Brenda Machado

Specialty:  Latin America Human Rights, Refugees, and Immigration
Areas of interest: Sports & Human Rights
Undergraduate degree: Global Studies in Latin America with an emphasis on Human Rights, Immigration, and Refugees; Minor in Spanish and Certificate in Central American Studies
Hometown:  Washington, DC
Background/goals: I have previously worked at an asylum seeker's shelter in Tucson, AZ, and at the International Rescue Committee in Baltimore, Maryland, as a Family Reunification Specialist. I am currently a member of the Women’s Global Consultation for Migration, Immigration, and Refugee Rights Alliance, where I am working with other women leaders and experts to discuss, research, and share findings to advance immigrant rights in multiple regions of the world. I am also volunteering for an organization called Empower Through Play, which provides sneakers, cleats, and sports equipment to children in refugee camps and impoverished regions.  My goals are to report on human rights, global migration issues, and the importance of sports accessibility in emergent nations. Additionally, I would like to enhance my multimedia skills and write local bilingual stories.
Why UA?: I chose the University of Arizona because it has a culturally diverse program with distinguished faculty. I am honored to be surrounded by experienced faculty and students who are committed to bilingual storytelling, and being the voice in an underrepresented field.