For Immediate Release: December 10, 2024
Contact: Michael Earls at [email protected]
TheDream.US Welcomes Fermin Vasquez as Director of Strategic Communications and Engagement
Washington, DC – TheDream.US, the nation’s largest college access and success program for immigrant youth, today announced that Fermin Vasquez will be the organization’s new Director of Strategic Communications and Engagement.
Fermin, the first in his family to graduate from college, has dedicated his career to improving the lives of others. His fifteen years as a communications professional includes digital campaigns that have engaged millions of people to take action, transforming supporters into online activists, voters, and donors on behalf of California-based social change organizations, labor unions, and elected officials.
Alongside the welcome news of Fermin’s hire, TheDream.US also announced the impending departure of Sadhana Singh as the organization’s Senior Communications Manager at the end of December. As one of the first TheDream.US Scholars and later as an exemplary Alumna and co-worker, Sadhana has been instrumental in helping TheDream.US stay connected to the Dreamer community and effectively communicating with our Scholars, Alumni, and the broader public.
Fermin Vasquez, incoming Director of Strategic Communications and Engagement at TheDream.US, said: “As a former Dreamer, having achieved the dream of a higher education, I believe access to education is the key to building a stronger country and thriving communities. We are stronger when we invest in the dreams of our young people. They are our most precious resource and will help us meet the challenges of the 21st century. I’m honored to be joining TheDream.US to ensure we invest, believe and support immigrant youth in their college and career success.”
Gaby Pacheco, President and CEO of TheDream.US, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Fermin to TheDream.US team at a pivotal time for our Scholars and alumni. Fermin’s dedication, experiences, and track record make him the perfect fit to lead our communications into our second decade of empowering Dreamers’ lives. Yet this month also is bittersweet, as Sadhana Singh transitions from a beloved colleague into a new and exciting chapter of her life. We express our deep gratitude for her contributions, are incredibly proud of all she has accomplished, and wish her the best in her journey ahead.”
About Fermin Vasquez, TheDream.US Director of Strategic Communications and Engagement (bio online here and pasted below)
Growing up with a single mom in Pico-Union near downtown Los Angeles, Fermin understood the values of hard work, education, and giving back. He is the first in his family to graduate from college and has dedicated his life and talents to improving the lives of others.
As a communications professional with over 15 years of experience, Fermin has worked with some of the most dynamic organizations and political leaders in California. His expertise in the digital space has engaged millions of people to take action, transforming supporters into online activists, voters, and donors. Fermin’s campaign work with employers and clients has been featured in major media outlets such as the LA Times, La Opinión, Univision, Telemundo, ABC, NBC, The Sacramento Bee, Teen Vogue, NPR, and more. In his free time, Fermin is an avid soccer player.
About TheDream.US
TheDream.US is the nation’s largest college and career success program for undocumented immigrant students, having provided more than 11,000 college scholarships to Dreamers attending close to 80 partner colleges in 20 states and Washington, DC. We believe everyone, regardless of where they were born, should have equitable access to a college education, a meaningful career, and opportunities to contribute to the communities they call home. For more information on TheDream.US, visit www.thedream.us.
TheDream.US Scholarship Application Round is Open
TheDream.US current scholarship application round is open through January/February 2025, with expanded eligibility criteria to support the higher education dreams of more Dreamers with and without DACA or TPS. Amid rising uncertainty around immigration policies and legal protections for Dreamers, TheDream.US commitment to empowering undocumented students through its annual scholarship application round is steadfast. Applications are open to immigrant students who came to the U.S. before the age of 16 and before Nov. 1, 2019. All undocumented students who meet the eligibility criteria are welcome to apply. Learn more at https://www.thedream.us/scholarships/ .
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