“The opportunity to be a Valerie Zukin Fellow at California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice (CCIJ) was transformative and affirmed my career trajectory. I was drawn to work with CCIJ because they are a values aligned organization with a focus on collective liberation and abolition. During my time with CCIJ, I learned how these values can influence the way that immigration work is done and the way an organization is structured, functions, and makes decisions. Within CCIJ there is a genuine desire for everyone to be cared for and have their needs met which extends to clients, staff, and the community at large. I felt aligned, cared for, and at home in CCIJ’s work environment. 

During my fellowship, I had the privilege of being mentored by fierce advocates that embody the passion and purpose of Valerie Zukin. My work during the fellowship included legal representation of CCIJ clients and advocacy projects for individuals in immigration detention. Although I had worked in the immigration law field before, this was my first time representing clients in bond hearings and removal proceedings. This fellowship provided me with the legal training and support necessary to be able to confidently and zealously advocate for our clients. 

Particularly, I learned how to argue for the freedom of our clients while upholding their dignity and portraying them holistically to counter the narrative that they are defined by their mistakes. In preparation for my first bond hearing, the supervising attorney that mentored me encouraged me to take up space and argue fiercely for our client. With her care and support, I was able to face my own growth edges in order to share his story and fight for him to be reunited with his family. I was moved by the ways that, regardless of outcome, the narrative-shifting work we do impacts our clients and their families. The mentorship and encouragement I received while at CCIJ were transformational.

When I applied for the Valerie Zukin Memorial Fellowship and learned more about Valerie, I was moved by her passion, ferocity, and impact. I could feel how her legacy lives on through her family, loved ones, colleagues, and clients. I am honored and grateful to be part of her legacy. I know that the transformation that was sparked within me as a Valerie Zukin Fellow will continue to evolve and influence the impact I will have in my work within immigration law. I extend my deepest gratitude to Valerie’s family, friends, and the generous donors that make this fellowship possible.”