DACA/Undocumented Licensure Panel

Gregor Mieder moved to the United States from Germany in 2000, earning his BA in English and Master's in Applied Linguistics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. For over ten years, he has worked with refugees, first- and second-generation immigrants, and undocumented adult learners, assisting with language development, college success, and navigating community resources. He has taught English Language courses and trained tutors and staff in providing appropriate and effective English language and writing skills development as well academic support. Gregor is currently the Director of the Immigrant Services Program at Metropolitan State University of Denver and works closely with undocumented and immigrant students at MSU, developing workshops, events, and resources that support prospective and currently enrolled college learners.

Colorado Senate Majority Whip Julie Gonzales is a progressive Democrat serving north, west, and downtown Denver as the state Senator for Senate District 34. With roots that stretch back generations in Colorado, Julie has dedicated her life to organizing working people, Latinos, and youth around affordable housing, educational justice, and immigrant rights. First elected in the blue wave of 2018, she allocated millions of dollars towards affordable housing, strengthened protections for immigrant communities from ICE, repealed the death penalty, and streamlined Colorado’s marijuana regulations. She serves as Chair of the Judiciary Committee; and as a member of the Local Government & Housing, Legal Services, and Appropriations Committees. She serves as the Co-Chair of the Colorado Democratic Latino Caucus and is on the Board of Latino Legislative Leaders

First generation, DACA college graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Pre-Healthcare. I was a recipient of the DACA and Undocumented Student Health Opportunity Fund (DUHOP) as an undergraduate student. Despite going through personal setbacks, I was able to continue my studies, all while advocating for my community as a student leader. I was invited to the Presidential Reception as a student presenter, managed to speak to legislators about relevant issues impacting my community and Simms-lab project for the health institute, got interviewed for an MSU Denver’s RED Article on importance of healthcare workers in our state, presented at the President’s Welcome Back last semester and held interviews to represent importance on Latinx Graduates. Currently work at Rose Medical Center in their Cardiac Rehab program, a connection made from a recent internship. I am an aspiring PA Student, which I will be able to apply to a program this spring. As an MSU Denver Alumni and graduate, I hope to continue my work advocating for my community and can inspire leaders to support and implement changes that have helped me succeed so that others can have those experiences and achieve their dreams as well.

Mariana obtained her Bachelors of Social Work and Spanish minor from Colorado State University in 2019. She recently obtained her Master's of Social Work (MSW) from Metropolitan State University of Denver in May of 2023. Mariana has worked in the mental health field for over 5 years working for mental health nonprofits. She is now a Clinical Social Work Candidate (SWC) in path to obtaining her License in Clinical Social Work (LCSW) and her License Addiction Counselor (LAC) credentials. Mariana is also the founder of Purposeful Social Work Services LLC, and is currently a contractor at a private practice, El Consultorio, where she works as a contract bilingual mental health therapist. Mariana is a proud Hispanic Mujer who loves spending time with family, her dog, and providing and advocating for the latinx community, undocumented immigrants and vulnerable populations