Hi, my name is Valeria, and I’m asking for help to take one of the biggest and most important steps of my life.

I’m currently a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine student, with training in environmental studies and toxicology. My work and career goals focus on veterinary medicine, public health, and One Health, with the long-term aim of improving access to veterinary care while supporting disease prevention, sustainability, and community health.

I’ve spent years working toward this path—through school, research, clinical work, and service—often quietly, often without certainty, but always with purpose. I’ve built my education and career around the belief that care should be accessible, that health is interconnected, and that communities thrive when we invest in prevention, education, and compassion.

I am currently a DACA recipient, which allows me to study and work, but it is not a permanent status and does not provide a path to citizenship. DACA remains uncertain and subject to ongoing legal and political changes, which means my ability to continue my education and future work in the U.S. is never guaranteed. This reality is what makes pursuing a more stable, long-term immigration solution so critical at this moment.

I am now pursuing an EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW)—a legal process that, if successful, would allow me to continue my education, training, and future work in the U.S. without worry that my status could be terminated at any given moment. It is a process based on merit, public benefit, and long-term impact—but it is also expensive, complex, and deeply personal.

This fundraiser is to help cover immigration legal fees, filing costs, and associated expenses required to pursue this path responsibly and correctly.

I want to be very honest: donating to this is taking a chance on me. There are no guarantees—only effort, intention, and a long-term commitment to give back in meaningful ways. What I can promise is that I do not take this support lightly. Every dollar represents trust, belief, and generosity, and I carry that with me in everything I do.

If you can’t donate, sharing this page or simply offering words of encouragement means more than I can say.

Thank you for reading. Thank you for believing in my education, in service, and in the idea that investing in people can create ripples far beyond a single moment. I am endlessly grateful for any support, in any form.

With so much love,

Valeria