Laura Peniche - Mexico

My conversation partner today is an incredibly talented woman who shares her passion of storytelling through the powerful art of film-making. She also happens to be an undocumented immigrant as well as a DACA recipient. Laura is the first Dreamer (one who is protected under DACA) that I've ever met, so I had plenty of questions for her about the whole process. She is so gracious to share her experiences and knowledge with us today.

Show Notes

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: [phone]

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

What is Gramercy?

Stories from those who live and work on the margins of society.