CONFERENCE AGENDA

We’re excited to bring the 3rd Annual CUNY DREAMers Conference and DREAM Awards Celebration to Queens College. We look forward to showcasing the many successful stories of different immigrant and community leaders around the country! Historically, located in one of the most diverse boroughs, the conference is expected to have attendees from all backgrounds. See below the workshops' details our conference offers.

 
 
 

INTERACTIVE BREAKOUT SESSION PART I
(12:30PM - 1:30PM)

tHE STATE OF IMMIGRANTS IN NEW YORK STATE
Queens College - The Campbell Dome

Description: This panel will focus on the current obstacles and solutions presented by the offices of  The New York City Council, Office of New Americans and other major legislative bodies, for advancing the lives of immigrants in the State of New York. Participants attending this panel will learn about the Municipal ID-IDNYC, Immigrants Access to Health Care, The New York State Dream Act, and Professional Licenses for undocumented Immigrants, etc.
Moderator:
Abigail Zapote, LULAC National VP for Young Adults
Panelists:
Jorge I. Montalvo, Office of New Americans
Janet Calvo, Professor at CUNY Law
Jose Peralta, New York State Senator
Amy R. Shefrin, New York State Health Foundation
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Immigrant integration in new york city & The united states
Queens College - Powdermaker Hall - Room 153

Presenter: Alexandra Ruiz, Founder & Executive Director at Immigrant Advancement Matters (I.A.M)
Description: In this workshop, we will discuss recent immigration policy and how it has impacted immigrant integration in New York City and across the United States. Participants will explore ways we can go about creating communities that are cohesive and responsive to recent trends in immigration. We will address the following questions: What does integration mean in our community?, What do current facts and figures imply regarding population trends, economics and social affairs?,  What is the untapped potential that immigrants have to offer?, and What solutions can we generate to address challenges?
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Refugees Resettlement - the other side of immigration
Queens College - Powdermaker Hall - Room 155 

Description: At this presentation you will have the opportunity to learn about refugees and how different agencies are involved in the refugee resettlement process; including the vetting process and to understand federal, state, local law and policies that support refugee resettlement programs. The panelists have first hand experience working with refugees and it is perfect for those looking to learn more about the rising child migration to the United States.
Moderator:
Vanessa Tlachi, Former Undocumented - Recent College Graduate
Panelists:
Liza Lieberman, Director, Advocacy & Outreach at HIAS
Paula Forero, Former Director of Immigration Programs at the International Rescue Committee  
Batya Septimus, Researcher and writer of Refugees stories

Mental Health and Wellness in Uncertain Times
Queens College - Powdermaker Hall - Room 156

Presenter: Ryan Camire, Director for Mental Health and Wellness at City University of New York (CUNY) 
Description: ental Health and Wellness in Uncertain Times - On the heels of the most contentious election in modern American history, the future for many citizens is uncertain. To quote CUNY Chancellor James B. Milliken "What we can be certain about are our own values and the critical mission of The City University of New York. CUNY's mission is the same today as it was a week ago, and it will be the same next year. For nearly 170 years, CUNY has been committed to providing opportunity to immigrants and low income and underrepresented students. This will not change, and the city and the country will be much better for it." This workshop will focus on mental health needs in the aftermath of the election, how to support yourself, your peers, and your families during this time. Resources on and off campus will be discussed and information will be distributed.

INTERACTIVE BREAKOUT SESSION PART II
(3:45PM - 4:45PM)

CUNY Institutional Support for Undocumented Students
Queens College - Powdermaker Hall - Room 156

Description: This panel will inform students on the existing programs that are designed to place undocumented students on the path to success. Furthermore, the panelists will discuss how their programs create inclusiveness within the CUNY system. This panel was designed for students interested in applying for internships, honors programs, and trainings to develop their professional and leadership skills.
Moderator:
Isaac Montiel, CUNY DREAMers Vice-President of Community Affairs
Panelists:
Wynter Greene, Macaulay Honors College Advisor at Queens College
Shawn Best, University Associate Director of Black Male Initiative (BMI)
David Velazquez, TheDREAM.us Scholarship
José Higuera López , Associate Director at the Jaime Lucero Mexican Studies Institute at CUNY Lehman College
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Federal Immigration Reform and Policy
Queens College - Powdermaker Hall - Room 153

Description: America’s Immigration system is broken and participants will learn about the history of the U.S. immigration laws such as; DACA, DAPA, and other legislative efforts towards a comprehensive reform. As the conference is happening days after the elections, the panelists will discuss about the future of America under the person who will become our next President. In other words, participants get a sense of what to expect in 2017 from the analysis of the current national sentiment toward immigrants under a new government leadership.
Moderator:
Yadira Dumet, Immigrant Organizer
Panelists:
Maribel Hernandez, MOIA'S Immigrant Action initiative.
Sindy Benavides, Director of Civic Engagement & Community Mobilization at League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)
Els De Graauw, Assistant Professor of Political Science at Baruch College
Natalia Aristizabal, Make the Road New York
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BUILDING A BYSTANDER INTERVENTION PROGRAM: A SOCIAL JUSTICE EDUCATION APPROACH 
Queens College - Powdermaker Hall - Room 154

Presenter:  Kevin Tucker, The City University Of New York (CUNY)
Description: Bystander Intervention methodology can be adapted to train students as social justice change agents! Bystander education programs teach potential witnesses safe and positive ways that they can act to prevent or intervene when there is an instance of oppression. This approach gives students and administrators the tools that they can use in preventing discrimination against immigrants. Through first hand experiences this workshop will give anyone an idea of what tools to use and not to use when orking with undocumented students.
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ADVANCE PAROLE - GO STUDY ABROAD
Queens College - Powdermaker Hall - Room 155

Presenter: Joseph Lavetsky, CUNY Citizenship Now!
Description: Advance parole (travel permission) is an option that someone with DACA may apply for based on humanitarian, educational, or career-related reasons. If granted, it allows DACA recipients to travel outside of and safely return to the U.S., for example through a study abroad program or if someone in the family back home is sick. It may also allow some DACA recipients to take the next step on their path to a green card. This workshop is for DACA recipients and their friends and family to better understand what the process of traveling with advance parole looks like, the benefits, and other important things to know.
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ROUNDTABLE: UNDOCUMENTED AND AFTER COLLEGE LIFE
QUEENS COLLEGE - THE CAMPBELL DOME

Description: At this panel you will hear from undocumented Americans who have experienced first hand the struggles of being undocumented. They will share tips on overcoming your immigration status to achieve your goals. If you are among the many undocumented Americans who did not qualify for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) you will find this panel to be an important step towards your future and very informative.  
Moderator:
Jorge F. Alguera,  Academic Advisor & Coordinator at Project ExCEL
Panelists:
Cris Mercado,  Founder & CEO of GrantAnswers
Hina Naveed, Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, IDNYC
Ceasar Vargas, 1st New York DACAmented Lawyer
Cesar Andrade, DACAmented Student at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Giancarlo Tello, Co-Founder of UndocuJersey
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Understanding Sanctuary Places ( Skype) 
Queens college - powdermaker hALL 157

Presenter: Camille Mackler Winter, Director of Legal Initiatives at the New York Immigration Coalition