FOR THE CURIOUS

WHO WE ARE

A community built by those who’ve lived it. ONWARD started because Tawheeda, Jason, and Monsy couldn't find the answers they needed when they decided to leave the U.S. They found no guidance and no community, so they built one themselves. We are a volunteer-led network for Dreamers who have relocated or are weighing the decision to leave. We don’t offer legal advice or sugarcoated stories. We offer peer support and real talk from people who have actually walked this path. This is a space to share the grief, the wins, and the messy reality of building a life of dignity elsewhere.

Read Our Impact Report

OUR VALUES

We built this space on a quiet defiance that challenges the narrative that staying is the only way to live with dignity. It takes a specific kind of nerve to choose a new path, so we show up with an honesty and empathy that respects the messy reality of starting over without judgment.

MEET THE DREAM TEAM

  • Co-Founder & Executive Director. Born in South Korea and raised in New York and New Jersey, he lived as a DACA recipient before relocating to Spain. An entrepreneur and part-time assistant professor in Madrid, he earned his MBA and Master’s in Big Data from IE Business School. As Executive Director, he bridges his expertise in digital strategy with his lived experience to build the practical, sustainable systems he once needed himself.

  • Co-Founder & Director of Public Relations. Based in Toronto, Canada, she holds a Master’s in Global Policy Studies from the University of Texas at Austin, expertise she gained after navigating her own journey out of the U.S. As Director of Public Relations, she leads the organization’s media engagement and external communications, using her background in global policy to disrupt the narrative around relocation and ensure the stories of Dreamers reach both the public and policymakers.

  • Co-founder & Director of Community Engagement. Based in Duisburg, Germany, she is currently completing a nursing apprenticeship, bringing a caregiver’s perspective to her leadership within the network. As Director of Community Engagement, she manages the organization’s volunteer coordination and connects directly with members, ensuring every Dreamer has the "real talk" and practical support needed to build a life of dignity elsewhere.

  • Director of Marketing. Born in Mexico and raised in Atlanta, she is now based in Spain and holds a Master’s in Communication and Creative Advertising from Elisava, Barcelona School of Design and Engineering. As Director of Marketing, she brings her filmmaker’s eye to the leadership team, shaping the visual identity and the heart of the organization’s story. She is dedicated to ensuring the mission is felt as much as it is seen, using her creative background to build a brand that honors the dignity of every Dreamer.

  • IT, Database Management, and Interview Support. Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, Edith works in IT systems within the nonprofit sector, focusing on human-centered tech solutions that make systems more accessible. She supports the organization by strengthening internal databases and providing technical assistance for podcasting and interviews. Her goal is to ensure team members can work efficiently to expand access to resources for those who need them most.

  • Editing, Proofreading, and Content Writing. With a professional and educational background in communications, Zach focuses on refining the guides and content that make relocation simpler for the community. In a climate of increasing hostility toward immigrants, he’s committed to ensuring all messaging is clear and supportive for undocumented folks who are choosing to build a life elsewhere.

  • Editing, Moderation, and Virtual Event Leadership. Currently a senior majoring in Business Administration and Accounting, Alan brings a diverse academic background in liberal arts and business to the ONWARD team. After finding a path toward a brighter future through the organization during a period of personal uncertainty, he is now dedicated to fostering community as an editor and moderator. He is passionate about sharing that same sense of hope with fellow Dreamers navigating their own journeys.

  • Program Leadership, Content Creation, and Community Moderation. With a Master’s in Learning Experience Design and a multifaceted professional background in HR, technical writing, and UX design, Jessica leads ONWARD’s language pre-departure programs and develops essential instructional toolkits. Having found vital guidance and a sense of purpose through the organization while relocating her own family, she now uses her expertise in educational technology to ensure others have the resources and support they need to thrive.

  • Community Moderation and Support. Maria serves as a moderator dedicated to creating a welcoming environment for those navigating the complexities of being a Dreamer. After discovering ONWARD during a time of personal isolation and hostility toward immigrants, she found clarity regarding the vast opportunities available beyond the United States. She is committed to giving back by ensuring that others facing similar uncertainties find a community where they feel safe, empowered, and truly understood.

  • Strategic Consulting and Relocation Advocacy. Brizia is a global HR operations and organizational strategy professional specializing in cross-border employment and people-centered systems. Drawing on her multidisciplinary background in engineering and social sciences, she provides expert consulting to the leadership team with a focus on relocating to Mexico. Having left the U.S. in 2012 without a support network, she is now dedicated to sharing her extensive knowledge to help Dreamers find freedom and success in their new homes.

  • Facebook Group Moderation, Editing, and Multimedia Content Creation. As a moderator and creator, Mario supports the ONWARD community through insightful content writing and podcasting. His contribution is a labor of love, deeply rooted in his personal journey of navigating the transition out of the U.S. Having faced the heavy trepidations that often accompany such a move, Mario is now dedicated to dampening those fears for others. By providing clear guidance and a supportive presence, he ensures fellow Dreamers have the clarity and confidence they need to embark on their own new chapters.

  • Social-Emotional Wellness and Fundraising. With an M.A. in Dual Language Education and over a decade in community engagement, Sindy focuses on equity-focused organizing and collective care. She coordinates wellness programming and culturally grounded support spaces to ensure the community's well-being. Committed to the fundamental right to belong and move freely, Sindy believes that advocating for families helps build a more compassionate society where everyone can pursue safety and dignity through a vision of universal support.

  • Digital Media, Communications, and Outreach. Yesenia is a digital media specialist with a background in Interpersonal Communications and Journalism. She leverages her expertise in media strategy and international graduate admissions to amplify ONWARD’s reach and provide guidance to Dreamers. Having experienced the challenges and joys of the immigrant journey firsthand, Yesenia is dedicated to helping others find hope and community, ensuring that fellow Dreamers feel empowered and informed as they embark on their own new chapters.

NEWS AND MEDIA

See where we’ve been featured and how we’re sharing our community’s stories with the world. This is our space for external coverage, press inquiries, and media collaborations.

If you are a member of the press, a storyteller, or a creator looking to cover our mission or interview our members, we would love to connect. Please use the form below to reach our media team directly. We are available to provide insights into the relocation journey for undocumented individuals, share background on our organizational values, or coordinate interviews with our leadership team regarding the impact of our work.