About Me.

Starting my academic career as a dual-enrolled, home-schooled high school student, I had great ambition to reach my potential and do my part in shaping the world. Since those days, I have earned a Bachelor's in Spanish, a Master's in Latin American Studies, and a Doctorate in Political Science. I have journeyed across Central America, traveled to Europe, and lived on both coasts of the USA.

I have published research, taught classes and workshops, and served as a country conditions expert witness for immigration court. I seek to use my skills, knowledge, and abilities to educate, empower, train, serve, and consult to any and all who are willing to learn and grow. I am the eldest of five from a single parent household. I am a first generation PhD graduate. I have experienced the struggles of poverty and inequality on a personal level. I am dedicated to making the world a better, more just place.

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Experience

Expert Witness

2020-present

I work with federal immigration courts, with immigration attorneys, and with clients in need of a country conditions expert for Central America. I have served as an expert witness for several dozen cases across the region. These cases have involved gang membership, human trafficking, domestic violence, sexual- and gender-based violence, LGBT rights, hate crimes, and indigenous rights, among others.

Professor

2017-present

I teach classes in Political Science, Ethnic Studies, and Interdisciplinary Studies. I am a faculty advisor to student clubs, I host workshops and trainings for faculty, present in forums, participate in student-led events, and assist in overall school and curriculum development.

Teaching Associate

2012-2017

I taught classes and mentored in Global Studies, Political Science, Development, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Latin America, Spanish, and Globalization. I led the graduate organization, hosted events, and mentored. I was also able to serve in a research capacity with the chair of my dissertation committee.

Spanish Teacher

2010-2012

I taught all Spanish classes K through 12. I also later assumed the role of SAT preparation instructor. I joined the curriculum committee, hosted several school-wide events, and developed the Spanish language program at the school.

Education

Ph.D. in Government

Graduated December 2017

Comparative Politics (major) International Relations (minor)

University of South Florida

Dissertation Title:
“Hidden: A Case Study on Human Trafficking in Costa Rica”

https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/etd/7028/

Committee Chairs: Dr. Harry E. Vanden & Dr. Bernd Reiter

M.A. in Latin American and Caribbean Studies

Graduated May 2014

University of South Florida

Thesis Title:
“Human Trafficking from Southern Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala: Why These Victims are Trafficked into Modern Day Florida”

https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/etd/5026/

Thesis Advisor: Dr. Harry E. Vanden

B.A. in Spanish

Graduated May 2009

University of South Carolina

A.A. in General Education

Graduated May 2007

Technical College of the Lowcountry