Thalia Garibay M.A.

CALIFORNIA |

Thalia Garibay arrived to the United States at age 3, from Ensenada, Baja California. She went through the entire education system as an undocumented individual until becoming a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient in 2012.

Thalia started her educational journey at Pasadena City College, where she earned an Associates in Science and Associates in Arts, Liberal Arts and Associates in Science, with an emphasis in Natural Sciences. At Pasadena City College, she assisted with establishing the first undocumented student led club and created advocacy for undocumented students. She later transferred to California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA) to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies. Lastly, she earned a Master’s in College Counseling and Student Development from Azusa Pacific University in 2016.

DACA allowed Thalia to gain experience in the workforce to increase validation of her future career. She was a Substitute Program Leader for THINK Together, an afterschool non-profit organization, Office Manager for Romero Law, A Professional Corporation, a Teacher for Los Angeles Unified School District, a graduate assistant for Caltech Y's Communications and Outreach program, graduate assistant and professor at Mount Saint Mary’s University, and WIOA Program Coordinator/Career Mentor for Career Institute.

In addition, Thalia has had the opportunity to present in numerous national and local conferences, lectured in graduate courses, and a guest in 2 podcasts. All presentations focused on navigating college life as an undocumented student, personal experience/testimony, and transitioning to the workforce as an DACA recipient.

She is currently a College Counselor at two community colleges where she assists students navigating the college system, and helping them reach their academic, personal, and career goals. In addition, she is a professor and teaches a student development course providing skills to high school students to become acclimated to the college system for a successful transition. Her goal is to educate students, provide students with endless support and resources, and instill leadership in students.