USU: What is your position with the DREAM Center of the USU?
Gemma: I assist undocumented students in navigating the school system. I also co-facilitate our coffee talks where we have conversations on wellness and general check-ins with our students. The DREAM Center joining the USU felt so natural because we share the same goal to create a community space for all students.
USU: After graduating, what career interests you?
Gemma: As an urban planner, I want to engage folks to build and develop vulnerable communities to be safer and more vibrant. Often outsiders come in and make decisions for those communities, but I want to take what I’ve learned and bring it back to my community.
USU: What project have you done for the USU that makes you most proud?
Gemma: I oversaw creating programs and sashes for Undocu-graduation and it made me so happy to see the graduates look at the shout-outs for them. It was an honor to see so many folks be optimistic for the future and I was proud to give them a little gift to celebrate themselves.
USU: Who is someone you aspire to be like?
Gemma: Audre Lord is someone I’ve always praised. I admire how she connects to what it means to be here, what it means to have community, what love is, and her determination to live in a world where she chooses to be her full authentic self. /p>
USU: What do you do to help de-stress?
Gemma: Recently, I’ve been building a relationship with herbs. I have my own little garden where I cultivate the land. It’s so great to see your hard work flourish after harvesting and being able to share it with others. I love spending time with nature, it’s beautiful!
USU: Which musician would you want to sit in a front row seat to see?
Gemma: This is hard to choose! I think I would watch Blood Orange open for Solange.
