Maria Tokarev is a dynamic individual originally from Ukraine, bringing a rich cultural perspective and multilingual background to every endeavor. Fluent in multiple languages, Maria bridges cultural and linguistic divides with ease, embodying a global mindset. As a dedicated doctoral student and aspiring law professional, Maria is passionate about exploring the intersection of law, politics, and international relations.With a deep commitment to understanding and addressing complex legal and political issues, Maria aims to advocate for justice and positive change. This passion for law and politics drives her academic pursuits, particularly in the areas of international relations and criminal law. Guided by a strong sense of purpose and an unwavering drive, Maria is set on a path to make meaningful contributions to the legal field, aspiring to shape policy and empower communities worldwide.
Category: Immigration Policy Team
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Angel Gao, University of California Berkeley
Xing (Angel) Gao is an undergraduate student at UC Berkeley, pursuing a major in Legal Studies with a minor in French. Angel has a diverse research background, including studies on racial inequality, comparative evaluations of the presidencies of Joe Biden and Donald Trump, regulatory frameworks for unmanned vessels, and the innovative application of artificial intelligence in jury science. As an immigrant herself, Angel is deeply passionate about exploring the social and legal challenges faced by immigrant communities. She has a strong passion for promoting inclusivity, equity, and access to justice within immigration systems, aiming to support and empower underserved populations. Angel chose to minor in French to deepen her understanding of global cultures and expand her ability to engage with diverse perspectives. By studying French, she seeks to enhance her ability to foster cross-cultural understanding and collaboration. Outside of school, Angel enjoys photography and traveling, capturing moments from her adventures around the world. She also finds relaxation in baking, despite her ongoing challenge of perfecting a sponge cake after four unsuccessful attempts.
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Valerie Ferguson, University of Texas at Austin
Valerie Ferguson is a first-year graduate student at the University of Texas at Austin, where she is working on her master’s in Global Policy Studies. Her primary focus in school is security studies and environmental policy and how these two can help to provide security from the ground up. She particularly likes to focus on how these two intersect with cultural preservation. Through these passions, she was able to learn more about international immigration and the reasons that would motivate someone to do so. Valerie had the opportunity to learn more about the refugee process through her internship with Refugee Services of Texas. There, she was able to create maps tailored to different regional markets or cultural hubs to try and help the refugees feel comfortable in Austin, Texas. Outside of school and work, she enjoys reading of any genre and hiking.
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Ashley Eduardo Espinoza, George Mason University
Ashley Eduardo Espinoza is a senior at George Mason University, majoring in Sociology with a minor in Immigration Studies. She has cultivated a strong academic and professional foundation as a research assistant at her university’s research lab, where she has contributed to articles and participated in projects focused on social stratification, higher education, and immigration. As a second-generation immigrant, Ashley’s connection to immigration is deeply personal, rooted in her lived experiences and those of her community. Growing up in a diverse, immigrant-dense area, she has had the opportunity to engage closely with immigrants and refugees, inspiring her passion for researching, understanding, and advocating for equitable immigration policies that foster inclusion and opportunity. Her work reflects her commitment to using research as a tool to address systemic inequities and drive social justice. Beyond her academic and professional pursuits, Ashley is dedicated to building meaningful connections with those around her. She enjoys traveling to explore new cultures, attending concerts of all genres, and watching movies with her friends and family.
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Laiba Mehmood, Rutgers University
Laiba Mehmood (she/her) is a sophomore at Rutgers University, where she is part of the Honors College and pursuing a major in political science. She actively contributes to the university community as a member of the Muslim Student Association and serves as a peer mentor, fostering unity and building bonds within the student body.
With a passion for environmental advocacy, Laiba has gained experience as an Environmental Legislative Advocate for a research project in Camden, NJ. In this role, she conducted in-depth research on environmental legislation, engaged with diverse community members, including residents, factory workers, and city council members, to understand their perspectives on Camden’s environmental issues. This experience sparked her interest in policy and governance, as it allowed her to connect with people across different sectors while deepening her understanding of the complex dynamics of urban environmental challenges.
As a Student Fellow, Laiba is eager to further develop her research skills and explore her personal interests in the world of political science, policy-making, and government. Linkedin