Immigrant Justice Leadership Academy

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Colibrí Fellowship for DOJ Accreditation

The Colibrí Fellowship for DOJ Accreditation is open to immigrant serving nonprofits whether or not they are currently recognized by the DOJ. Our goal is to train future non-attorney legal representatives to strengthen the capacity of community-based legal aid organizations.

Colibrís (hummingbirds) are the smallest long-distance migrating birds. The fellowship symbolizes an opportunity to uplift immigrant leadership, many of whom may otherwise not be able to access to the legal profession.

The fellowship seeks to:

Open the legal profession to Black, Brown and Immigrant communities
Increase the number of legal professionals particularly in areas outside of metro Chicago
Increase the number of bilingual and bicultural legal professionals

The activities and trainings agendas we put together are informed by our four pillars:

Robust Technical & Legal Knowledge
Immigrant Justice
Relationship Building
Professional Growth

Fellows will participate in both virtual and in-person training components, including:

Enrollment in Villanova Interdisciplinary Immigration Studies Training for Advocates (VIISTA)
- One-hour weekly virtual classes
- 10-15 hours of assignments each week

Monthly in-person trainings at participating host organizations
Two overnight retreats
Group Mentorship sessions with experienced DOJ Representatives
Opportunities to shadow various immigrant legal service providers and get hands-on practice experience at legal clinics and workshops
Immigration Court observation (Full track)
1:1 consultation to prepare and review DOJ accreditation application

2023 Program Impact

Program Eligibility

The Colibrí Fellowship for DOJ Accreditation is open to immigrant serving nonprofits whether or not they are currently recognized by the DOJ. Organizations nominate individuals who plan to seek partial or full DOJ accreditation. Due to the unique training needed for full accreditation, the fellowship offers two course track options that run simultaneously, in addition to regular joint training and activities.

Non-accredited individuals must plan to apply for partial accreditation (or full if individual has sufficient immigration law experience and training). Partially accredited individuals must plan to apply for full accreditation. All participants must submit applications within 6 months of their completion of the fellowship.
Nominating organization must serve immigrants in Illinois, Wisconsin, or Indiana.
For organizations not yet recognized by the DOJ, the organization must commit to submitting both applications for recognition and Fellow’s application for accreditation within 6 months of their completion of the fellowship.

Application Process and Program Dates

Application for 2025 Cohort has now closed. Application for 2026 cohort will open in the Summer of 2025. If you would like to learn more about the fellowship and see if it is the right fit for you and your organization, please contact Lilia Escobar at [email protected]

Meet the Class of 2025

Alejandra Campos
ARISE Chicago
Partial Accreditation Track

Alejandra Campos has been working as a DALE Coordinator at Arise Chicago since December 2023. Alejandra first sought out the organization looking for support with poor working conditions and unpaid overtime. She would shortly after join Arise’s staff and enjoys working to empower working people and supporting them in persevering in their own fights.

Before joining Arise Chicago as a Deferred Action and Labor Enforcement (DALE) Coordinator, Alejandra was a chef responsible for the supervision of sixteen staff at a downtown Chicago restaurant. In her spare time, Alejandra enjoys spending time with her two daughters and exhibiting her talents in the kitchen.

Ashley Cerritos
Chicago Worker’s Collaborative
Partial Accreditation Track

Ashley Cerritos has been working for Chicago Workers Collaborative for over a year. She works as a family law paralegal. Her ultimate goal is to practice immigration law. Her passion is to defend people who are not able to project their voices. She is excited to be able to go through this process to be able to get her partial DOJ accreditation. She is going to use her accreditation to help the people of the community.

Benoit Houessou
AKWAABA QC
Partial Accreditation Track

Benoit immigrated to the United States in 2017 and speaks six languages: English, French, Fon, Gun, Toffin and Aizo. Due to his experiences working with a growing number of immigrants in Quad Cities, Illinois, Benoit noticed that language is one of the biggest barriers for community members to access resources, especially immigrant legal services. This was one of the reasons Benoit started working in the non-profit sector. Benoit joined AWKWAABA QC in 2022 as their Community Navigator Coordinator and is now the Community Navigator Director.

Bianca Anabell Renteria
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chica
Full Accreditation Track

Bianca A. Renteria is a bilingual Immigration Specialist and partially DOJ Accredited Representative at Catholic Charities in Chicago. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Saint Olaf College. With a strong background in immigration law, she provides legal counseling, prepares government forms, and represents clients before United States Citizenship and Immigration Services and other agencies. Her passion for advocating for immigrant rights is deeply personal, rooted in her own family’s experiences. Committed to continuous learning, Bianca regularly attends trainings to stay updated on immigration law. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys performing Aztec dancing and participates in immigration rights protests, blending her cultural heritage with her passion for social justice.

Cecilia Ramirez
International Institute of Wisconsin
Full Accreditation Track

Cecilia Ornelas Ramirez is a first-generation Mexican American, born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She works as an Immigration Legal Assistant at the International Institute of Wisconsin, a Refugee Resettlement agency dedicated to helping hundreds of refugees start new lives in the U.S. Cecilia helps by organizing the ‘Refugee Consultation Workshops – Adjustment of Status,’ which guides individuals on their journey to legal residency. Bilingual in English and Spanish, she is passionate about breaking down language barriers and providing essential support to immigrant communities. She is excited about expanding her advocacy work and exploring new opportunities to make a difference. Outside of work, she is a devoted wife, mother of three, and enjoys traveling whenever possible.

Daniel Cabrera Godoy
Spanish Community Center
Partial Accreditation Track

Daniel Eduardo Cabrera Godoy has been working at Spanish Community Center since November 2023, as an Immigration Paralegal. Daniel is from Venezuela and immigrated to the U.S. in 2018. In Venezuela, he was a lawyer, and he dedicated himself to helping his community. He studied for a master’s in criminal sciences, master’s in political sciences, and Constitutional law and was a university professor. For Daniel, professional development is important. His dream is to be able to continue helping the community through practicing immigration law.

Darwin Tapia
Casa Michoacán
Partial Accreditation Track

Darwin Tapia was born in Chicago and raised in the Western Suburbs. He is a Senior Coordinator for Casa Michoacán. Throughout his youth, Darwin volunteered and did internships for both Casa Michoacán & ICIRR. This included completing N-400 applications, election canvassing and public benefit eligibility screenings. After graduating High school in 2017, he became a barber where he continued providing services to his community. Darwin is very passionate about justice, equality, and culture preservation. As a child of immigrant parents, he understands the hardships of racism, inequality, and gentrification. This has inspired him to defend his community.

Derrese S. Bezzawork
Ethiopian Community Association of Chicago
Partial Accreditation Track

Derrese is a highly motivated legal professional with more than 20 years of experience in the legal field and now seeking partial accreditation through the Colibrí Fellowship to serve individuals navigating the U.S. immigration system. Derrese has a proven track record managing complex projects, leading teams, and advocating for immigrant rights. He also manages a team of six at the Ethiopian Community Association of Chicago and has supported over 600 immigrants, during his time there so far. Derresse is adept in client service, case management, and legal research. Originally from Ethiopia, Derresse is fluent in English and Amharic.

Duha Suhibi
Arab American Family Services
Partial Accreditation Track

Duha Suhibi is an Immigration Coordinator focused on helping immigrant communities with legal support. With experience in guiding people through the immigration process, Duha is working toward partial DOJ accreditation, to further assist those in need. She’s dedicated to making legal services accessible and providing compassionate support to individuals and families navigating the U.S. immigration system

Elaine Han
Hanul Family Alliance
Full Accreditation Track

LuzMarina is a support program coordinator for the LULAC Google Certificate Program and Program Manager for the Illinois Migrant Council. She Elaine Han has been partially accredited by the DOJ since August 26, 2014, and has grown into a key immigration specialist at Hanul Family Alliance. She has successfully prepared a wide range of immigration forms, including citizenship, Green Cards, and family-based petitions, assisting over 2,000 clients. Promoted to Immigration Program Manager in January 2017, Elaine now oversees the organization’s immigration services across multiple offices, managing key programs such as the New American Campaign (NAC) and The New American Initiative (NAI). Elaine is known for her dedication, professionalism, and innovative approach to serving the immigrant community. She is currently pursuing full accreditation in the Colibrí Fellowship, to further expand Hanul’s services.

Erika Chavez
The Resurrection Project
Full Accreditation Track

Erika was born in Michoacán, México and migrated to the U.S when she was just two years old. Erika realized she wanted to work in the field of immigration while navigating her own immigration journey. Erika graduated from Loyola University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Paralegal Studies. Shortly after, Erika began working with the new arrivals team at The Resurrection Project. Erika’s time at The Resurrection Project has made her realize she wants to do more for the underserved immigrant community, which prompted her to pursue full accreditation in the Colibrí Fellowship.

Hernan Prieto
Irish Community Services
Full Accreditation Track

Hernan is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in immigration programs and community services, currently serving as an Immigration Programs Manager at Chicago Irish Immigrant Support, since 2020. Hernan is a partial DOJ Accredited Representative and excels in managing and leading teams to achieve program goals. Hernan’s expertise includes representing clients before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), as well as working with state and federal officials to advance initiatives. Committed to community services, Hernan consistently develops and implements strategies that enhance both the organizational success and community impact, always aiming to surpass program objectives and ensure client satisfaction.

Itzel Odalys Mendoza Miranda
The Immigration Project
Partial Accreditation Tracck

Itzel Mendoza is a recent Illinois Wesleyan University graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Hispanic Studies. As an immigrant from Mexico and the daughter of Mexican parents, she has experienced firsthand the challenges and triumphs of navigating a new country. Her journey has fueled her passion for advocating on behalf of the immigrant community through her work at The Immigration Project. It is with great pleasure she accepted to be part of the Colibrí Fellowship; she is excited to pursue partial accreditation!

Jackelinne Leon
Institute for Latino Progress
Partial Accreditation Track

Jackelinne Leon-Yanez has been working for Instituto Del Progreso Latino for almost 2 years. She first started as part of the reception team for the administrative offices and shortly moved up to the position of Intake Specialist for the legal department. Jackelinne’s attention to detail has led her to excel in this role, where some of her duties include assisting with the completion of forms for immigration cases and communicating with clients about time-sensitive documents from various government agencies. As a first-generation graduate in Psychology and a DACA recipient, Jackelinne has always had a strong desire to serve the immigrant community. This opportunity allows her to further her knowledge and commitment to a community she deeply understands.

Karime Sanchez
Northern Illinois Justice for Our Neighbors
Partial Accreditation Track

Immigration justice is a close subject to Karime whose family has a long history of immigration from Mexico, with a great-grandfather who migrated as a bracero. Both Karime’s maternal and paternal grandparents immigrated to the Chicago area as once-undocumented immigrants. At university, she worked in organizing for ethnicity & race studies and has been involved in bilingual immigration service and advocacy for several years. As a resident of Cicero, she is excited to give back to deserving communities in Illinois through her legal work. Karime most enjoys interacting with clients and bearing witness to their stories as the Northern Illinois Justice for Our Neighbors newsletter and storywriter. She looks forward to continuing her passion for advocacy and justice as a Colibri Fellow and future accredited representative. When Karime is not working, you can find her reading, crafting, and spending time with friends

Khalifa Ababacar Diop
United African Organization
Partial Accreditation Track

Khalifa was born in Senegal, West Africa. Khalifa came to the U.S. in 2009 with an I visa for International Journalists. Since then, Khalifa earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs from Indiana University Northwest in December 2021. Khalifa first joined United African Organization as a volunteer in 2022 and eventually joined the organization as an Immigration Case Worker. Khalifa enjoys being able to provide legal assistance to fellow African immigrants and refugees in Illinois.

Lina Mohamad
Trellus
Partial Accreditation Track

My name is Lina Mohamad, and I am originally from Syria. In 2012, my family, including my two brothers and I, fled the war and sought refuge in Turkey. Today, I am part of Trellus, and the need for help within the immigrant and refugee communities continues to grow. I believe that by completing the DOJ Accreditation, I will be able to serve these communities more effectively and have a positive impact on their journeys here in the U.S.

Lisseth Cervantes
ARISE Chicago
Partial Accreditation Track

Lisseth is 24 years old and was born and raised in Chicago. Lisseth is the daughter of immigrant parents and the eldest of three siblings. Lisseth works as a DALE (Deferred Action for Labor Enforcement) Coordinator at ARISE Chicago, assisting immigrant workers who have endured an abusive work environment. Lisseth recently became a first-time mom to a baby boy.

Liz Chavez
North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic
Partial Accreditation Track

Liz Chavez is currently a Practice Assistant in the Immigration Law Practice at the North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic. Liz graduated from DePaul University in 2013 with a major in Latin American and Latino Studies and a minor in Community Service Studies. As a daughter of first-generation immigrants, Liz deeply understands the struggle that her parents and so many others like them face while navigating the U.S. immigration system. Liz’s goal is to work in the legal field and broaden her knowledge and experience in immigration law to continue to serve those in need. Liz looks forward to learning alongside other community leaders and building connections with other advocates, participating in university level training and obtaining hands-on experience at clinics and workshops. Liz welcomes the opportunity to grow professionally with the guidance of mentors and experienced DOJ representatives.

Luisa Rodriguez
Centro de Trabajadores Unidos
Partial Accreditation Track

Luisa is a Legal Clinic Coordinator at Centro de Trabajadores Unidos; this role has allowed her to witness the potential and resilience of our communities, even in circumstances where they lack support. Luisa believes it is essential to close the gap in access to legal services, so that power returns to the hands of the community. In her free time, Luisa enjoys traveling, reading and taking naps with Lola, her rescue puppy.

Maria Cristina Ocampo
Casa Michoacan
Partial Accreditation Track

Maria Cristina is the daughter of Mexican immigrants and was born and raised in Chicago. She’s currently a case worker at Casa Michoacán. As a child, Maria Cristina witnessed the struggles her parents went through as immigrants in the U.S. and helped them navigate life in their new home and translating for them. She’s excited to participate in the Colibrí Fellowship, to better understand the legal system and to able to serve the immigrant community. Maria Cristina is happily married and a mom of four.

Maria Fernanda Cuenca
Centro de Información Elgin
Partial Accreditation Track

Maria Fernanda is a Venezuelan journalist with a strong passion for helping people. Maria Fernanda found a rewarding path as an immigration counselor with Centro de Información in Elgin. She’s committed to supporting those in need and is looking forward to growing professionally, to make a positive impact on the lives of many.

Merci Ndahindwa
AKWAABA QC
Partial Accreditation Track

Merci was born and raised in the Democratic Republic of Congo and moved to the United States in 2019 as a refugee. Merci speaks five languages: English, Swahili, Kirundi, Kinyarwanda and some French. Merci noticed that one of the largest barriers for refugees is access to legal services. Merci previously worked as a Caseworker at World Relief and is now the Community Outreach Director at AKWAABA QC.

Raquel Perez
Chicago Worker’s Collaborative
Partial Accreditation Track

Raquel was born in Mexico and migrated to the United States at three years old and has lived in Chicago since then. For the past two years, Raquel has been assisting newly arrived immigrants at shelters and helping them adapt to life in the United States so they can prosper in their new home.

Sara Ramirez
Partners for Our Communities
Partial Accreditation Track

Sara has been profoundly inspired by their parents’ remarkable progress in a new country, overcoming significant linguistic and cultural challenges. Growing up amidst two distinct cultures, Sara had the unique opportunity to support their parents while learning alongside them, which significantly shaped their personal and professional development. During their undergraduate studies in management, Sara discovered a passion for helping individuals and contributing to their success through various elective courses. This newfound passion guided them to a career in the nonprofit sector. Today, Sara works at Partners for Our Communities, dedicated to empowering underserved communities to achieve self-sufficiency and emerge as leaders. This role has been both rewarding and motivating, allowing Sara to assist others in ways they have always aspired to, and further solidifying their commitment to making a meaningful impact. .

Shahzel Najim
Agents of Hope Training & Information Center
Partial Accreditation Track

Shahzel is from Pakistan and moved to the United States in order to pursue an LLM degree in International Law with a focus on human rights protection and migration. In Pakistan, Shahzel worked as a lawyer at a non-profit organization and represented marginalized, stateless community members. Her work experience and education inspired her to pursue a career in immigration, because she believes that identity is the basis on which all other rights flow. Shahzel believes that a lack of access to justice is a denial of justice. By participating in the Colibrí Fellowship and pursuing partial accreditation, Shahzel hopes to play her part in increasing representation and access to justice for the most vulnerable members of our society.

Class of 2024

Alan Peters
Syrian Community Network
Full Accreditation Track

Alina del Rocio Gonzalez
Centro Romero
Full Accreditation Track

Armando Cano Aguilar
Ascend Justice
Full Accreditation Track

Brenda Salgado
Raise the Floor Alliance
Partial Accreditation Track

Dezi Hasani
Northern Illinois Justice for Our Neighbors
Full Accreditation Track

Graciela Contreras
Northern Alliance for Immigrants
Partial Accreditation Track

Jennifer Guadarrama
Chicago Volunteer Legal Services
Partial Accreditation Track

Katerine Torres Martinez
The Immigration Project
Partial Accreditation Track

Kehinde Azeezat Abass
United African Organization
Partial Accreditation Track

LuzMarina Zacatzi
Illinois Migrant Council
Partial Accreditation Track

Mercedes Rodriguez
Partners for Our Communities
Partial Accreditation Track

Miriam Cesia Figueroa
Youth and Family Center of McHenry County
Partial Accreditation Track

Mohammad Asif Shirzai Khoshiwal
Ethiopian Community Association of Chicago
Partial Accreditation Track

Palwasha Sanie
Children’s Legal Center
Full Accreditation Track

Rapeepat “Rachel” Kumpichai
Vietnamese Association of Illinois
Full Accreditation Track

Shamsullah Hamidi
North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic
Partial Accreditation Track

Sohee Kim
HANA Center
Partial Accreditation Track

Yudaisy Pascual
Farmworker Landscaper Advocacy Project (FLAP)
Partial Accreditation Track

Class of 2023

Aida Estela Pino Quizhpi
HANA Center
Partial Accreditation Track

Ana Cristina Chávez Andonie
Legal Aid Chicago
Full Accreditation Track

Andrea Escobar
Western Illinois DREAMers
Partial Accreditation Track

Ashley Santos
Northern Illinois Justice for Our Neighbors
Partial Accreditation Track

David A. Flores
Spanish Community Center
Partial Accreditation Track

Denisse Adriana Arango Moreno
Jewish Child & Family Services (HIAS)
Partial Accreditation Track

Jaihoon Amiri
Muslim Women Resource Center
Partial Accreditation Track

Jessica Mendez
Binational Institute of Human Development
Partial Accreditation Track

Liza Gutierrez
Partners for Our Communities
Partial Accreditation Track

Lizbet Zavala
Erie Neighborhood House
Full Accreditation Track

Manissan Karamoko
United African Organization
Full Accreditation Track

Maria Del Rosario Salgado Ortiz
Centro Romero
Full Accreditation Track

Marina Maric
North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic
Partial Accreditation Track

Martha M. Armenta-Robles
Enlace Chicago
Partial Accreditation Track

Monica Alvarez
The Resurrection Project
Full Accreditation Track

Ngoc Le
Vietnamese Association of Chicago
Partial Accreditation Track

Olga Patricia Guerrero Gonzalez
National Immigrant Justice Center
Full Accreditation Track

Salek Khalid
Indo-American Center
Partial Accreditation Track

Sergio Casillas Vazquez
The Immigration Project
Partial Accreditation Track

Yessenia Guadalupe Cairo
Chicago Workers Collaborative
Partial Accreditation Track

Zulairam Iracema Toro Rodriguez
Centro Romero
Partial Accreditation Track

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the eligibility requirements for DOJ accreditation?

Eligibility requirements are found in the Code of Federal Regulations at 8 C.F.R. § 1292.11–1292.20, which include demonstrating that the individual:

Has the character and fitness to represent clients before DHS and/or EOIR;
Is employed by or is a volunteer of the organization;
Is not an attorney, as defined by 8 C.F.R. § 1001.1(f);
Has not resigned while a disciplinary investigation or proceeding is pending or is the subject of an order restricting the individual in the practice of law;
Has not been found guilty of, or pleaded guilty to, a serious crime; and
Possesses broad knowledge and adequate experience in immigration law and procedure.

Can organizations who do not currently have a legal services program participate?

Yes. Organizations should either have existing legal service programs or be looking to develop their legal services within the next year and will be expected to apply for DOJ recognition and the Fellow’s DOJ accreditation within 6 months following the completion of the Fellowship.

What is the difference between the partial and full track?

Partial accreditation allows non-attorneys to represent immigrants before USCIS in affirmative cases.

Full accreditation allows non-attorneys to represent immigrants before USCIS and EOIR (the Immigration Court) for both affirmative and defensive cases.

Both tracks will have opportunities to learn jointly, while completing coursework specific to their track. The partial track will focus on immigration law and knowledge needed for affirmative representation and individuals new to the immigration legal field. Full track participants are expected to already have base knowledge and experience in immigration; Full track training will focus on the skills needed to represent immigrants in court.

Click here for more information on DOJ accreditation and recognition program.

Can someone who has already applied for accreditation apply for the fellowship?

If you apply for partial DOJ Accreditation before the start of the fellowship, then you may only apply to participate in the full track. However, if the individual does not have substantial experience in immigration legal services, we recommend that they defer from applying that year so they may get experience as a partially accredited representative before beginning to work toward full accreditation.

I plan to attend law school or take the bar and am seeking accreditation in order to practice law in the meantime, is this fellowship a good fit for me?

We would not recommend the fellowship for someone in this position. The program was designed to strengthen the legal profession for individuals for whom law school is not accessible or not something that they want to do.

I am an Executive Director (or I do not do client-facing work) but I would like to launch a legal clinic at my organization, should I apply for the fellowship?

This fellowship is a program for training legal representatives and is designed for individuals who will provide direct services. We do not recommend this program to individuals who will not be providing services. If you are looking for support in creating a legal clinic, please refer to our Learning Labs program.

Can an organization nominate more than one individual for the Fellowship?

An organization can nominate more than one individual for the fellowship; however, spots are limited in the program.

Is there a fee to participate in the Fellowship?

No, there is no cost to participate. The program will cover meals at all in-person sessions and lodging for overnight retreats.

More information
For more information, please contact Rocío Pulido, Senior Program Manager, Immigrant Justice Leadership Academy at [email protected].

Funding for the Colibrí Fellowship provided by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Office of Welcoming Centers for Refugee and Immigrant Services, the Lawyers Trust Fund, and Abundant Futures.