HEFAS Annual Summit

Lunch will be served until 1:30 PM

Register to enter a raffle to win a self-care basket!

Announcement (Internship Opportunities for next year)

About HEFAS

Story Telling by Daly Fernandez- Daly Fernandez is a current student who has done work on advocating for undocumented students; she will share her story. 

Our Keynote Speaker this year is Cristian Aguilar Valverde: 

Cristian Aguilar Valverde is an UndocuScholar and Doctoral Candidate in International and Multicultural Education with a concentration in Human Rights Education at the University of San Francisco. His research focuses on highlighting how undocumented high school youth embody radical hope while resisting U.S. immigration enforcement policies. His research seeks to provide a framework for educators to (re)imagine schools as transformational spaces of belonging for undocumented youth and families and communities impacted by other systems of subjugation. In addition to being a researcher, Cristian is also a Human Rights Educator with a background in Bilingual Education, Educational Leadership, and Racial Justice.

Wings of Strength: Embracing Your Story and Soaring Beyond Limits
This workshop empowers undocumented individuals by helping them embrace their unique stories as sources of strength, resilience, and motivation. In a safe and supportive environment, participants will engage in activities that promote self-reflection, healing, and empowerment. Through an interactive session, including the transformative “Butterfly of Strength” activity, attendees will confront harmful words or experiences that have shaped their journeys and reframe them into symbols of growth and positivity.
Presenter: Jesus Gonzalez. |  Location: MCC Conference Room

Undocumented and Unstoppable: Reclaiming Financial Power in Uncertain Times
In this interactive session, participants will learn how to challenge the money myths that often hold immigrant and undocumented communities back from building wealth. Together, we’ll explore how to take confident financial steps — even with just $10 — and reclaim financial agency despite systemic barriers. Through personal storytelling, practical tools, and affirming guidance, students will walk away with a new sense of what’s possible and a blueprint to start building wealth on their own terms. No legal status required — just ganas and a willingness to believe that your money story can change.

Presenter: Maribel Franscisco. |  Location: Conference Room A

How Therapy Can Be a Tool for Empowerment and Imposter Syndrome
De Anza Mental Health & Wellness Center therapists Ally Feiss and Jordy Gardenswartz will be discussing the ways that therapy can be used to face common challenges that undocumented students face — including imposter syndrome, anxiety, and depression. In this interactive workshop, attendees will practice new grounding skills, identify their own coping skills, and learn how to access free therapy through De Anza. Participants will also learn why imposter syndrome is so common for undocumented students, and how they can use therapy to face it.

Presenter: Jordana Gardenwartz & Ally Feiss  |  Location: Santa Cruz Room

Navigating Higher Education & Beyond: Inclusive Resources
Explore your story and build your future in this informational workshop focused on identity, access, and resilience. Through guided storytelling, anonymous reflections, and open dialogue, you'll connect personal experiences to academic and career goals. Engage in an activity that helps uncover your unique voice for scholarship essays and job opportunities, all through the lens of equity and inclusion. Topics include storytelling, academics, financial aid, career preparation, and available resources. Join us to reflect, share, and strengthen your path forward.

Presenter: Itzel Sanchez, Pedro Sanchez|  Location: Don Bautista

Wings of Strength: Embracing Your Story and Soaring Beyond Limits
This workshop is designed to empower undocumented individuals by helping them embrace their unique stories as sources of strength, resilience, and motivation. In a safe and supportive environment, participants will engage in activities that promote self-reflection, healing, and empowerment. Through an interactive session, including the transformative “Butterfly of Strength” activity, attendees will confront harmful words or experiences that have shaped their journeys and reframe them into symbols of growth and positivity.
Presenter: Jesus Gonzalez  | Location: MCC Conference Room

Undocumented and Unstoppable: Reclaiming Financial Power in Uncertain Times
In this interactive session, participants will learn how to challenge the money myths that often hold immigrant and undocumented communities back from building wealth. Together, we’ll explore how to take confident financial steps — even with just $10 — and reclaim financial agency despite systemic barriers. Through personal storytelling, practical tools, and affirming guidance, students will walk away with a new sense of what’s possible and a blueprint to start building wealth on their own terms. No legal status required — just ganas and a willingness to believe that your money story can change.

Presenter: Maribel Franscisco |  Location: Conference Room A

How Therapy Can Be a Tool for Empowerment and Imposter Syndrome
De Anza Mental Health & Wellness Center therapists Ally Feiss and Jordy Gardenswartz will be discussing the ways that therapy can be used to face common challenges that undocumented students face — including imposter syndrome, anxiety, and depression. In this interactive workshop, attendees will practice new grounding skills, identify their own coping skills, and learn how to access free therapy through De Anza. Participants will also learn why imposter syndrome is so common for undocumented students, and how they can use therapy to face it.

Presenters: Jordana Gardenswartz & Ally Feiss |  Location: Santa Cruz Room

Navigating Higher Education & Beyond: Inclusive Resources
Explore your story and build your future in this informational workshop focused on identity, access, and resilience. Through guided storytelling, anonymous reflections, and open dialogue, you'll connect personal experiences to academic and career goals. Engage in an activity that helps uncover your unique voice for scholarship essays and job opportunities, all through the lens of equity and inclusion. Topics include storytelling, academics, financial aid, career preparation, and available resources. Join us to reflect, share, and strengthen your path forward.

Presenter: Itzel Sanchez, Pedro Sanchez  |  Location: Don Bautista

Know Your Rights: De Anza College and Beyond

Learn your rights during police vehicle stops, ICE home visits, and ICE presence on campus. This workshop will walk through real-life scenarios and explain the official campus response process. Leave empowered with practical tools, posters, and knowledge to protect yourself and your community.

Presenters: Shaila Ramos Garcia & Felisa Vilaubi  | Location: MCC 14