Meet Isabella Alcantara Guerrero ’27

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Where are you from and what is your background?
I was born in Oaxaca Mexico, and I'm part of the Zapotec people. At seven years old I migrated to Portland, Oregon with my sister to meet my mother who had migrated before us. My Zapotec identity is important to my experience as an undocumented immigrant navigating life in the United States. My identities give me courage and remind me that there is so much resilience that comes from generations before me and the future generations that will come after me.

Why did you apply for this graduate program and decide to study at USF?
I applied to the Masters in Migration Studies, because as an immigrant, I understand that the times we are living in bring uncertainty, fear, and anxiety about what could happen tomorrow. I devote myself to propagating courage, persistence, and optimism for the change my community and I know is possible. MIMS will help strengthen and further develop my skills, allowing me to create and advocate for meaningful and necessary change in the U.S. immigration system. I'm pursuing a Master's in Migration Studies because I dream of the day migrants can exist freely and in peace, without fear that they may be separated by la migra.

What impacts has the Dean's Scholarship had on your ability to further your studies?
The Dean’s Scholarship has been a blessing to receive. I have proven to my younger self that I can accomplish the unimaginable and beat the odds against me. This is possible because of the community who believes in me. I am grateful to the Dean’s Scholarship and everyone who made this possible as it allows me to follow my dreams and advocate for a better future for the immigrant community.

What are your career ambitions?
I hope to focus my research on how immigrants create community, show solidarity for one another, and come to understand our intersectional identities and experiences. I believe community is one of the most beautiful things that comes from our humanity, as it allows us to lean on each other during hard times and moments of success. After MIMS I will pursue my Ph.D. in Sociology with a focus on the Immigrant experience, because I believe it is important to foster intentional and critical dialogue on the immigrant experience and how society responds to welcoming migrants.

What is something unique or interesting about you?
Something unique about me is that I collect sacred hearts because they remind me of having love, empathy and grace for all humanity. I enjoy collecting sacred hearts from Mexican artisanal artists.