Celebrating the Graduation of our Academia de Inmigración 2024
We recently celebrated the graduation of our Academia de Conocimientos Básicos de Inmigración 2024, a training designed to educate and empower our immigrant community by expanding their knowledge and understanding of immigration policies that impact us directly or indirectly. The event was both memorable and meaningful, filled with opportunities for learning, connection, and growth. Participants gathered to strengthen their sense of community and solidarity while enjoying a delicious meal from Real Mex Fresh. The celebration was further enriched by the beautiful music of Susan and Martin Jacobo, who performed traditional Mexican and Latin American folk music, adding a festive and cultural touch to the event.
Immigrant rights organization also brought their expertise and passion for immigrant rights to the academy. These included members from Adelante Mujeres, Clínica Esperanza; American Civil Liberties Union; American Friends Service Committee; Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon; La Resistencia, Immigrant Solidarity Collaborative, Interfaith Movement for Immigrant Justice and Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition. Their presence added depth and inspiration to our academy, highlighting the power of collective advocacy and leadership.
The Academia worked toward several key objectives:
Expanding Knowledge of Immigrant Rights and Responsibilities:
Participants gained valuable insights into their rights and responsibilities as members of the immigrant community, building a foundation of confidence to navigate their lives in the U.S.
Accessing Reliable Information and Resources:
The workshop provided trustworthy sources of information about the latest immigration news and resources, ensuring participants could stay informed and make educated decisions.
Fostering Connections Among Participants:
The event created a supportive space where participants could connect, share experiences, and offer mutual support on immigration issues.
Understanding the Basics of the U.S. Immigration System:
An overview of the U.S. immigration system was presented, giving participants a clearer understanding of its structure and processes.
Organizing for Immigrant Rights Advocacy:
Participants learned strategies for organizing and advocating for immigrant rights, highlighting the power of collective action and unity.
ISP Ambassadors for 2024-2025
Colibrí Award Recognition
In addition to celebrating our workshop graduates, two outstanding community leaders were honored with the Colibrí Award for their exceptional contributions:
Anabertha A. Martínez, originally from Guanajuato, Mexico, has over 30 years of experience in health promotion, parenting, and community engagement. Since immigrating in 1994, she has become a mentor and trainer, contributing significantly to leadership programs in Portland Public Schools. An advocate of Popular Education, she uses her skills to empower others, while also finding joy in writing poetry and stories that promote spiritual and mental healing.
Ma. Guadalupe Estrada Ferreyra, from Morelia, Michoacán, has a long career in education, having worked as a primary and preschool teacher in Mexico. Since moving to the U.S. in 2006, she has continued her dedication through community volunteering and later joined Adelante Mujeres, where she rediscovered her passion for helping children. During the pandemic, she faced challenges but embraced new opportunities by taking leadership and advocacy workshops. Today, she continues to serve her community as a preschool teacher.
María Dolores Torres, Community Organizer at Adelante Mujeres; Cristina Delgado, Immigrant Solidarity Program Manager at Adelante Mujeres; Magali Cruz, Immigrant Solidarity Program Assistant at Adelante Mujeres; Anabertha A. Martínez, Colibrí Award Recipient; Ma. Guadalupe Estrada Ferreyra, Colibrí Award Recipient; Verónika Núñez; Bridget Cooke, Co-Founder and Executive Director at Adelante Mujeres.
The graduation of our our Academia de Conocimientos Básicos de Inmigración 2024 was more than a milestone; it was a celebration of collective strength, unity, and cultural pride. The event highlighted the resilience and determination of our immigrant community, proving that together we can transform education into action and create lasting, positive change. Graduates left with not only valuable insights but also a sense of empowerment and motivation, ready to advocate for a more just and inclusive future for all. ¡Sigamos Adelante!
A special appreciation to the Oregon Immigrant Refuge Collaborative (OIRC) and Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) for funding these critical educational trainings for directly impacted community members. Also, a big appreciation to the United Methodist Church and the First Congregational, United Church of Christ, Hillsboro for hosting the Academy sessions and celebration.