Gabriela “Gaby” Gonzalez was born and raised in El Salvador and migrated to the United States at the age of 16. She proudly embraces that her journey has been marked by resilience, sacrifice, and growth.
Gaby's mother migrated to the U.S. when she was still young, leaving an emotional impact on her which was exasperated when later her father left her and her older sister to navigate life on their own. After reuniting with her mother, and later moving to San Francisco at 18, Gaby was determined to pursue her dreams and build a new life for herself. Adjusting to a new country, learning English, and balancing a full-time job while finishing high school were incredibly challenging. But those experiences taught her perseverance, independence, and just how powerful education can be.
Gaby graduated from San Francisco State University with a bachelor’s in Environmental Studies and a minor in Marketing. As a low-income, first-generation college student, she has experienced firsthand the obstacles that many immigrant youth face when it comes to accessing higher education and lacking a sense of belonging. Because of these experiences, Gaby’s goal is to uplift and mentor students, like herself, who struggle in silence, and need someone to believe in them. Professionally, Gaby aspires to pursue a master’s degree in Environmental Engineering and return to El Salvador to contribute to improving environmental conditions and public health outcomes. She’s passionate about environmental justice, especially environmental hazards disproportionately affecting marginalized and immigrant communities.
As a DreamSF Fellow placed at Refugee & Immigrant Transitions, Gaby will support newcomer students as they adjust to a new learning environment. During her time at RIT, she will provide academic in-class support, one-on-one tutoring, and collaborate closely with teachers to ensure students receive the help they need to succeed.
Outside of her academic and career goals, Gaby values self-care and enjoys spending time in nature, often going for walks to recharge. She loves being with her bunny, whose playful presence helps her forget her worries. Time with loved ones brings her comfort, joy, and the motivation to keep moving forward.
