Daniel Gutierrez Ayala
Cardinal Stritch University
Daniel Gutierrez Ayala, a double major in Spanish and Political Science, has proven to be a caring and influential member of the community, both on and off campus. He has been driven by a desire to make a positive impact by uplifting others, especially in the immigrant community in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he resides.
Daniel has played a lead role in organizing events on campus to better inform students, faculty and staff regarding changes and resources available for DACA and undocumented students. He has also serves as the co-president of the University’s Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee Student Chapter, a role that has allowed him to encourage many students to connect with mentors, find internships, and participate in networking and volunteer opportunities.
This past year Daniel co-founded Empowering Citizens: Empoderando Ciudadanos, a non-profit organization helping people to navigate the complex immigration process, with a particular focus on getting individuals ready for the citizenship test. In February 2020, his organization hosted a Citizenship Legal Clinic in partnership with the American Immigration Lawyers Association. Daniel’s dream is to become an immigration attorney and continue advocating for the rights of those who come to the United States in pursuit of the American Dream.
Personal Statement
I immigrated to this country at the age of two and know first hand what it's like to live as an immigrant in the United States. I’m a proud son of hard-working immigrant parents whose dream I live every day, and it's because of them I get to continue to advocate and fight for justice for the immigrant community of Milwaukee. My work and passion first started as a volunteer with a local immigrant rights center in Milwaukee by mobilizing my community to advance pro-immigrant policies not only at a local level but at a federal level as well. My dedication and passion for advocating grew further of what I thought was capable at a young age. I’m now the co-founder and program director of an organization that works to help lawful permanent residents become citizens of the United States and helps eliminate the barriers of a broken immigration system.
