4th Annual UndocuSTEM Conference
Unstoppable Together!
Join us in community to the 4th Annual UndocuSTEM conference a powerful gathering dedicated to empowerment, education, and advocacy for undocumented and mixed-status community members in STEM.
- Thursday, May 22nd, 2025
- 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM
- Location: De Anza College, Hinson Campus Center, Conference Rooms A and B
Conference Program:
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 9:30 AM | Light Breakfast |
| 10:00 AM |
Welcome Giveaway Keynote Speaker: Valeria Avila Guerrero | Senior Robotics Engineeer Valeria Avila Guerrero immigrated at age sixteen from Mexico and quickly had to adapt to a new culture, language, and education system as an undocumented student. She obtained a full ride scholarship to transfer from Contra Costa College to Santa Clara University to pursue Mechanical Engineering. She later completed her Master's in Robotics and Mechatronics. In pursuit of finding alternatives for undocumented STEM professionals to practice their field via entrepreneurship, she started Aprumo Design, an engineering consulting company with an emphasis in mechanical design and automation. Now, she is in the process of hiring an intern and helping her mom continue her college education. |
| 11:30 AM |
Breakout Session #1: 1. Engineering: How to break through the Industry Rafa Sario Perez, Systems Integration Engineer and Valeria Avila Guerrero, Senior Robotics Engineer | Room: Conference Room A and B This workshop features undocumented engineering professionals sharing their journeys through higher education, internships, and careers in STEM. Attendees will gain insight into navigating the engineering field without legal status, accessing resources, and building professional networks. The session will also highlight strategies for resilience, advocacy, and success in both academic and industry settings, offering real-world advice and inspiration for the next generation of UndocuSTEM leaders. 2. Pursuing Developmental Biology as an DACAmented Scholar Azalia Martinez Jaimes, PHD candidate at Stanford University in Developmental Biology | Room: Don Bautista This workshop explores how personal identity and lived experience shape a journey
in Developmental Biology. Led by a DACAmented PhD student at Stanford, it weaves together
her research on undocumented student mental health, the loss of her brother at the
border, and her path through STEM. The session highlights how resilience, advocacy,
and community efforts like Hermanas in STEM and IDEAS can inform both science and
well-being. 3. Navigating the Transfer Process, An UndocuStudent Perspective Natalia Jaramillo, Biology De Anza College and Jhony De Oliveira, SJSU and Daisy Rodriguez, Biology SJSU | Room MCC Activity Room This workshop shares a student perspective on transferring into STEM as an undocumented
student. It covers the transfer process, why an ITIN matters, and key resources like
the UndocuSTEM Tracker. Learn essential tips for navigating college, finding support,
and preparing for a STEM career. 4. Undocumented Students Pursuing Nursing Maria Navarro, PH Dreamers Program Coordinator Room: Santa Cruz From applying and completing clinical hours to sitting for the NCLEX, Pre-Health Dreamers will discuss the common barriers undocumented nursing students face as they begin their nursing careers. We will also discuss options that exist when facing these barriers. Additionally, we will discuss income-generating options in the nursing field. |
| 12:30 PM |
LUNCH & STEM Fair- Main Quad (Outside Hinson Campus Center) Featuring fun activities, resources, internships, and job opportunities! |
| 1:30 PM |
Breakout Session #2 1. Navigating Careers as a STEM Professional Valeria Avila Guerrero, Senior Robotics Engineer | Room: Conference Room A and B This session explores how undocumented STEM students can develop an entrepreneurial
mindset and prepare for future ventures. It covers key steps for building skills,
finding mentorship, and accessing scholarships and career readiness resources. The
goal is to empower students to overcome barriers and pursue entrepreneurship with
confidence and strategy. 2. Healthcare Careers 101 Maria Navarro, PH Dreamers Program Coordinator | Room: Santa Cruz This presentation gives an overview of healthcare career pathways for undocumented
students. We will also provide insight into how undocumented students can navigate
the admission and enrollment process for the program of their choice, whether it is
medicine, nursing, dentistry, physical therapy, physician assistant, or others. 3. Owning Your Magic Deyci Carrillo Lopez, Author, entrepreneur, and immigrant rights advocate | Room: MCC Activity Room Through building our tree of life, we come together as a community to honor our ancestral magic and our own magic to think critically about how these have shaped who we are and the impact we want to leave in this world. Join us in this workshop to lean into all the magic that is already in us. 4. Engineering a Future: Navigating Tech Careers Kush Desai, Lead Electrical Engineer at Apple Inc. | Room: Don Bautista Drawing from years of experience as a hardware engineer in the semiconductor and consumer electronics industry—including roles at companies like Apple—the speaker will share practical strategies for building a successful career in tech while facing systemic and legal barriers. The session will cover mentorship, networking, and staying resilient in high-pressure environments, with a focus on making high-tech fields more accessible. |
| 2:30 PM | Community Activity | Closing | Giveaways |
About the Speakers:
Rafa Sario Perez | Systems Integration Engineer
Rafael was born in a small rural town of Oaxaca, Mexico. At age 6 he moved to the United States and grew up in King City,CA. He moved to San Jose in 2013 to attend San Jose State University. He obtained a Bachelors degree in Aerospace Engineering and a Masters in Mechanical Engineering. He has been working in the biotech industry and is currently working with surgical robots. During his free time he enjoys spending time with his wife and their 2 dogs, and he also enjoys dancing Mexican Folklorico.
Azalia Martinez Jaimes, PHD Candidate at Stanford University in Developmental Biology
Azalia Martínez Jaimes always loved learning and going to school- so much so that she always thought she would be a teacher. After realizing she missed maths and sciences, she majored in biology as a placeholder as she discovered what field excited her the most. She has a BS in biology, a BS in Psychology, and a minor in math modeling. Beyond her wildest dream, she got the opportunity of leaving her home in Chicago to study a PhD in Developmental Biology at Stanford. When she is not working in the lab she is hosting events for Hermanas in STEM or IDEAS (Improving Dreams, Equity, Access, and Success).
Natalia Jaramillo, UndocuSTEM Public Relations Coordinator
Jhony De Oliveira, A.S SJSU Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities and President
of UNTE SJSU 
I was born in São Paulo, Brazil, and moved to the US at 13. Now, as a Vocal Performance and Psych major at SJSU, I'm passionate about both the arts and advocacy. Once a shy student, getting involved in student government helped me find my voice and inspired me to lead, driven by my experience as an undocumented student. Through building community and turning struggles into purpose, I now strategically collaborate to advocate for change, and I hope to empower other students to find their own leadership and make a difference.
Daisy Rodriguez, Former UndocuSTEM Major, Currently studying Biological Sciences
I am a first-generation college student pursuing a career in the Medical Field, currently in my fourth year of undergraduate studies. Growing up in a low-income household has been challenging, and witnes sing the lack of understanding from medical providers when my father spoke Spanish sparked my interest in becoming a doctor. I aspire to make my future patients feel safe and seen when they seek medical attention— without needing the help of another provider or a translation screen. I hope to learn how to fund and support initiatives that address the root causes of health inequities. I believe that everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status or background, deserves access to quality health care. I often think of families like my own family, who sacrificed so much just to get by— so why shouldn’t they receive the care they need?
Maria Navarro, Pre-Health Dreamers Program Coordinator
María Navarro graduated from the University of California, Davis, with a Bachelor of Science in Global Disease Biology and Public Health. Early on in her educational career as a first-generation student, she witnessed the adversities that undocumented communities faced in healthcare and education. Growing up in the San Joaquin Central Valley greatly sparked her passion for furthering equity and inclusion in the healthcare and educational system that will benefit undocumented communities. In her previous work, María focused on developing and establishing resources, programming, and training for administrators, staff, and students in the community college system in her earlier work. María has a commitment to building and holding spaces that will continue to empower the undocumented and immigrant communities in healthcare, policy, and beyond. She currently works with pre-health as a project coordinator, leading student facing programming such as the Pathways program (formerly known as PEEP) and has continuously worked closely with scholars to support them in their journey as they pursue health profession degrees.
Deyci Carillo Lopez, Author, Entrepreneur, and Immigrant Rights Advocate
Deyci Carrillo López, as she says it herself, is a proud daughter of Guanajuato, México and Deep East Oakland, California. She is an author, entrepreneur, and immigrant rights advocate. Deyci started writing poetry when she was around 13 years old, shortly after finding out her immigration status. Words helped Deyci define who she is and who she wants to become in this world that is constantly screaming to define her worth and her power. With poetry, Deyci reclaimed her power and who she is. She is also a small business owner and with her brand hopes to inspire little and big humans to discover and own their magic through poetry and art. You can see more of her work on instagram as @puravida510
Kush Desai, Lead Electrical Engineer at Apple Inc. 
Kush is a dynamic professional with extensive board-level Analog/Mixed Signal Design expertise focused on High-Speed and Low Power. Currently serving as Lead Electrical Engineer at Apple, Kush leads initiatives in iPhone Camera Design. With a passion for innovation and empowering communities, Kush has published several papers and articles and has been recognized with awards. Kush holds an M.S. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from San Jose State University. Beyond work, he actively mentors, advocates for diversity in STEM, and advances technology for social impact. Kush is excited to share industry insights and collaborate with the inspiring community at the 4th Annual UndocuSTEM Conference.
4th Annual UndocuSTEM Conference Map
About Us
HEFAS' UndocuSTEM is a new Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) program in partnership with the STEM Success Program, to support and provide resources to make STEM more accessible for undocumented students. Last year we had our first UndocuSTEM Conference which will happen every spring quarter!
- Brought undocumented speakers from different STEM Backgrounds
- How to find work and how to work in STEM fields as an undocumented individual
We're dedicated to empowering students, building leaders, promoting social justice, and advocating for higher education. Our vision is to give students, parents, educators, and community
members the tools to support students in reaching higher education regardless of the
barriers that may exist.
Undocu-STEM provides free services such as
- Printing;
- Book loan program and calculator rentals;
- Testing materials;
- Educational workshops.
And easy access to
- Scholarship and financial aid information;
- Computers;
- Counselors;
- Peer mentors and tutors;
- Information on legislation and policy issues.
Spring Office Hours
Our office is hosting office hours in-person and online!
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Make an appointment if you need help with:
- AB540
- Career Counseling
- Changing major
- Choose classes
- Comp Ed Plan Follow Up
- Crisis Counseling
- DACA
- Ed Plan - Comprehensive
- Ed Plan - First Quarter
- Ed Plan Update
- TAG information
- Employment
- Financial Aid
- Food Pantry
Forms - Immigration
- Legal Aid
- Personal Counseling
- Probation
- Promise Program
- Resources
- Transfer Counseling
You can also make an appointment contacting us at
UndocuSTEM Second Annual Conference
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What is UndocuSTEM? A program under the undocumented student center at De Anza College called HEFAS (Higher Education for AB 540 Students), UndocuSTEM was founded by students in 2021 and is a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) program called "UndocuSTEM" in partnership with the STEM Success Program and MESA to support and provide resources to make STEM more accessible for undocumented students.
Donate to UndocuSTEM
Information for donations
- Click "Quick Donate" button
- Select the amount for donation
- Then, select option of "Other"
- And type "HEFAS-UndocuSTEM" and fill out the form with your information