Esperanza Hernandez

Born in Veracruz, Mexico, Esperanza Hernandez migrated to the United States when she was two years old and has lived in Durham, North Carolina ever since. Today, she is an undergraduate student at Duke University studying Public Policy, History, and Latino Studies in the Global South. Her background as a formerly undocumented immigrant has fueled her passion for immigrant rights and her keen interest in Mexican-American history. Through learning about her people’s history and struggles, she has also learned about their resilience and fight for justice. She is greatly inspired by the giants that have come before her and hopes to continue the fight for immigrant rights by pursuing law school after graduating from Duke. Esperanza aims to dedicate her life to immigration reform whether that be as an immigration attorney or policy analyst. She attributes her drive to her amazing single mother who has motivated her to keep going and always give everything her best.