The Adventure of Becoming a ‘Fearless Fighter’

Advocating comes natural to some, but not to others. Some people are fearless fighters of words and actions; others, like myself, had to learn how to become one. I went through the motions and then became the motion.

My journey was set in motion at a young age living near the U.S.-Mexico border in the Rio Grande Valley of south Texas. My exposure to border life and border culture prepared me for what would become my collegial interests in international relations and foreign policy. 

I landed my first professional job in the international education field, which provided me the opportunity to attend NAFSA’s Advocacy Day in 2015. Inspired by my personal experiences and studies, that first Advocacy Day experience on Capitol Hill cemented advocacy as a core element of my professional work. 

Build on a Firm Foundation

Over the past 5 years, the journey to advocating for international scholars, students, and employees has been both a blessing and a never-ending goal. I have encountered many internationals who are making a world of difference in their institutions and communities. From developing brain surgery techniques to conducting gun violence research to bringing in millions of dollars to higher education, these individuals provided me with the spark that I needed to start and the fuel I need to keep going.

“I went through the motions and then became the motion.” 

I learned within my first few years in advocacy that there are most often foundations already built around the causes you pursue, with each