Welcome Betzy Valdez of @bempowereddreamer to Episode 92 of the @immigrationmicpodcast!
Betzy is a DACA recipient from Central Mexico whose family immigrated to Colorado for a better life for their family; her sister was born with bilateral microtia and needed specialized care.
Growing up, Betzy hid her good grades and intelligence to fit in, and similarly, she was uncomfortable with immigration conversations because she felt it would bring up her immigration status.
9/11 marked an important moment for her; she felt it became a hopeless situation to find relief for her immigration status or to obtain residency.
She talks about her life transitions: getting married at 19, having her first child at 20, and how her three daughters motivate her to push forward.
Betzy describes her inner struggles being undocumented in high school, and how after DACA in 2012, she was able to go back to school, and is working towards her associates degree; her way of going after the American Dream.
We talk about the 2016 election, and how Betzy was crushed by DACA being ended in 2017 - and how she fought against the negativity during that time, and didn’t let it defeat her.
She tells the story of when she unexpectedly first told her story at a networking event, and the fateful moment that she knew she was destined to tell her story to empower herself and others.
Betzy is using the page @bempowereddreamer as a way to express herself and share her story widely, and talks about how the challenges at the federal level has brought something else out of her to fight for change.
BONUS: From @latinosoutloud: Radio/TV On Air Personality, Club Host+Blogger+ @Spotify Global Content Programming @ajelkallejero tells an important anecdote of his family’s immigration story and how his mom is giving back to the undocumented community!
BONUS: At the beginning of the episode, find out how you can support immigration activist and content creator Stephanie Ramirez’s “Families Belong Together” campaign — all sales from the t-shirt will go to @raicestexas & @borderangelsofficial: two nonprofit groups leading in the fight against the inhumane treatment of migrants.
bonfire.com/dontlookaway/
Joel Salguero: DACA and Host of "The Objective Truth" Podcast! + Go Vote!
Paola Mendoza, Women's March Co-founder and her new novel "Sanctuary" on Immigration MIC!
REACTIONS TO THE DACA SUPREME COURT RULING
Bonus: Careerfluencer, It Girl Thoughts, & A Personal Update
David Silva, and Techqueria's Fundraising For Undocumented Families
Barbara Estrada, Journalist and Host of 'Work In Progress' Podcast!
Podfest Orlando Recap, NYC Event Postponed, And Electric Scooter Through Miami!
A Shot Of Truth Podcast, Lorena Quiroz-Lewis, and FirstGenMoney!
Hofstra's Paula Chirinos Full Interview! (Bonus interview with Dina Radeljas)
LIVE: Immigration MIC 100 with Eliana Fernández, and much more!
The True Story Behind The Immigration MIC Podcast
LIVE EVENT: Undocumented Student Alliance @ SUNY Old Westbury! (With Dr. Laura Anker & Erica Rojas)
Bonus: Reviewing South Park's 'Mexican Joker' with Rocio from @Chica.Chats!
Zuley's Immigration Activism on Long Island! (Inspired By Immigration MIC)
Bonus: Celebrating Immigration Podcasts
Tribute Episode to El Paso and Dayton
Gosia Labno, co-founder of @kulturamag on being a "White" Polish DACA Recipent!
Hoboken's Ron Bautista on Immigration MIC!
Jhoana Monroy on her personal journey and the importance of mentorship!
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