Support a first-generation law student!

Hello you all,

My name is Katiuska Pimentel, but I go by Kati. I am a rising 3L at the University of San Francisco School of Law. I am a first-generation low-income latinx dreamer student. I migrated to the United States from Peru at the age of fifteen without my parents or prior knowledge of English, searching for a better life. My direction in life is driven by a resilient force aiming to find visibility for the issues and people I represent. During high school, I struggled to achieve the "American dream" working as a dishwasher, waiter and retail worker. I constantly experienced wage theft, getting paid less than my hours. I succeeded academically and earned a scholarship to attend UC Santa Cruz.

During my time at UC Santa Cruz, I worked with the Santa Cruz Public Defender's office; this experience inspired my drive to become a lawyer who will be a fearless advocate for my community. After graduating college in 2016, I worked as a community organizer fighting to protect immigrants and against anti-immigrant policies throughout California. I organized alongside community members who, like myself, were directly impacted by Trump's deportation machine. In 2019, I was accepted into law school but was forced to defer after my niece Keyla was killed at the Gilroy shooting. I have always been committed to fighting for justice, and I hope to use my law degree to give back to my community!

During law school, I tutored first-year law students in Civil Procedure. I will be a Property I and II tutor, supporting second-year students this upcoming year. Throughout my time at USF law, I have supported small businesses and entrepreneurs as a student clinician for the Intellectual Property clinic. Last summer, I completed a judicial externship for the Northern District Court. I have also succeeded academically, ranking in the top 10-5% of my class.

For undocumented students like myself, attending law school is a difficult journey. Indeed, I am one of the only undocumented students in law school. I do not qualify for federal financial aid or any federal loan programs. I have to find alternative ways to fund my law school tuition and cost of attendance which is close to $100,000 a year. As a rising 3L, fewer scholarships are available for me, and my parents are, unfortunately, unable to financially support me. Therefore, I am reaching out for support.

Reaching out for support is never easy, but I am committed to graduating from law school and fulfilling the dreams of my community. I want to create a path for other immigrant students to follow, and I can only do so with your support. Any donation is really appreciated! Please share with your community and networks!