration.
I am a proud first-generation Mexican American. My mother immigrated from Jalisco, and my father from Michoacán. I am also a first-generation college student who transitioned from community college into UCSD. Growing up in a predominantly immigrant community in Orange County, I was surrounded by families who shared experiences and challenges similar to mine. This upbringing has profoundly shaped my identity and my understanding of the complexities that come with being a member of a marginalized group. Because of this I became interested in MMFRP. Farm workers, in particular, are the backbone of California’s vast agricultural industry, playing a crucial role in the nation’s food supply. However, these workers often endure significant social, economic, and health disparities that are frequently overlooked or simply not addressed. I am particularly interested in exploring effective strategies to combat farm labor abuse and in finding different ways to empower farm workers and help organizations advocate their rights.
Nicole Constan
Nicole is a third-year double majoring in Sociology and Education with a minor in Dance.
I was born in south Orange County and lived there my whole life before moving to San Diego. Southern California is what always comes to mind when I think of home. However, my family roots are tied to various parts of the world. My mom immigrated to the U.S. from South Korea when she was six years old, and my paternal grandparents immigrated to the U.S. from Denmark and Greece. In recent years, I have become increasingly interested in my family history and the role that immigration has played in it. I am fascinated by how the immigration experience has been different among the branches of my family. I am curious to learn more about the diversity that exists within migrant experiences and am excited to be participating in MMFRP. I hope that through my research I can support immigrant communities and highlight voices that have been marginalized.
Jazlyn Contreras
Jazlyn is a fourth-year Political Science major with a focus on International Relations.
I grew up in Los Angeles where a large majority of the people I knew were either immigrants themselves or their children. I myself am the daughter of two Mexican immigrants who have fought against the odds and reached their American dream. Unfortunately, the same could not be said for many of my friends and family, and I have witnessed firsthand the impact an immigration status can have on someone. The mistreatment and discrimination they have faced ultimately inspired me to pursue a career in immigrant advocacy. I have been fortunate enough to pursue my dream at the Undocumented Student Resource Center where I work as a Legal Intern. In this position, I have worked under the supervision of our staff attorney and facilitated the acquisition of legal status for students and their families. In the MMFRP program, I hope to continue to build on my experience and gain insight on immigrant experiences outside of the legal world.
Vrianna Couillard
Vrianna is a third-year double majoring in Political Science and Psychology.
As a child growing up in Yuma, Arizona, I watched my mother work tirelessly in the Fields year-round to make ends meet. The image of her sunburnt skin has served as my motivation to make her sacrifices worthwhile. During the same time, my father was deployed overseas risking his life for a country that wasn’t his. Both my parents are immigrants, my mother being from Guadalajara, Mexico and my father from La Havana, Cuba. Their hardships are not a rare occurrence within immigrant communities, making them some of the most resilient and courageous people I have ever known. For this reason, I am inclined to further my knowledge about the issues within these communities and how we can support them. Because of this desire, I am excited to be a part of this year’s cohort to grow my research and writing abilities, all while interacting with remarkable people. My ultimate goal in life is to serve others and provide a voice for the voiceless, and this program is taking me one step closer.
Leslie Hernandez
Leslie is a fourth-year Political Science major with a double minor in Human Rights & Migrations and Law & Society.
I am a first-generation college student from Santa Ana, California. My dad moved from Puebla to Aguascalientes in Mexico to find work, where he met my mom. After struggling with work opportunities both my parents decided to immigrate to California, staying in the Orange County area ever since. My parents worked jobs in factories, landscaping, food sales, and hotel maintenance, many simultaneously, yet still struggling with money because of insufficient/low wages. They were scared to speak up in many instances because of their legal status and other times chose not to because they were unaware of what rights they even had to begin with. This is why they always push me to prioritize my education and use my knowledge to help those in need, including myself. Growing up in a city like Santa Ana, which is predominantly Latino/Hispanic, exposed me from an early age to the fears of deportation many of these communities/families face and how that fear can be passed down through generations. In an effort to ease some of the fears many of my neighbors and their children hold, I started offering free tutoring services for my whole neighborhood. This mostly entailed math classes for the kids struggling in school and English classes for adults struggling to understand important information/documents in English. This is when I realized how powerful knowledge is and the privilege it is that I have the time and space to expand mine. I joined MMFRP to further my education and to most importantly advocate for communities facing disparities in their workplace and community.
Lindsay Cuc-Hernandez
Lindsay is a fourth-year Public Health major with a concentration in Epidemiology minoring in Chicanx and Latinx Studies and Global Health.
I am a first-generation college student at UC San Diego, and along with my siblings, we have aimed to pursue higher education. I have the most amazing and influential parents, who come from a Guatemalan background and who have always supported me and my career goals. Although I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, I have always had the urge to explore different cities, which led me to attend college in San Diego. In the future, I plan to pursue an MPH in Community Health to gain hands-on experience in a community health setting, where my goal will be to improve the health outcomes of vulnerable populations. I hope that my time in the MMFRP will help me gain deeper insights into the issues affecting migrant communities. It’s time to talk about and take action on the disparities affecting this community.
Mariealy Espinoza-Cortes
Mariealy is a fourth-year Political Science major with a concentration in International Relations and a minor in Sociology.
I am a first-generation Latina student born and raised in the Bay Area, specifically Pittsburg—a predominantly Latino community. My parents immigrated from Jalisco, Mexico, at a young age. Visits to food banks were commonplace, as were crowded medical centers, dangerous neighborhoods, and fast food that seemed like fancy dinners. Even deciding what bills to prioritize all seemed normal to me. Everyone in my community was juggling the same things. It wasn’t until I started growing up that I realized these were the kinds of disparities that low-income immigrant families struggled with. When I learned that my dad was undocumented, I became aware of the challenges we confront. After experiencing the adjustment of the status process, I became intrigued about the system. My passion for helping underrepresented communities stemmed from that moment. My parents and family have been the biggest motivation to pursue a career, not a job. They emphasize investing in my future so I don’t face the same financial difficulties. When I entered higher education, I wanted to focus on the future for me while still reminding myself of what I faced. Through the MMFRP, I have an opportunity to engage in community-based research to help improve immigration laws and policies. It will introduce me to career paths and continue my efforts to help immigrant families.
Nathan Felix
Nathan is a third-year Urban Studies and Planning major.
I am originally from Los Angeles, California, specifically the San Gabriel Valley area. Both of my parents grew up in Los Angeles, but my grandparents are originally from Mexico. Their journey has always been a source of inspiration for me, as they came to the United States with nothing and faced numerous hardships to build a life for our family here. Without their sacrifices and perseverance, neither my parents nor I would be where we are today. I am deeply grateful for everything they endured and I honor their struggles every day. I hope this program will give me the opportunity to support migrants who face challenges similar to those my grandparents once did.
Perla Xitlali Felix
Perla is a third-year Sociology major with a concentration in Law and Society.
I am a first-generation student and the daughter of two parents who immigrated from Mexico at the ages of 15 and 18. Their dedication and hard work at a young age have motivated me to pursue a higher education. I look up to my parents for the sacrifices and challenges they overcame in order to succeed in this country. Witnessing how hard they have worked has instilled in me a sense of responsibility. I have learned to be resourceful in any given opportunity, and to be especially grateful for the possibility to attend college. Due to financial and situational circumstances, the ability to obtain a degree was never granted to them. I use their story as a reminder of the importance of education and the influence it has on transforming lives and making them proud. Being part of the MMFRP means more than just helping individuals with their legal status. To me, it is most important to create a stable and improved way of life. Some main reasons immigrants travel to other countries are for better work opportunities and a better family future. I want to serve justice for immigrants so that they are treated fairly and equally, and not be disrespected because they know less about the system.
Yareli Guadalupe Garcia Gonzalez
Yareli is a third-year Sociology major with a concentration in Law and Society and a minor in Theater.
I am a first-generation Hispanic college student at UCSD. My parents have and continue to work hard every day to provide everything my siblings and I need. The only reason I am able to be here is due to my parents. Being of Mexican heritage, the threat of deportation for people I know has always loomed over my head. Seeing the mere existence of people I know being politicized and used as a talking point has always seemed surreal. In these past few years, the existence of people without documentation has been a negative talking point for both sides of the political debate in our country. I spent my summer of 2024 interning in an immigration law firm. There I heard all kinds of stories. These stories came from people who just wanted a better life for themselves and their family. I aspire to become a lawyer with my degree, so I can help people. I hope to help change the public perception of immigration and immigrants themselves. So they are humanized again in mainstream media in a way they aren’t now.
Gabriela Gonzalez
Gabriela is a fourth-year Public Health major with a concentration in Community Health Sciences and minors in Chicanx Latinx Studies and Political Science
I am a first-generation Mexican-American and daughter of immigrant parents from Michoacán. From a young age, I learned firsthand what it meant to be undocumented and witnessed how systems and institutions treated my parents differently because of their legal status. These experiences pushed my siblings and I to not only learn how to advocate for our parents but for ourselves as well. This has driven me to pursue advocacy and human rights work on a larger scale through efforts of human rights campaigns and working with asylum seekers who reside in emergency housing shelters in Tijuana. My passion and drive for social justice, specifically migrant justice, is deeply rooted in the constant reminder of my parents’ struggle and hard work in pursuit of a better life and better opportunities for my siblings and me. I am looking forward to connecting with my peers who are equally committed to building a more equitable society that treats migrants with dignity and recognizes them as more than just their legal status.
Ana Gonzalez
Ana is a second-year Political Science major.
I am a first-generation immigrant born in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico. I moved to the United States in my early childhood and grew up in Calexico, California, a small town in Imperial Valley, which exposed me to the many discriminations that happen between border towns as well as being an immigrant in the US. My identity as a Mexican immigrant and my experiences growing up in a small, predominantly Mexican, low-income border town have driven me toward a deep passion for serving my community and advocating for systemic change, specifically in the immigration and labor field. I don’t want there to be a continuation of discrimination and exploitation of immigrants and overall labor workers. I want to be able to change the system and hierarchy that has been long structured due to the result of colonialism and discriminatory policies inflicted on the immigrants and the overall Latinx community. Being part of the MMFRP offers me a vital opportunity to take the first steps in my passion for changing the system and giving back to my community. This year, the research focus is centered in Imperial Valley, the community I grew up in and that has shaped me into who I am today.
Arianna Gutierrez Cortes
Arianna is a second-year Real Estate and Development Major.
I grew up in a small agricultural town in the Central Valley, surrounded by field and farm workers. Growing up and hearing stories about the hardships faced by undocumented immigrants resonated with me, it led me to become incredibly passionate about human rights and social issues. My parents immigrated to the U.S. from Michoacan, Mexico in the early 2000s. They arrived in this country with nothing but the clothes on their backs, hoping to provide me and my sister with the opportunities they never had. From a very young age, my parents instilled in me the importance of advocating for and giving back to our community. I joined the MMFRP because I wanted to learn more about the stories of those who, just like my parents, have faced injustices, and I hope to leave with a better understanding of the challenges immigrants face.
Mia Lora Cacho
Mia is a second-year Neurobiology major.
I am proud to be a first-generation Latina, raised in San Ysidro, just ten minutes from the Mexico border. My family comes from Tijuana, BC, and I’ve always felt the weight of their struggles in the U.S. From language barriers to health insecurities, our lives were filled with challenges that kept us on edge. It was the norm to worry about finances as a little kid in addition to transcribing most documents for my mom. These hardships shaped who I am today. My family sacrificed everything to give me a better life, and I carry that legacy with me. I joined MMFRP because I want to raise awareness in my community: people who work tirelessly, often twice as hard, to seize the same opportunities that others take for granted. I hope that with this experience, I will be able to grow my understanding of the common pattern of these injustices that most Latinos face when coming to the United States. These stories will inspire me and continue to motivate me as I pursue a career in medicine and serve my community.
Natally Miranda
Natally is a third-year Sociology major with a concentration in Law and Society.
I am a first-generation Hispanic/American student at UCSD. I am originally from Riverside, CA which is a small city. Growing up in this town, it is not often that you see people leave. Growing up in this environment has taught me to push myself and not stay where it’s comfortable because everyone I know is home. This is when I kept reminding myself that I did want to pursue higher education and continue to be the change for others and for my younger brothers. In pursuing my higher education here at UCSD, I was able to take advantage of so many opportunities offered, one of them being MMFRP, allowing me to continue to advocate for my community. Like others, both my parents have migrated here to the US making me want to dig deep into other migrated stories and how their experiences have shaped them. Lastly, I hope that I am able to be part of this meaningful community and research to contribute to that change and continue to advocate for all of their work that goes unrecognized by others.
Nayeli Ocegueda
Nayeli is a third-year Political Science major with a concentration in Race, Ethnicity, and Politics with a minor in Human Rights and Migration.
I am a second-generation Mexican-American from South East LA, a predominantly immigrant and low-income community. My mom is from Guanajuato and immigrated here when she was three years old, and my dad’s family is from Jalisco. My grandparents worked in the fields in Bakersfield, packaging and harvesting grapes and sorting potatoes. My grandma worked as a seamstress in a factory in LA for many years. All my grandparents have worked minimum wage, always going over their hours and constantly being the backbone of the American economy. Growing up and being exposed to how immigrants were treated motivated me to pursue higher education in political science. I constantly told myself I had to pursue higher education not just for myself but to uplift my community and family. Over the summer I participated in an internship with the UFW, where I interviewed farm workers and helped them apply for DALE. This experience inspired me to constantly figure out ways to help immigrant communities obtain opportunities to better ensure their future in a country where they constantly uplift through their labors. Through the MMFR program, I hope to learn about the immigration policies that have directly or indirectly affected the community and help come up with solutions that benefit immigrants.
Joana Peralta
Joana is a fourth-year Psychology major with a minor in Education.
Descending from Filipino immigrants and family divided by oceans, much of my existence is linked to migration and policy. Residing in National City/Chula Vista, just 15 minutes from the San Diego -Tijuana border where disparities are evident, I developed a deep passion for advocating for community empowerment and social and environmental justice. As a first-generation woman of color from a low-income background, it is more often than not I recognize the difficulties that come with life at the intersections. Through this program, I hope to offer the ability to articulate complex issues, essential for advocating on behalf of marginalized communities, and hands-on experience in data collection, analysis, and reporting. By addressing systemic inequities and advocating for social justice, I strive to create meaningful change for future generations. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, playing pickleball with friends, rock climbing, and trying new food!
Jersey Rosetes
Jersey is a third-year transfer student with a Sociology major.
I immigrated to the U.S. from the Philippines when I was ten years old knowing nothing about why or how it would shape my experiences. I was lucky enough to have wound up in Daly City, California where there is a Filipino enclave ready to accept me for who I am. This place felt like home due to the community I was surrounded by. I met so many Filipinos going through the same thing as me, growing up where you didn’t feel included. Through this, the community I had was able to connect me back to my roots and it led to me not being ashamed of my culture anymore. I believe that representation is important especially with the Filipino community because of the global impact they’ve had as OFWs. As a first-generation queer Filipino from a low-income background, I have consistently advocated for those who are unable to advocate for themselves, as I believe that community is rooted in solidarity. I am deeply inspired by my friends, family, and the community in Daly City to pursue my passion for social work. Through this program, I aim to acquire the skills necessary to effectively analyze research data, understand individuals and their narratives, and strengthen my connections within the San Diego community, ultimately enabling me to provide meaningful support in the future.
Kevin Salazar Torres
Kevin is a fourth-year Political Science major with a concentration in International Relations and minors in Human Rights and Migration and Russian/East European Studies.
I am a first-generation Mexican American, both of my parents immigrated from Mexico City to San Diego. They came to San Diego in the early 2000s in search of a better life for my siblings and I. Coming from a Spanish-speaking household, my parents taught me that language is never a barrier to a successful life in the U.S. As the eldest of three children, I was able to see my parents struggle economically, work multiple jobs, and yearn for their home country. It encouraged me to continue pursuing a college degree in political science. Throughout my college career, I have been interested in advocating for human rights, specifically on the topic of human trafficking across the Americas. I joined MMFRP because I am interested in learning more about the experiences of immigrant workers in the U.S. and possible injustices in the system such as forced labor.
Emma Starkey
Emma is a fourth-year Communication major with a minor in Human Rights and Migration.
I was born in Sacramento, CA, and lived in a small town nearby called Wilton. Growing up in an agricultural town, I was constantly exposed to labor practices, often witnessing the conditions faced by migrant workers. When I came to UCSD, I was introduced to new ideas and became deeply focused on immigration studies. Over the past year, I have had the opportunity to engage in politicized spaces, which ignited my passion for creating change. Volunteering in border regions and working alongside migrants during the early stages of their journey have solidified my commitment to improving their experiences, particularly in the workforce integration process. Having been exposed as a child to the working conditions of field laborers in my hometown, I am familiar with the injustices that can occur. Studying this with a focus on migrant labor is something I know will have a positive impact on the communities we engage with. My passion for human rights drives me to seek opportunities that foster meaningful change, and I believe MMFRP will allow me to contribute to that goal.
Paulina Vargas
Paulina is a second-year Political Science major with a minor in Human Rights and Migration.
I am a first-generation Mexican-American college student from Oceanside, CA and I come from a low-income Mexican household in a predominantly Latinx community. Both of my parents are from Mexico, my mother being from Guanajuato and my father from Guerrero. Once they came to the U.S., they worked in factories where they could be injured easily, and where they would be taken advantage of because of their undocumented status and limited English-speaking abilities. As I grew up, my family continued to struggle financially and I continued to observe the disparities that affect the immigrant community, sparking my interest in immigration and human rights. I have the desire to advocate and give back to my community by listening to their stories and making sure that their voices are heard, ensuring that they are given the respect and dignity they deserve. In being a part of the MMFRP team, I know that I will be able to reach those goals and gain more knowledge in the process. I aspire to go to law school and later on pursue a career as an Immigration and Human Rights attorney, as I believe it’s incredibly important to have the stories of families and individuals to be seen, felt, and heard and achieve justice for them.
Mexican Migration Field Research Program 