If Isha can’t raise $12,000 by December 2025, she may lose her chance to finish her degree - and risk deportation.

Hi, my name is Ame, and I’m fundraising for my girlfriend, Isha. She is an Indian, transgender woman living in South Florida, and she is fighting with everything she has to finish her Master’s degree in Cybersecurity at Florida International University (FIU).

Isha has already achieved so much - earning admission to FIU, securing her visa, and working tirelessly to fund her education. But now, her loan provider is refusing to release the rest of her funding unless she can show proof that she has $12,000 secured. Without it, she will be forced to leave school and as an international student, that could also mean deportation.

Isha’s parents cut ties with her because she’s transgender, leaving her without family support. She has applied to nearly every scholarship available but has exhausted almost all options. This GoFundMe is one of her very last chances to continue her education, stay safe, and build the future she’s been working toward.

Despite her struggles, Isha has always poured her heart into her community. She has volunteered with Reflect Collective (a non-profit for QTPOC survivors of violence), been an active member of the Pride Student Union at FIU, and together we’ve distributed more than 50 pounds of food per week to houseless individuals in South Florida. Even while facing her own hardships, she has always chosen to show up for others. Now, it’s time for us to show up for her.

Isha’s dream is to become a cybersecurity engineer, protecting communities in a world where cyberattacks are one of the biggest threats we face. By helping her finish her education, you’re not only giving her the chance to survive and thrive - you’re investing in someone who is determined to use her skills to make the world safer for everyone.

Our first goal is $12,000 to keep Isha in school this week. If we don’t reach that in time, we’ll do everything we can to secure a 30-day extension. During that time, we’ll continue fundraising toward the $12,000 that will cover her tuition for the rest of the year. And if we’re blessed to raise more than our goal, every extra dollar will go toward the next step in her journey — applying for her green card so she can finally have safety and stability here in the U.S.

Please donate if you’re able, and know that any amount makes a difference. If you can’t give, sharing this campaign goes a long way.

Thank you for helping me support the person I love so she can survive, thrive, and make the difference in the world she was meant to.

— Ame Leon

P.S. The last photo is of a dog Isha and I rescued from the street — he now has a safe and loving home. Just like we showed up for him, I hope you’ll help us show up for Isha now.