For Immediate Release: August 27, 2026
Contact: [email protected]
Washington, DC – TheDream.US announced today that Dr. Angela “Ru” Chen has been hired as the organization’s Director of Higher Education Strategy and Partnerships. The position will lead and strengthen TheDream.US’s national network of nearly 80 Partner Colleges and Universities serving Dreamers and support our Scholars in achieving academic success, graduating, and entering meaningful careers.
Dr. Chen comes to TheDream.US with nearly twenty years of experience advancing equity and institutional transformation for immigrant and underserved students. She most recently served as Director of the DREAM Center at the University of California, Irvine, where she led strategic planning, institutional policy, and program development for one of the largest undocumented student populations in the UC system.
Gaby Pacheco, TheDream.US President and CEO, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Ru to TheDream.US at such an important moment for our organization and for higher education. After more than a decade of success and growth, we are entering a new chapter, one that calls for deepening and strengthening the partnerships that make our work possible. Ru brings nearly two decades of experience in higher education, a deep understanding of the Dreamer community, and a proven ability to help institutions create meaningful, lasting change. We couldn’t be more excited to have her bring her expertise, perspective, and passion to TheDream.US.”
Dr. Hyein Lee, TheDream.US Chief Operating Officer, said: “At a time when Dreamers are facing new barriers and restricted opportunities nationally and in many states, our college and career success programs are increasingly essential to our Scholars’ stability and futures. Ru is the ideal person to join our team at this critical moment when Dreamers need these supports more than ever. Her leadership and expertise will strengthen our entire organization and, most notably, the futures of our amazing Scholars.”
Dr. Angela “Ru” Chen, stated: “I am honored to join TheDream.US at this critical moment, which calls for intentional collaboration and community-based problem solving. I believe there is great potential to move our efforts forward together, building on the work our Scholars, Partner Colleges, and TheDream.US have always done.”
Below, find the bio for Dr. Angela “Ru” Chen, Director of Higher Education Strategy and Partnerships at TheDream.US (available online here)
Dr. Chen (also known as Ru) grew up in a mixed-status family and is a higher education leader and systems change strategist with nearly twenty years of experience advancing equity and institutional transformation for immigrant and underserved students. She most recently served as Director of the DREAM Center at the University of California, Irvine, where she led strategic planning, institutional policy, and program development for one of the largest undocumented student populations in the UC system.
Throughout her career, Ru has consulted with colleges and universities across the country, helping institutions strengthen their support for undocumented students. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of Immigrants Rising.
Ru holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Higher Education and Organizational Change from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a B.A. in Psychology from the University of California, Irvine. Outside of work, Ru enjoys long walks with her dog and exploring national and state parks.
About TheDream.US
TheDream.US is the nation’s leading organization supporting Dreamers at the intersection of higher education, workforce development, immigration, and advocacy. We’ve awarded over 13,000 scholarships to immigrant youth from 120+ countries and 45 states, with more than 5,000 graduates to date. We partner with close to 80 colleges in 19 states and Washington D.C. to provide scholarships, career support, and access to legal options that help Dreamers break through systemic barriers and achieve social mobility.
Through data, Scholar and Alumni stories, strategic partnerships, and targeted state and local advocacy, we work to expand equitable access to college, professional pathways, and permanent legal status. For more information on TheDream.US, visit www.thedream.us
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