Meet Monica Valencia of Dreamer Fund

Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Valencia.

Hi Monica, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up in L.A. in an immigrant community. My parents were undocumented and experienced discrimination and unkind treatment. Witnessing this made me feel cemented – like I couldn’t help them. So, I decided early on that I wanted to be a lawyer. In my family and in my community, there was a lack of access all around – lack of access to social services, legal services, etc. When you add in the language barrier – it really stifles people like my parents in their ability to reach upward mobility.

When I graduated high school, I enlisted in the military and spent six years in the U.S. Air Force. Although I was able to travel the world, train and meet incredible people, I spent six years away from my family. It made me realize the many things we take for granted.

After the military, I went to school and eventually graduated from USC in Los Angeles. From there, I went to law school in San Francisco. Today, I am an immigration attorney, law professor and Co-Executive Director of my own non-profit. In my free time, I am an avid photographer, mixed-media artist and traveler.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road to being where I am today has not been easy. There have been many hardships including unhealthy familial dynamics, toxic workplaces and even dealing in race relations and privilege in education. However, the most challenging moments for me has been my own healing process and my own unlearning and relearning. I never even knew that healing was for me – but I think when we become aware of our own selves, our needs and where our woundings are, we can really change ourselves and how we show up in the world.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Dreamer Fund?
The Dreamer Fund is a non-profit organization dedicated to uplifting undocumented and DACAmented students in their law school journey. We help with scholarships, mentorship, training and we also provide free legal services to the community in San Francisco, Los Angeles and the state of California as a whole. We hope you will look at our work and support our community.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
We are always looking for collaborators, supporters, volunteers, and even funding to help with our events and scholarships.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.dreamerfund.org
• Instagram: @dreamerfund

Image Credits
Monica Valencia