HEFAS Annual Summit
What Is It?
This is a free event that happens every spring, HEFAS invites students, parents, educators
and community members to a day-long summit conference. Topics include a wide-range
of issues concerning the undocumented community such as the undocumented identity
and ally support. We have workshops, key note speakers and performances throughout
the day. Complimantary breakfast and lunch is provided. Everyone must register prior
to the day.
HEFAS Summit 2025
Agenda | Workshops
|
Time |
Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 11:30 -12:00 PM | Lunch | Registration |
Lunch will be served until 1:30 PM Register to enter a raffle to win a self-care basket! |
| 12:00 -12:45 PM | Welcome |
Announcements - Intern Opportunities 
Performance by Deyci Carillo LĂłpez- an author, entrepreneur, and immigrant rights advocate. Story Telling by Daly Fernandez- current student who has done work on advocating for undocumented students; she will share her story. |
| 12:45 -1:30 PM | Keynote Speaker |
Our Keynote Speaker this year is Cristian Aguilar Valverde: Cristian Aguilar Valverde is an UndocuScholar and Doctoral Candidate in International and Multicultural Education with a concentration in Human Rights Education at the University of San Francisco. His research focuses on highlighting how undocumented high school youth embody radical hope while resisting U.S. immigration enforcement policies. His research seeks to provide a framework for educators to (re)imagine schools as transformational spaces of belonging for undocumented youth and families and communities impacted by other systems of subjugation. In addition to being a researcher, Cristian is also a Human Rights Educator with a background in Bilingual Education, Educational Leadership, and Racial Justice. |
| 1:40 -2:40 PM | Session #1 Workshops |
Wings of Strength: Embracing Your Story and Soaring Beyond Limits
Undocumented and Unstoppable: Reclaiming Financial Power in Uncertain Times Presenter: Maribel Franscisco. | Location: Conference Room A How Therapy Can Be a Tool for Empowerment and Imposter Syndrome Presenter: Jordana Gardenwartz & Ally Feiss | Location: Santa Cruz Room Navigating Higher Education & Beyond: Inclusive Resources
Explore your story and build your future in this informational workshop focused on identity, access, and resilience. Through guided storytelling, anonymous reflections, and open dialogue, you'll connect personal experiences to academic and career goals. Engage in an activity that helps uncover your unique voice for scholarship essays and job opportunities, all through the lens of equity and inclusion. Topics include storytelling, academics, financial aid, career preparation, and available resources. Join us to reflect, share, and strengthen your path forward. |
| 2:50 -3:50 PM | Session #2 Workshops |
Wings of Strength: Embracing Your Story and Soaring Beyond Limits Presenter: Jesus Gonzalez | Location: MCC Conference Room Undocumented and Unstoppable: Reclaiming Financial Power in Uncertain Times Presenter: Maribel Franscisco | Location: Conference Room A Presenters: Jordana Gardenswartz & Ally Feiss | Location: Santa Cruz Room Navigating Higher Education & Beyond: Inclusive Resources Presenter: Itzel Sanchez, Pedro Sanchez | Location: Don Bautista Know Your Rights: De Anza College and Beyond Presenters: Shaila Ramos Garcia & Felisa Vilaubi | Location: MCC 14
Learn your rights during police vehicle stops, ICE home visits, and ICE presence on campus. This workshop will walk through real-life scenarios and explain the official campus response process. Leave empowered with practical tools, posters, and knowledge to protect yourself and your community. |
| 3:50 -4:30 PM | Closing | Raffle |
Speaker Bio's
Cristian Aguilar Valverde is an UndocuScholar and Doctoral Candidate in International and Multicultural Education
with a concentration in Human Rights Education at the University of San Francisco.
His research focuses on highlighting how undocumented high school youth embody radical
hope while resisting U.S. immigration enforcement policies. His research seeks to
provide a framework for educators to (re)imagine schools as transformational spaces
of belonging not only for undocumented youth, but also for families and communities
impacted by other systems of subjugation. In addition to being a researcher, Cristian
is also a Human Rights Educator with a background in Bilingual Education, Educational
Leadership, and Racial Justice.
Deyci Carrillo LĂłpez, as she says it herself, is a proud daughter of Guanajuato, MĂ©xico and Deep East
Oakland, California. She is an author, entrepreneur, and immigrant rights advocate.
Deyci started writing poetry when she was around 13 years old, shortly after finding
out her immigration status. Words helped Deyci define who she is and who she wants
to become in this world that is constantly screaming to define her worth and her power.
With poetry, Deyci reclaimed her power and who she is. She is also a small business
owner and with her brand hopes to inspire little and big humans to discover and own
their magic through poetry and art. You can see more of her work on instagram as @puravida510
Itzel Mariana Sanchez is a proud first-generation AB540 Latina, born in Mexico City and raised in the San
Francisco Bay Area, California. At the age of eight, she migrated with her family
in pursuit of the so-called “American Dream.” Growing up in a low-income household
with undocumented parents, Itzel faced numerous challenges—including language barriers
and bullying as a pre-teen who didn’t yet speak English. Despite these hardships,
she demonstrated resilience and determination, never allowing her circumstances to
define her future.
Unable to afford a four-year university right after high school, Itzel began her academic journey at De Anza Community College. This decision turned into one of the most transformative experiences of her life. The support, empowerment, and resources she received sparked her passion for civic engagement and academic success. She became the first in her family to earn a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, and several certifications—including a verified certificate from Harvard University. Itzel achieved all of this debt-free, supported by over $30,000 in scholarships, setting a historic milestone in her family’s legacy.
Itzel deeply values diversity, equity, and inclusion. She believes diversity enriches society by fostering tolerance, expanding our capacity for empathy, and enhancing our personal and professional growth. Her inclusive vision embraces people of all races, ethnicities, languages, genders, sexual orientations, socioeconomic backgrounds, immigration statuses, abilities, religions, ages, and political beliefs. Her mission is to ensure that every community member has an equitable opportunity to thrive.
Today, while working full-time in education, Itzel continues to extend her advocacy
beyond the workplace. She has translated vital documents, supported workplace justice
initiatives, participated in public panels, and mentored students from diverse backgrounds.
Her passion lies in empowering others and creating access to education and justice
for all—especially for those historically excluded or marginalized.
Pedro Sanchez, 22, is a dedicated, hard-working man who balances work with ambition. Born into
an undocumented background, he has faced challenges with resilience and determination.
Pedro draws strength from his community and family, using his experiences to fuel
his drive for a better future. His story is one of perseverance, and he's committed
to creating opportunities not only for himself but also for others in similar situations.
Ally Feiss graduated from the University of Massachusetts Lowell where she earned her B.A. in
Psychology and minored in Criminal Justice and Gender studies. Ally is currently a
fourth-year Clinical Psychology doctoral student working towards her Psy.D. at the
University of San Francisco. Ally has special interests in working with student-athletes
and individuals with eating disorders and/or body image concerns. Outside of the office
and school, Ally enjoys spending her time outdoors, running/working out, reading,
trying new foods, and spending time with friends.
Jordana Gardenswartz (Jordy) is a 4th-year clinical psychology doctoral student at the PGSP-Stanford PsyD
Consortium. She earned her MS in Clinical Psychology from the PGSP-Stanford PsyD Consortium
and her BA in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from Yale University. Jordy has
experience treating patients with a range of mental health concerns, including anxiety,
depression, substance use issues, body image concerns, and trauma, with a particular
enthusiasm for working with those in the LGBTQ+ community. In her free time Jordy
likes dancing, walking around her neighborhood, listening to pop music, binging the
latest Netflix series, and spending time with loved ones.
Jesus Gonzalez is a first-generation college graduate, community advocate, and educator dedicated
to empowering students and uplifting communities. With a background in education,
mentorship, and advocacy, he works to create equitable opportunities for individuals
facing systemic barriers. As a consultant, he collaborates with non-profits, schools,
and government entities to develop programs that support youth, college students,
and emerging professionals. Through storytelling and actionable insights, Jesus inspires
others to embrace their potential and build pathways to success.
Maribel Franscisco, is founder of @OurWealthMatters AKA Your Favorite Immigrant-Money Coach. She is the
first-gen daughter of Mexican, Purepecha indigenous, immigrants, born and raised in
Los Angeles, California. She leverages her first-hand life experience, bilingual capabilities,
& knowledge in taxes and corporate finance, to serve USA-based immigrants – because
she believes more immigrants need to know they can legally earn, save, and invest
their money while in the USA - irrelevant of their immigration status. She has been
featured in The New York Times, Univision, & NerdWallet.
Felisa Vilaubi brings 18 years of experience in counseling and program development, serving a wide
range of students from preschool to adult education. She joined De Anza College in
2017 as a counselor for English Performance Success and Adult School Transitions.
Driven by a deep passion for student empowerment, Felisa helps individuals recognize
their inner strength and embrace their role as agents of change. She takes a holistic,
student-centered approach, meeting each person where they are and honoring the uniqueness
of their educational journey. Felisa is currently working full time in VIDA/HEFAS
Shaila Ramos-GarcĂa is the Undocumented Student Support and UndocuSTEM Program Coordinator and co-founder
of HEFAS. She is a culture maker, activist, poet, educator, and leader within the
immigrant community. For the last 16 years, she has dedicated her career to become
an equity practitioner and expert on higher education access for Undocumented Students,
she believes in fighting for social justice and leading from a place of Empathy.
Past Conference Themes:
