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Catherine Custodio (she/her)Financial Aid & Scholarships Office (FASO) CounselorCatherine was raised in San Francisco by a single mother who emigrated from the Philippines. Catherine earned her Bachelor's degree in Sociology at UC Santa Barbara, and moved back to San Francisco in 2013 to pursue work in the higher education field. While working in the state university sector in 2016, she began work to support undocumented students as the financial aid liaison to the undocumented student center. In helping students navigate the complexities of the financial aid process, she developed her passion to advocate for underrepresented student populations, and continued this passion with her work in the community college and private university sectors. As a UC alumni, Catherine was thrilled to start at UC Berkeley in 2022 as a Financial Aid Counselor and become the financial aid liaison for USP. Her mission in her role is to empower students with financial knowledge and resources available to help make their college dreams a reality. Fun Fact: Catherine enjoys lounging outside with her fur baby Professor, so she can read her comics while getting fresh air, and Professor can soak up the sun with his favorite activity of sunbathing! |
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Miguel Angel Avila Jr., M.Ed. (he/him/él)Financial Aid & Scholarships Office (FASO) CounselorMiguel‘s family is originally from the states of Chihuahua and Durango, Mexico. His father worked as a Laborer for over 40 years and his mother raised a family of four children. Miguel graduated from the University of San Francisco in 2006 with a BA in Latin American Studies and Communications and with his Masters in Education in 2016. He was politically active whilst a student there in Latino organizations to assist with the high attrition rates for Latino students. He went on to work for financial institutions during the economic crisis and educated Spanish-speaking clients on how to manage their bank accounts and overall financial literacy in the Fruitvale District in Oakland, CA. Miguel continued his education at USF and pursued a career in student services at UC Berkeley that started in 2014. He currently is a Financial Aid Counselor and has an overall knowledge of student systems at the University. Fun Fact: Miguel likes many genres of music, ballads, banda, norteno, hip-hop, R&B, Salsa, 80’s, rock, and the list goes on. |
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Luis YatacoCommunity College Transfer Services/Transfer Alliance Project (CCTS/TAP) Data & Systems ManagerLuis Yataco was born and raised in Peru before moving to California to complete his high school education. As an undocumented student at the time, he felt intimidated by the complexity of the college process and did not consider pursuing a 4-year university education while in high school. Fortunately he found great mentors at his local community college, where he also discovered his passion for higher education and promoting educational access. Currently, Luis is the Transfer Coordinator and Outreach Specialist for students who are undocumented, formerly incarcerated/system impacted, and current/former foster youth. His role is to connect with community college students in these communities who are interested in UC Berkeley and other UC’s to provide them with support and guidance to achieve their academic goals. Understanding first hand the challenges of navigating new academic institutions, Luis’ experience in higher education and commitment to educational equity motivate him to play a positive influence in the lives of those he serves. To get in touch with Luis, complete this form or email him at luisyataco@berkeley.edu |
- Graduates Reaching a Dream Deferred | California Network
Graduates Reaching A Dream Deferred (GRADD) is an organization founded by undocumented graduate students, which aims to address the needs of immigrant students interested in pursuing graduate education. GRADD works to establish a national network of students, faculty members and community leaders dedicated to bringing resources and attention to this underserved student population. Through the creation of an inclusive and safe environment, GRADD intends to reassure students that their academic and professional goals are achievable. - National Forum on Higher Education for the Public Good | Ann Arbor, Michigan
The National Forum exists to support higher education’s role as a public good. In this pursuit, the Forum utilizes research and other tools to create and disseminate knowledge that addresses higher education issues of public importance. - UndocuScholars | UCLA
UndocuScholars is a study reaching students at U.S. colleges who do not have the benefit of recognized documentation status. The project aims to reach students at every type of institution — community colleges and four-year colleges and universities, public or private — across the country. - National Immigration Law Center
Founded in 1979, the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) is the primary advocacy organization in the U.S. exclusively dedicated to defending and advancing the rights and opportunities of low-income immigrants and their families. - Immigrants Rising
Immigrants Rising's mission is to empower undocumented young people to achieve their academic and career goals and actively contribute to society. - TheDream.US
TheDream.US is a multimillion-dollar National Scholarship Fund for DREAMers, created to help immigrant youth who’ve received DACA achieve their American Dream through the completion of a college education. - Migration Policy Institute
The Migration Policy Institute is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit think tank in Washington, DC, dedicated to analysis of the movement of people worldwide. - Center for American Progress
The Center for American Progress is an independent, nonpartisan policy institute dedicated to improving the lives of all Americans through bold, progressive ideas, as well as strong leadership and concerted action. Its aim is not just to change the conversation, but to change the country. - Asian Americans Advancing Justice
The mission of Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAAJ) is to promote a fair and equitable society for all by working for civil and human rights and empowering Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and other underserved communities.
- UCLA Undocumented Student Program
The Bruin Resource Center’s Undocumented Student Program offers caring and personalized support to undergraduate and graduate undocumented students. The BRC provides a welcoming and safe space to help students navigate UCLA. The BRC offers mentoring and encouragement, guidance on educational strategies and financial opportunities, and tools to succeed academically and personally. They increase campus awareness of, and advocate for, undocumented student issues. In doing so, the BRC fosters a sense of belonging, community and well-being for all undocumented students on campus. - UC Davis Undocumented Student Resource Center
The Undocumented Student Resource Center at UC Davis strives to empower undocumented students, their families and members of the community in being informed leaders and active participants in our communities. The Center strives to educate and build awareness of changing policies affecting California's undocumented population. - UC Riverside Undocumented Student Program
The UCR Undocumented Student Programs supports undocumented students and immigration-impacted students to succeed in higher education and prepare for post-graduation. - UC Irvine DREAM Center
The UCI DREAM Center’s mission is to stand with and serve those impacted by immigration policy through advancing systemic change, deconstructing oppressive policies, and fostering community. - UC Santa Barbara Undocumented Student Services
At UC Santa Barbara (UCSB), Undocumented Student Services (USS) provides various programs, services, and resources for undocumented students (with and without DACA) and those from a mixed status family. - UC Santa Cruz Undocumented Student Services
Undocumented Student Services (USS) provides guidance and support to undergraduate and graduate undocumented students at UC Santa Cruz. Under the umbrella of the Educational Opportunity Programs (EOP), USS Provides a robust set of academic and personal support programs designed to meet the unique needs of undocumented students so that they many acheive their academic, professional, and personal goals and become active leaders in their communities. - UC San Diego Undocumented Student Services
Undocumented Student Services is committed to serving undocumented students at UC San Diego through a holistic approach that encompasses personal guidance, immigration legal services, community building, partnerships, and referrals. - UCSF Undocumented Student Support Services
UCSF Undocumented Student Support Services is a virtual resource center for the undocumented community at UCSF, as well as current and prospective students, faculty, staff, and documented allies.