About Staff

Miriam Delgado earned her Master of Arts in the Social and Cultural Analysis of Education from California State University, Long Beach, in 2019. Her master’s program focused on researching the experiences of DACAmented students studying abroad, and her findings were instrumental in informing the national campaign to restore DACA’s advanced parole. Prior to her master’s, Miriam obtained her B.A. degree in Chicana/o Studies and Spanish with a minor in Education from the University of California, Davis, in 2009.

Miriam is a Ph.D.  Candidate in the Higher Education Administration and Policy program at the University of California, Riverside School of Education. Her research interests primarily revolve around exploring the educational experiences of undocumented/DACA students in the educational pipeline. Miriam remains dedicated to advocating for the educational attainment of undocumented immigrants and underrepresented students in education and continuing to fight for immigrant rights.  

Gretel Quintero, a native of Sinaloa, Mexico, embarked on her journey to the United States at thirteen. As a first-generation college student, she graduated from UC Davis in 2009, majoring in Sociology and Spanish. Throughout her educational journey, Gretel remained committed to advocating for immigrant rights, a cause she has actively supported since age 15.

With over 12 years of experience as an immigration paralegal, Gretel has honed her skills and knowledge in this specialized field. Her extensive expertise and understanding of immigration law enable her to navigate the complex legal processes immigrants face effectively.

Gretel's dedication to promoting immigrant rights goes beyond her professional role. She has steadfastly advocated for marginalized immigrant communities, utilizing her voice and platform to fight for equitable treatment and equal opportunities. Her passion and commitment have been evident in her longstanding involvement in various initiatives and organizations dedicated to advancing immigrants' rights.

Maria Yepez Perez was born in Aguililla, Michoacan, Mexico, and raised in Pasco, Washington. She graduated from Washington State University in 2020 with a degree in Social Sciences and Spanish. 

While at WSU, Maria was highly involved with the undocumented community and immigrant rights movement. She took various leadership roles, such as Student Advisor for Crimson Group, CMSC advocate for Advance Parole, and Co-Chair for the CASHE Conference. Maria also attended several national conferences in Washington, D.C., Florida, and New York, where she expanded her knowledge regarding resources for undocumented students. As a fellow at SEIU-Local 721, she was part of initiatives to empower rideshare and delivery drivers.

Maria completed a year of law school at the University of Idaho College of Law; she is interested in Immigration and Personal Injury law. In addition to her academic focus, she’s been involved with the UCLA Dream Resource Center Alumni Council for the past three cohorts. In addition, she’s had the opportunity to be the Hispanic National Bar Association Region 16 representative for 2023-2024 and the prior 1L representative for the Latino/a Law Caucus. Her aspirations revolve around opening her practice in the future to continue helping her community. 

Maria continues learning and obtaining experience in different law areas to continue helping her community. She is currently working for Morfin Law Firm and New Horizons Alliance.

Reynaldo Del Rio embarked on his journey to Chicago, Illinois, in September 1998 when he was 12 years old. Making the arduous trip from his hometown of Colima, it was during this voyage that he celebrated his 12th birthday. As a DACA recipient and college graduate with a background in Computer Science, Rey's educational achievements resulted from immense sacrifice, unwavering determination, and the invaluable support of teachers, mentors, and organizations advocating for the rights of DACA recipients.

After enduring a separation of two decades from his mother, Rey finally experienced a profound and transformative moment when he utilized Advance Parole to reunite with his long-lost family. This reunion is one of his most powerful and life-altering experiences.

Motivated by this deeply personal journey, Rey has taken on a formidable mission: to ensure that other fellow DACA recipients have the opportunity to reunite with their loved ones, just as he did. With an unwavering determination, he is committed to advocating for the rights and opportunities that will allow DACA recipients to experience the profound joy of family reunification.