Scholars of Color- Dani Alderete
What is Scholars of Color?
It is a platform in which scholars of color are purposefully celebrated. It’s a space where scholars of color are showcased front and center. It is a digital space where we feel empowered and resilient. Let us get to know each other. Let us cheer each other on AND show the world what we have to offer.
Let us now welcome Dani Alderete to the Scholars of Color Space!
Name: Dani Alderete
Gender Pronouns: They/He/Her
What do you currently do for work and/or school?: I am currently part of the Dream Summer Fellowship within the UCLA Labor Center working as a Public Policy Fellow with the Los Angeles LGBT Center. What is Dream Summer?: https://www.labor.ucla.edu/what-we-do/dream-resource-center/dream-summer/
Without positions or titles, how would you describe yourself?: Introverted, soft-spoken, calm, generous, humble, undocu-queer, first gen, INFJ, and introspected.
What are you passionate about?: I am passionate about social justice, advocacy, self-love, community building, equity, immigrant rights, undocu-queer rights, mental health, and decolonization.
Why is the representation of scholars of color important to you?: Representation of scholars of color is important to me because representation matters for folx to be able to see themselves in spaces where they might not feel accepted or validated in. Having queer folx of color as mentors during my undergrad career helped me to see myself in graduate school and believe that I can also survive and thrive in higher education spaces and as a first gen professional. Specifically, when I worked as a Peer Educator within Counseling and Psychology Services for suicide prevention initiatives, my supervisors and mentors were queer and/or folx of color. It was inspiring to be part of an environment where I could be my authentic self and see myself in the spaces they were navigating. They were navigating spaces as graduate students and Student Affairs/Mental Health Professionals/Advocates. As a first generation, undocu-queer, low SES, immigrant person navigating higher educational institutions for me was a constant struggle since my parents did not understand what I was doing in college. I always tried to explain to them what I was studying and wanting to do for a career but they were just happy for me to be in college. Overall, representation is key for black and POC folx to see themselves in fields and spaces they are aspiring to be part of so we can create an inclusive and welcoming space for all folx.
If people are interested in getting connected to you, how can they?: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dani_012395/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniel.alderete.56 Twitter: https://twitter.com/Dani_012395 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-alderete-gonz%C3%A1lez-058982138/ Email: alderete.daniel23@gmail.com
Anything else you would like us to know?: I was born in Cuautla, Morelos, Mexico and was raised in Long Beach, CA from the age of 4 and lived here ever since.
Dani plans to attend graduate school and is currently working on applications for programs in college counseling/student services and mental health services. Dani knows how difficult it is to access and navigate higher education as an undocumented immigrant in the U.S., so they want to assist in creating inclusive, accessible, and equitable spaces for immigrant students. In the future, Dani also hopes to open up a private practice that provides mental health therapy and career coaching to the LGBTQIA+ community and immigrant communities. Dani also enjoys spending time with their family, friends, dogs, and cat. They like to roller skate, bike ride, and chill at the beach. Feel free to connect with me on any platform on social media and I am looking forward to connecting with folx from this platform! Thank you Michael, for creating this platform that is so necessary and needed within our communities (:
Thank you Dani for sharing space with us!
Stay tuned everyone for more Scholars of Color profiles. Interested in being showcased yourself? Please email the Scholars of Color team at scholarsofcolor@reclaimingyourhappiness.com and we will get back to you shortly.
