Welcome back, First Gens!
This week, we welcome Dr. Felecia Russell, Director of the Higher Ed Immigration Portal at the Presidents’ Alliance for Higher Education and Immigration, and author of the groundbreaking book Amplifying Black Undocumented Student Voices in Higher Education.
Felecia has spent many years advocating for undocumented students, especially those of Black and immigrant origins. Her recent book, Amplifying Black Undocumented Student Voices in Higher Education, centers not only on her personal educational journey, but also on a powerful qualitative study of 15 Black undocumented students. This important work, released by Routledge earlier this year, offers insight into the unique struggles and triumphs faced by this underrepresented community. Most recently, her advocacy work earned her a feature on MSNBC.
Dr. Felecia Russell
Dr. Felecia’s work at the Presidents’ Alliance includes overseeing the Higher Ed Immigration Portal, a vital resource hub for undocumented, immigrant-origin, refugee, and displaced students. This portal provides policy tools, effective practices, and other critical resources to help students and higher education professionals navigate the complex landscape of immigration policies and education access. One of the Portal’s highlights is a state legislative tool that tracks drivers’ licenses, professional licenses, in-state tuition policies, and more across the U.S. The portal also offers a guide to private institutions that support undocumented students with scholarships and resources, as well as a hub for navigating graduate school.
We also learn of Dr. Felecia’s experience as a DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipient herself. Felecia shares with us the challenges undocumented students like herself face. As many of you may know, DACA was implemented in 2012 and allows certain undocumented people brought to the U.S. as children to receive a renewable two-year period of deferred action from deportation and become eligible for work permits. However, with the ongoing legal challenges to DACA, no new applications are being reviewed at this time.
First-Gen Immigration Journey
Her message to first gens is to find your lane in the space. Whether that’s storytelling, policy, or activism, anyone can contribute in ways that are meaningful to them. Felecia’s journey from an undergraduate at Cal Lutheran, to a master’s in Public Policy from Pepperdine, to earning her doctorate from Temple University shows that perseverance and passion can lead to real change.
As always, we want to remind you that small steps matter, and finding your community is so important. Having someone there to remind you that you can accomplish anything and that there is always someone in your corner is what your First Gen Madrina and this community are here for and don’t ever forget that!
The First Gen Madrina
If you are a University, College, Company or Organization, The First Gen Madrina offers workshops on a variety of topics (such as imposter syndrome, time management, managing burnout, building a self-care plan, etc..), custom built mentorship programs as well as customized services tailored to the needs of the client.
Join Sara, The First Gen Madrina, for individual coaching and/or group coaching. The journey can often feel lonely but that does not mean that you are alone! Check out the Our Services tab on our website for more information! http://thefirstgenmadrina.com
In order to follow along, remember to rate, review, and subscribe to The First Gen Madrina Podcast to stay connected. Also, follow on instagram and LinkedIn @thefirstgenmadrina and Sara Diaz, LCSW. Sara acknowledges that the term first gen can be fluid, so The First Gen Madrina is committed to supporting all first gens! This isn’t just about breaking barriers—it’s about providing unwavering support that propels individuals to embrace life’s challenges and triumphs.
In conclusion, stay tuned to meet amazing first-generation guests for the podcast, endless topics related to the first-gen experience and transformational coaching! Sara is your go to Madrina for all things first gen!
¡Hasta pronto!
Sara, The First Gen Madrina
