Don Graham, co-founder of TheDream.US: “I’ve worked with Gaby Pacheco every day for ten years. Dreamers have no better advocate. She is as wise as she is passionate in their cause. She will make a great leader of the excellent team at TheDream.US. A college education for these students, who have been in the US, on average since they were 4, is good for the students – and good for the rest of us. They are strongly motivated. Now more than ever the work that TheDream.US set out to do almost 10 years ago is critical. Nursing and other health care majors are a top field of study among our Scholars – and health-care workers as others are desperately needed in every state.”
Sadhana Singh, TheDream.US Senior Communications Manager and TheDream.US graduate from Trinity Washington University: “Working alongside Gaby Pacheco over the past several years has been an invaluable and enriching professional experience. Whether through her active engagement and dedicated involvement in the immigrant community or offering steadfast support from a distance, Gaby has consistently embodied the dual roles of a committed leader and an inspiring role model with grace and compassion. As an enduring champion of Dreamers, she combines a creative and strategic intellect with a compassionate heart, boundless energy, and an unwavering commitment to empowering undocumented immigrants. As both my colleague and friend, Gaby has mentored and guided me, contributing to my personal and professional growth. Her impact on me mirrors the profound influence she has on our Scholars. In her new role, I have no doubt that she will continue to illuminate the path towards a brighter future for all of us.”
Anaysa Navarrete, a TheDream.US Scholar and CUNY student: “As a current scholar, witnessing Gaby Pacheco’s appointment as the president and CEO of TheDream.US is nothing short of inspirational. Her relentless journey as an immigrant rights advocate resonates deeply with many of us, reminding us of the power of resilience and determination. Gaby’s story, from being a Dreamer and DACA recipient to becoming the new president and CEO, is a testament to the boundless possibilities that await those who dream and persevere. As a Latina woman taking the lead, she not only represents hope for immigrant communities but also embodies the limitless potential of women in leadership. This isn’t just another professional milestone; it’s a personal triumph, not only for Gaby but for all of us who have followed her journey.”
CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez: “Gaby has been committed to the success of TheDream.US since its beginning in 2014, working diligently to help the organization flourish, and we know the experience she has accumulated has equipped her to carry TheDream.US forward and expand the impact of its vital mission. CUNY was proud to help pilot the scholarship program and has been grateful for the life-changing support it has since given to thousands of undocumented Americans who may otherwise have been unable to reap the irreplaceable benefits of a college education. Congratulations to Gaby and to TheDream.US on its selection of a highly skilled and very capable new leader.”
Dr. Eduardo Padron, President Emeritus of Miami Dade College and TheDream.US Advisory Board Member: “Having known Gaby since her days as an exemplary student at Miami Dade College, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing her transformation into an inspiration for Florida students and Dreamers across the nation. Her unwavering dedication and fervor for expanding educational opportunities for all is precisely why she is destined to be an exceptional President and CEO at TheDream.US. What I find most admirable about Gaby is her tireless advocacy to ensure every student can access a college education and pursue their dreams. I am immensely proud of her accomplishments thus far and eagerly anticipate what comes next. As I wrote in an op-ed in 2006, regarding some phrases Gaby had written on the window of her car, ‘Do I dare disturb the universe,’ and, ‘Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.’ It’s evident that Gaby has not only positively disturbed the universe but has made significant contributions to our country by expanding educational opportunities to immigrant students.”
Alberto M. Carvalho, Los Angeles Unified Superintendent: “Gaby Pacheco represents the immigrant student that turned her experiences and difficulties into excellence and leadership. She is a Dreamer with the passion and commitment to continue to take action and create change toward the human rights of immigrants. I have seen her courageous advocacy firsthand, and I know she is destined to show us more. I am so proud to call her my friend.”
Miriam Feldblum, Executive Director of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration: “We are thrilled to see Gaby Pacheco, a nationally renowned advocate, former DACA recipient, and leading immigrant rights leader in our higher education sector, selected as the next president of TheDream.US. This is a watershed moment for an exceptional organization, whose mission and active engagement has already transformed the lives of thousands of students and the campuses that enroll and support them. At the Presidents’ Alliance, we are excited to continue our close partnership with TheDream.US, and with Gaby in her new role and the entire team!”
Carlos Hernandez, a TheDream.US Scholar and University of Houston student: “Gaby Pacheco’s transition into the CEO/President position at TheDream.US is a monumental moment for the organization and a cause for celebration. Throughout her remarkable journey, Gaby has consistently displayed unwavering commitment to the fight for higher education equity, specifically for underrepresented minorities and low-income, first-generation students. Gaby’s tireless advocacy and relentless pursuit of justice have opened doors and created opportunities for countless students striving to overcome barriers to education. Her firsthand experiences as an undocumented immigrant and her deep understanding of the needs of the community she represents make her an exceptional leader. Her inspiring story serves as a beacon of hope for many and a reminder that no dream is unattainable when driven by passion and purpose. With Gaby at the helm, TheDream.US is in the hands of an amazing and inspirational individual who will undoubtedly continue to champion the cause of educational equity with unwavering resolve.”
Kai Martin, a TheDream.US graduate from CUNY, Development Manager, Greater Washington Partnership: “As a former TheDream.US scholar, current advisory council member and proud DACA recipient, Gaby Pacheco has been instrumental in changing the trajectory of an uncertain future for thousands of Dreamers. Being able to witness her journey and seeing her embark on this new leadership role has given me hope that in addition to being our ancestors’ wildest dreams, we belong here! I am proud to stand with Gaby during her transition, as her leadership is both inspirational and informed. Having worked closely with Gaby, she is never shy of sharing her journey from Undocumented to documented, allowing for a deeper and relatable connection with students. This is key when sitting at tables to advocate for the needs of TheDream.US community. I am honored to witness her incredible journey and thankful for the leadership before her in their commitment to developing a blueprint for success.”
Indira Islas, a TheDream.US graduate from Delaware State University: “I cannot think of anyone else more deserving as the next individual to lead TheDream.US than Gaby Pacheco. As someone who has known Gaby since my freshman year of college as a TheDream.US scholar nearly seven years ago, I have always looked up to her. She became one of the main reasons why I got involved in advocacy. Even through personal tribulations, Gaby was there for me and my family because she understands the complexities of living in a mixed status family. Although she recently became a U.S. citizen, Gaby experienced the reality of being an undocumented student fighting for the right to a higher education. The current and future Scholars could not have a more deserving leader than Gaby, and I cannot wait to see where she takes TheDream.US.”
Lia Parada, Chief Advocacy Officer for The Immigration Hub: “I have had the privilege of knowing Gaby Pacheco for nearly 15 years. I first met her as a Dreamer lobbying Congressional offices and later sat with her in the Capitol when the Senate failed to pass the Dream Act in 2010. That setback spurred her to organize an inside and outside strategy that led to the creation of DACA. Gaby is a brilliant strategist who has deep ties on both sides of the political spectrum led by her North Star of advancing educational attainment and opportunities for undocumented youth. TheDream.US’ next chapter is bright with Gaby Pacheco at its helm.”