FGLP Scholars (1st Year Cohort)

Hello! My name is Arseny Acosta, and I am currently attending the University of Illinois at Chicago with a double major in Political Science and Criminology Law and Justice. I have been granted various opportunities to organize events for my community and speak at government press conferences. This has motivated me to pursue a career in law and advocate for social justice.

Education: University of Illinois at Chicago 

Email: acostaarseny82@gmail.com

My name is Alondra Felipe, and I am a first-generation Latina student at DePaul University, majoring in Political Science. I am a driven and passionate individual committed to advancing immigration reform and supporting communities across the United States.

My academic and professional goals are centered on transforming immigration policies and providing individuals with guidance on their paths to naturalization and citizenship.

As part of this commitment, I currently serve as a research assistant at DePaul University, where I have had the opportunity to listen to and document the stories of individuals navigating immigration challenges. This role has deepened my understanding of the systemic barriers that exist and strengthened my resolve to advocate for change.

Growing up in a household where my parents lived with the constant fear of deportation, I witnessed firsthand the emotional and social toll of our country’s immigration system. These early experiences inspired me to find my voice and channel it into meaningful advocacy. It was within my family that I first understood the importance of speaking up, organizing for resources, and the realization that my purpose is to help others. 

Education: DePaul University

Email: adfelipe26@icloud.com

My name is Ashley Hernandez, and I am an immensely proud first generation Mexican-American daughter who seeks to advocate for others. I aspire to earn my J.D., and work in corporate litigation, and later on in life advocate for the injustice seen within our socioeconomic embedded system. I spend a lot of time worrying about school. As I was the president of the French Honors Society, I hope to continue to be active at the university I chose to attend! I am very family-oriented and love my family very much, along with my very genuine friends, as I also consider them family. More than anything, I’d love to make those I adore proud.

Education: John Hancock College Prep

Email: ashleyhdzromo06@gmail.com

Hello, My name is Ramy Idrissi. I live in the suburbs in the north part of Chicago. I am a first generation student who will be as of this fall be attending DePaul University where I will be majoring in Marketing and a track of pre-Law. A reason I find law to be so interesting and engaging is the fact I’d be able to make a change in the world. A fun fact about me is that I am a mix of both extrovert and introvert which usually isn’t common.

Education: Niles West High School

Email: ramyidrissi5@gmail.com

With the growing number of deportations happening around the world, I am more committed than ever to my goal of becoming an immigration attorney. My passion for this field stems from deeply personal experiences—witnessing my father’s emotional reunion with his mother after more than 20 years, made possible by the efforts of an immigration attorney. I’ve also endured the harsh realities of this broken system firsthand: from living in fear of my parents being deported, to my mother missing the chance to say a final goodbye to her grandmother because of her immigration status. 

These experiences have ignited a powerful drive within me to advocate for those whose voices have been silenced by fear. I am determined to add onto the 2% of Latina attorneys who fight for justice on behalf of immigrant communities. I plan to continue my undergraduate education at Dominican University and later attend law school to turn this commitment into action. 

Through opportunities like the FGLP, internships, and externships, I hope to build the knowledge, skills, and network necessary to be a strong advocate. I am eager to learn, to grow, and ultimately to help dismantle a system that has failed too many for too long

Education: Dominican University

Email: elidethjurado2005@gmail.com

Hello my name is Esmeralda Lopez and I am committed to the University of Illinois at Chicago on the Pre-Law track. I’m hoping to also double major or minor in business to broaden the field of law which I can go into. I hope to become an immigration attorney after law school, as I would like to help the underrepresented community. 

Education: John Hancock College Prep

Email: esmel6881@gmail.com

Isabella Ortiz is a proud first- generation Latina and a dedicated first- year student at DePaul University, pursuing a double major in Criminology and Psychology. Passionate about the justice system and with a deep interest in the intersection of human behavior and the legal system, she plans to attend law school immediately following her undergraduate studies. Her academic focus is centered on becoming a practicing attorney in the city of Chicago, where she hopes to contribute to her community with legal advocacy. 

Education: DePaul University 

Email: iortiz18@depaul.edu

My name is Alexandra Rivera Vallejo. After graduating from Jones College Prep, I plan to attend DePaul University for my undergraduate degree and to enter law school. I plan to study law, primarily focusing on criminal law, immigration law, and/or international law. I have always been interested in the legal system and it's mechanisms as I believe it is what helps hold a society together. That is not to say that it is perfect. The legal system is heavily flawed in some areas that can and should be addressed. As an aspiring lawyer, I believe it is my duty to address said flaws to ensure a better tomorrow for future generations. I will utilize my law degree and legal knowledge to become a criminal judge or prosecutor as a way of combating legal injustice and prejudice. 

Education: Jones College Prep

Email: ariveravallejo13@gmail.com

My name is Jessica Taylor. I am a rising sophomore attending DePaul University. I am majoring in Public Relations and Advertising and participating in the BA/JD 3+3 program. I decided on law after talking with a family friend. She is a real estate lawyer with her own self made business. She became my role model and helped me research undergraduate schools and mentored me on degree programs. I am mainly interested in becoming a real estate lawyer, but I am also interested in family law.

Education: DePaul University

Email: jthercules465@gmail.com

My name is Giselle Velazquez, and I’m currently majoring in History with a Pre-Law track in the 3+3 BA/JD program at DePaul University. As a first-generation Latina student, I’m deeply committed to using my education to give back to the Hispanic community. My passion for becoming an immigration attorney stems from my own experience navigating the legal system and seeing firsthand how difficult it can be for immigrant families.

I’m still learning and growing, but I’m committed to building a career in law that focuses on advocacy, equity, and community empowerment. My goal is to become an immigration attorney who not only understands the law but also truly understands the people behind each case. I hope to use my future legal career to make a difference where it’s needed most.

Education: DePaul University

Email: gisellevelazquez85@gmail.com