DACA/UNDOCU Week hits the University of Denver like no other year starting April 24-April 28. These efforts are by lead coordinator Johanna Majano, current DU junior. Originally set to be in March, Majano knew she needed to step in and create a fun-filled week with multiple resources for students. Majano pushed back the week to advocate for larger resources for undocumented/DACA students on campus.

Tabling & Resource Fair: Monday, April 24th, 4-6 p.m.

Community Commons 1700

The week was launched by various on-campus groups tabling at the resource fair to help bring resources to students. MGC organizations such as Pi Lambda Chi Latina Sorority, Inc., Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority, Inc., and Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. Other resources include the organization Juntos, which aids in supporting “undocumented high school students, recent high school graduates, current college students, parents, educators and school leaders. By and for the undocumented community, [their] team is dedicated to helping families build generational wealth.” DU also came in with representation by First@DU table and Thrive. Students walked through each table collecting resources, candy and other fun trinkets. Pizza, snacks and various drinks were provided. 

Community Panel: Tuesday, April 25th, 6-7 p.m.

Anderson Academic Commons 290

The second day of the week-long celebration was a very emotional and exciting Community Panel. Guests were provided with green and red tamales and various drink options. The panel consisted of 4 panelists: Johanna Majano, a 3rd-year student at DU, Frida Faugier Ferreira, DACA Works Manager, Beatriz Hernandez, a DU student panelist, and Zee Burgos Resendiz, another student panelist. MCd by our very own Editor-in-Chief, Ana Ortega, the panel started off with simple introductions and background from the panelists. The questions continued to go further in depth asking about their experiences as DACA/undocumented students applying for college, the lack of resources once entering college, and life after college. An emotional moment was shared when speaking about identity and how many of the panelists hid their status from the world, feeling alone and uncertain about what lies ahead. The panel ended which each panelist giving advice to the student-filled crowd. “Don’t give up!” remarked the panelists, reassuring DACA/UNDOCU students that they are not alone in their college journey. 

Paletas and Support: Wednesday, April 26th, 11-1 p.m.

Carnegie Green 

Taking a break from high-activity events, DACA/UNDOCU Week committee members Johanna Majano and Ana Ortega, set out to fill empty stomachs while pushing around a paleta carrito. The rain moved the event to the first floor of the Community Commons but it did not stop students from engaging with the committee, grabbing resources in front of the table and filling their stomachs with Asian-based snacks, paletas and mochi ice cream.

Know Your Rights Panel: Thursday, April 27th, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Community Commons 1600

Thursday night was filled with various resources and information on the rights of DACA and undocumented individuals. The Panel explained the proper procedures when encountering ICE agents when to seek out a lawyer, the differences in punishments between undocumented individuals and documented individuals when committing crimes, and much more. 

Entrepreneur Workshop: Friday, April 28th, 4-5 p.m.

Celebration Dinner 5-7:30 p.m.

Engineer Building 510

This end-of-week celebration and workshop are POSTPONED. Stay tuned for news on the new date and time! The workshop brings in resources on how to be your own contractor and navigate a career while being undocumented. The celebration will have different foods from around the world featuring Latino and Asian cuisines.

 

Check out more fun photos from the event here!