The "Dreaming Without Boundaries" conference educates and promotes awareness about “Dream” students and the obstacles they overcome to achieve higher education. Dream students are undocumented immigrants who attend college, usually as the first person in their families to do so. The conference is organized by the group LEAD - Leaders Educating for the Advancement of Dreamers.

LEAD "Dreaming Without Boundaries" Conference

Know Your Rights

Logo of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant RightsAndres R. Guerra
Immigration Attorney
CHIRLA

In this informative presentation Attorney Andres R. Guerra provides advice and services to undocumented CSU Chico students and anyone seeking legal consultation. Mr. Guerra also works for the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, an organization whose mission is to achieve a just society fully inclusive of immigrants. CHIRLA organizes and serves individuals, institutions and coalitions to build power, transform public opinion, and change policies to achieve full human, civil and labor rights. Students needing services can contact Mr. Guerra through the CHIRLA website. Presentation time: 55 minutes | View Now

Unconditional Love for the Hood: Redefining Success in Our Communities

Jeff Duncan-Andrade, PhD
San Francisco State University
Raza Studies and ELSIT

Unconditional Love for the Hood video linkDr. Jeff Duncan-Andrade, associate professor of Raza Studies and Education Administration and Interdisciplinary Studies at San Francisco State University, believes far too many young people aren’t getting the education they deserve. He has authored numerous journal articles and book chapters on the conditions of urban education, urban teacher support and development, and effective pedagogy in urban settings. He has completed two books, The Art of Critical Pedagogy: Possibilities for Moving from Theory to Practice in Urban Schools and What a Coach Can Teach a Teacher. Join Dr. Duncan-Andrade in his motivational and eye-opening presentation. Presentation time: 1 hour, 26 minutes | View Now

Know Your Rights

Aldo Cruz Vazquez
CSU, Chico Dream Center

Decorative: Image from slideshow presentationAldo Cruz Vazquez begins this presentation by reminding his audience that everyone in the United States has constitutional rights, including undocumented immigrants. He then explains these rights as they pertain to encounters with ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and law enforcement at home, in the car, and at work. He presents various scenarios and advises people on what to do and say – and what NOT to do and say. Vazquez also explains legal terms, such as the difference between an arrest warrant and a search warrant. Presentation Time: 46 minutes | View Now

#UndocuJoy: Shifting Perspective in Undocumented Representation

Yosimar Reyes
Artist in Residence, Define American

Decorative: "I love my undocumented people!"This presentation begins with a short film by Yosimar Reyes, which he wrote and narrated as part of his #UndocuJoy project. The film begins with Reyes stating, “I love my undocumented people,” and proceeds to show undocumented immigrants in their everyday lives – working, going to school, smiling, laughing. When the film ends, Reyes engages his audience with his lively, humorous speaking style. He is working hard to present something other than “doom and gloom narratives” about undocumented immigrants. “There is a lot of pain and trauma,” he acknowledges," and adds, “But I remember where I come from – from the resilience of my parents and grandparents, and how they knew how to laugh.” Presentation Time: 1 hour, 13 minutes | View Now

A Day of Empowerment

Ivan Ceja and Justino Mora
Co-Founders, UndocuMedia

Decorative: No human is illegalYoung activists Ivan Ceja and Justino Mora co-founded UndocuMedia, an organization and website with the purpose of disseminating information, through various forms of media, which pertains to legislation that addresses the undocumented immigrant community. The group also advocates for the rights of other oppressed communities. Mora came to the United States from Mexico when he was 11 years old; Ceja was only a few months old when his parents brought him to the US Both men worked to establish DACA, AKA the “Dream Act,” and are working so save it from elimination by the Trump administration. They also work locally to hold local elected officials accountable for violations of the human rights of immigrants. Presentation Time: 1 hour, 6 minutes | View Now

An (Un)documented Journey

Blanca Hernandez
Paralegal and Anti-Deportation Activist with #NOTONEMORE

Decorative: Women giving a speechBlanca Hernandez was very young when she immigrated with her family to the United States from Mexico. She has been in the US for 26 years, yet until the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA, also know was the “Dream Act”) was passed, she could have been deported at any time. DACA is an American immigration policy that allows certain undocumented immigrants who entered the country before their 16th birthday and before June 2007 to receive a renewable two-year work permit and exemption from deportation. However, Ms. Hernandez believes that other immigrants should have the same protection that she has received from the DACA. While working as a paralegal in Washington, DC, she has become an outspoken anti-deportation activist, working mainly with the organization #NOTONEMORE. Ms. Hernandez’s activism has sometimes taken the form of civil disobedience; in 2014, she interrupted President Barack Obama’s speech at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Gala. She was escorted out of the room that day, but she clearly will not be silenced in her work for immigrants’ rights. Presentation Time: 51 minutes | View Now

The Backpacks that We Carry on Our Journey Towards Justice

Dr. Cesar A. Cruz
Assistant Dean, Secondary Schools Program, Harvard University

Decorative: Image from slideshow presentationDr. Cesar A. Cruz is the first Mexican immigrant male to attend Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education in the Doctoral Program for Educational Leadership. He is so much more than that, as he demonstrates in this powerful, dynamic presentation. But at 9 years old, entering the US illegally to be reunited with his mother after 4 years, he was filled with a sense of shame. As he grew up in South Central Los Angles, Dr. Cruz felt a sense of not belonging with his “undocumented” status. However, he began to learn his heritage and history – and the irony of “undocumented Mexicans begging for citizenship in their ancestral lands” – what is now the Southwestern US, Texas, and California. Eventually, Dr. Cruz discovered his “keys to resiliency”: finding his voice, learning his history, and learning resilience strategies. He was inspired to begin the Homies Empowerment Program in Oakland, which works to empower trauma-impacted youth, youth who are gang members or are influenced by gangs. Presentation Time: 56 minutes | View Now