What a powerful story of tenacity, courage, and love. Her father took incredible risks because of love - what father wouldn't? Laura overcame great odds as a person without status to achieve her dream of higher education. But most importantly, she learned perseverance through her struggles and came out stronger because of them. Of course she gives back to her community in such palpable ways. Of course she seeks to help others, it's who her father encouraged her to be through his own life example. Thank you for reminding me of the beauty that comes when we persevere through the hard times.

I believe Maya Angelo captures the essence of who Laura is best when she says, “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.” May we all encounter defeats and choose to rise from them as Laura has.

Laura's Quote: "Love one another." John 13:34

Colorado Rapid Response Network Hotline: 1-844-864-8341

Laura's Documentary - "No One Shall Be Called Illegal" (https://vimeo.com/261595404)

What is DACA? https://www.fwd.us/daca-101/

DACA video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqzBfZ7oSZA

The Gaurdian Article about DACA: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/18/daca-dreamers-us-immigration-explainer