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Welcome to Episode 015 of the #JPSPEAKS: Social Justice & Inclusion Podcast for Higher Education 
Professionals! Today, I had the honor of interviewing, Ana Clara Blesso, around the topic of supporting undocumented students in higher education.
Below, you will find the show notes, a biography on Ana Clara Blesso, and Ana Clara’s call-to-action! Enjoy!
Episode Abstract:
Undocumented students are a portion of the current immigrant population, but their distinct challenges require tailored support from higher education professionals. As a career counselor, Ana Clara Blesso has found it essential to develop structure to ensure that she is supporting this student population to the best of her abilities. Through this podcast, listeners will gain insight into some of the challenges generally experienced by the undocumented students that Ana Clara has personally worked with and will hear about her competencies for providing the best support and care.
In this particular episode, you will:
- Gain insight into some of the challenges faced by undocumented students
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Begin brainstorming tangible ways to become a stronger ally to this student population
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Hear from a higher education professional who strives to balance professionalism with advocacy
Ana Clara Blesso’s Biography & Contact Info:
Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Ana Clara Blesso immigrated to Florida at the age of 7. Since then, she has experienced many aspects of immigrant life – from supporting the undocumented community to securing her own US citizenship in 2016. Ana Clara has a Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences from Assumption College and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Wake Forest University. Ana Clara is a trained AAUW salary negation facilitator, and is passionate about supporting women and underrepresented groups in their career development. She currently works as a career counselor at a large public university in New England, and calls Massachusetts home. More information about Ana Clara can be found here or on Twitter: @anaclarablesso.
Show Notes:
- National Association for Colleges and Employers (NACE)
- Cooperative Education and Internship Association (CEIA)
- Connecticut Students for a Dream
- United We Dream
- National Immigration Law Center
- Freedom University (GA)
- Dreamzone (ASU)
- Additional Readings:
Call-to-Action:
What is your reaction to the above call-to-action? What conversations or thoughts have you had as a result of the above call-to-action? In order to build community around these challenges, share your reactions and accomplishments on your social media accounts by using #JPSPEAKS!
