Presenter Bio - Daniela Alulema

Daniela Alulema is the Project Director for the CUNY-Initiative on Immigration and Education, a researcher, and a nonprofit leader.

Originally from Quito, Ecuador, Daniela brings her journey as an undocumented immigrant, her passion, and her belief in human-centered policymaking and research into her work. At CUNY-IIE, Daniela oversees the initiative’s implementation, which aims to produce and disseminate resources for educators that center the strengths of immigrant communities.

She previously served as director of programs at the Center for Migration Studies, a think-tank that promotes the rights and dignity of immigrants. During her tenure at CMS, Daniela managed community-based research projects on the implementation of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, the impact of fear on how immigrants access services and programs in New York City, and the impact of deportation on US families and communities. She also authored reports on the impact of DACA and the critical role educators play in the lives of immigrant youth. Daniela has a deep commitment to applied research that supports evidence-based policymaking and person-centered work that focuses on the voices of the directly impacted.