Hi, my name is Kathy H, an undocumented student living in Boston and dreaming to pursue my Master’s in Public Health. My family and I moved to Boston from El Salvador in 2012, and my parents have both worked really hard since day 1 to try and give me and my brothers anything they can. However, the amount of money I need to pursue my education is something that my parents simply can’t help me with.

Due to my status I don’t qualify for any federal aid or loans, and my education depends solely on scholarships or out of pocket money.

I was accepted to the Boston University School of Public Health, and my goal is to pursue my Masters in Public Health with a functional certificate in Health Policy and Law with the context certificate of Social Justice and Human Rights. My dream is to work in the public health field and be able to influence and change decisions and policies that will bring equity and enrich our underserved communities.

My Work Within the Community

I’m a passionate bi-lingual student, community worker, mentor, advocate, and worker. This year,  I have been supporting the Neighborhood Trauma Team (NTT) and the Care Navigators at the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center (EBNHC). In my role as a student intern at EBNHC, I support community members to access food resources, immigration resources, government programs, and many other community resources. I also help families apply to the Rental Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program. For 2021 I have grown into a role with NTT Support Collective, as an operations director, where I support the group with community outreach and logistical operations. 

I also worked and now volunteer at Veronica Robles Cultural Center supporting the mission of connecting more Latinx youth to their roots and culture through different forms of art and cultural programs. I recently took a position as a Lead Communications Rep. at Neighbors United for a Better East Boston (NUBE), a non-profit organization focused on the development of abundant community leaders. I also support the mission of advocating for inclusive democratic processes that will bring just public policies in order to create a vibrant economy and environment for all East Boston.

I have been part of the MGH Youth Scholars program from 2013 -2017 and I am now part of the Youth Scholars Alumni. I’m a volunteer with the Cosecha Movement in East Boston, an organization fighting for respect, dignity, and permanent protection for all immigrants and I am part of the Transportation Justice Coalition. 

I have been living in East Boston for over 8 years and I consider this neighborhood my home. I have seen first-hand through the work I have been doing how our people have suffered through this pandemic. I’ve seen the flaws in the systems that are meant to protect our people! I want public health equity and change to our Boston and Greater Boston neighborhoods. 

My Academic Background

From a young age I knew I had to work double or triple compared to others to ensure that I could be noticed and be at the same opportunity level as my peers with legal status. I am able to finish my Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology  due to merit scholarships. I’ve kept a 3.9 GPA and have been on the Dean’s List since my first semester in undergrad. I was selected to do research and my topic is: Ethnic Identity, Sense of Belonging, and Academic Achievement in Latine Students at Predominantly White Institutions. My psychology background has helped me see the great need that our communities have understanding the importance of mental health, and I have also seen the disparities accessing this resource. 

I am grateful for any small or big donation you can make! I also understand that with the pandemic a lot of us have lost wages, so if you can help me by sharing this page I would appreciate it.

**This fundraiser is being organized by Erin in collaboration with Kathy who cannot start a Go Fund Me because of status limitations.