Maria Gabriela “Gaby” Pacheco came from Ecuador to the U.S. in 1993 with her parents when she was 8. As the family settled in Miami and began a new life, Pacheco’s journey took a unique path: from a student without permanent status to a well-known advocate for immigrant rights and education.
In 2003, Pacheco was one of the first students without a permanent status to be accepted at Miami Dade College, where she earned an associate’s degree in teaching and early childhood education, as well as a bachelor’s degree in special education.
As an advocate, she helped establish the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA, an executive action signed in 2012 by President Barack Obama to protect those who were brought as children from deportation and to allow work permits for the so-called Dreamers. Pacheco was a recipient of this program.
On Nov. 1, Pacheco, 38, began a new leadership role as the president and CEO of TheDream.US, the nation’s largest scholarship program for immigrant students without permanent legal status.
This year, she also became a U.S. citizen after marrying a citizen.
The Tampa Bay Times recently talked to Pacheco from Miami. This interview has been edited for length.
How do you envision your personal experiences shaping the strategies of the organization under your leadership?
My track record demonstrates victories at local, state and federal levels, driven by heartfelt conversations where I’ve shared my story to connect with others. I’ve learned how powerful our stories are and I aspire to empower our scholars, fostering their self-worth and a sense of belonging, so they, too, can advocate for their path to full citizenship by sharing their stories. I aim to capitalize on our 10 years of work by spotlighting the compelling data and success stories of our 3,600-plus graduates, effectively countering misinformation through storytelling.
Additionally, as a highly collaborative person, my hope is to work with corporations, businesses and educational institutions to champion initiatives like in-state tuition, state aid and licensing laws, enabling immigrant graduates to maximize their degrees.
My primary mission is to engage major foundations nationwide, stressing the importance of supporting Dreamers’ access to education, which has a far-reaching impact on communities and our nation.
What do you see as the next legislative or social frontier for the rights and opportunities of immigrants in the U.S.?
I anticipate significant challenges ahead. The U.S. has a history of fearing and scapegoating immigrants, but there’s an urgent need to modernize our immigration system. With an aging population and increasing economic pressure, the U.S. can’t compete globally without immigrants. Immigrants contribute significantly to the nation through taxes, jobs and job creation, productivity and spending power.
What are some misconceptions you often encounter about immigrants and Dreamers?
The belief that immigrants are a drain on the economy, that they don’t pay taxes and that they take away jobs from citizens. There’s also the misconception that immigrants are simply hiding or sneaking from the law and could resolve their status by hiring an attorney, paying a fee, or a fine.
Keep up with Tampa Bay’s top headlines
Subscribe to our free DayStarter newsletter
You’re all signed up!
Want more of our free, weekly newsletters in your inbox? Let’s get started.
Explore all your optionsHow do you believe educational institutions can be more accessible to students who share a background like yours?
Education has been a crucial foundation of my success, and I believe it’s something no one can take away from you. I’ve always embraced the idea that you don’t have to wait for the stars to align to start preparing for your future. When I began at Miami Dade College, I was unsure about my ability to work, put my degree to use, or even if my immigration status would ever change. Despite this uncertainty, I was committed to preparing myself for whatever lay ahead.
It’s essential that we don’t wait for Dreamers to secure legal status before opening the doors of higher education to them.
To make educational institutions more accessible to immigrant students, I believe colleges should admit students regardless of their immigration status. After one year of residency in a state, students should be recognized as state residents and treated as domestic students for tuition and enrollment purposes.
Could you share a pivotal moment that strengthened your commitment to advocacy?
In my senior year of high school, I began sharing my undocumented status with my college counselor and teachers, hoping to find a solution. What happened next was eye-opening. Classmates approached me, revealing their undocumented status and asking me to please help them get to college if I found a way. This pivotal moment made me realize I had a responsibility not just for myself but also for my classmates and older sisters, who were denied access to the local community college for not having ”the right kind of papers.”
What will your advice be for young immigrants?
You are not alone! There are individuals and organizations like TheDream.US ready to support you in your journey. With determination, hard work and a supportive community, you can overcome obstacles and achieve your goals. I did, and I know in my heart you will, too.
