Yuri Velasquez is a psychology major at San Francisco State University and has a deep passion for supporting immigrant and marginalized communities. Born and raised in a village called La Cumbre San Marcos, Guatemala, Yuri immigrated to the United States in search of safety, stability, and opportunity. Her immigrant experience gave her a firsthand understanding of the emotional impact of migration, cultural adjustment, and systemic inequalities; experiences that continue to inspire her commitment to mental health and social justice.
Yuri has worked and volunteered with organizations that support immigrant families with language access, food and other resources, such as the Latino Task Force. She is especially passionate about working with newly arrived families from the Latinx community who face various challenges navigating systems that often ignore their needs.
Her long-term goal is to become a licensed therapist and social worker, creating safe, healing centered spaces for immigrant youth and families. In her free time, Yuri also enjoys going for walks, especially connecting with nature. She also loves Miguel Ruiz's books, and she also enjoys cooking and taking care of her nephew.
Through the DreamSF Fellowship,Yuri is placed at CARECEN SF, an organization dedicated to supporting immigrants with asylum, visas, and other vital legal and social services. She seeks to strengthen her leadership skills, gain practical experience in community advocacy, and continue to champion equity, inclusion, and social justice.
