On Feb. 24, the 2024 Dream Conference will be held in the Dreamers Success Center, located at Holt 201 from 8-2 p.m. This will be the first time the conference has been held in-person since the COVID-19 pandemic, and the second time the conference will be held in the Dreamers Center.
“We are excited to be back, because this is an important event to not only our students and staff, but our undocumented, Dreamer Community as well,” said Dean of Student Services Edward Aguilar. “I think there is a real difference being in-person and being able to see people, creating trust within the community.”
The Dream Conference is a way for students and the community to learn about services available to undocumented, Dreamer, or AB 540 individuals.
“First of all, we will have free food and a free raffle, so people are free to come in and enjoy that,” said resource specialist Tina Leal. “But, there will also be a resource fair where people can learn about what’s available to undocumented people and can learn about our mental health services. There will also be a keynote speaker, poet and activist Yosimar Reyes, who will speak at the conference.”
“I think it’s important for us to have a speaker who embodies our undocumented community, and Yosimar really does embody that,” said Leal, “His poetry is very relatable to the undocumented community and the undocumented experience.”
Former keynote speakers have included Adriana Gonzalez, who Aguilar credits with creating the foundation of the current Dreamer Success Center.
“When we plan for these events, we look for people who understand the community,” said Aguilar. “Both Reyes and Gonzalez are successful figures who understand the entrepreneur spirit of the community.”
Aguilar and Leal both hope to continue hosting the Dream Conference each year in-person.
“We want to let people know that we are here to help, and that the Center is always a place where you can come in,” said Leal. “We also hope to keep expanding this conference every year. You know, maybe one day, we will be able to fill up Atherton.”
To register for the event, go to the Dreamers Success Center’s page on Delta’s website.