Erik’s own undocumented immigration status (with temporary legal status thanks to DACA) inspired him to become an attorney. He does not take these benefits for granted, as it’s the privilege of having DACA status that motivates him to never give up on his dream. A recipient of numerous scholarships and awards, he graduated Magna Cum Laude from California State University, Los Angeles with a BA in Communication Studies and Sociology along with a Minor in Management. Erik furthered his studies by then receiving his MA in Communication Studies. Erik turned his passion of advocating for undocumented immigrants into activism as he joined the Coalition for Humane immigrant Rights as a Community Organizer. 

He was also a part of the UCLA Law Fellows Program, gaining further academic enrichment and mentorship. Erik has come to understand the vulnerabilities of traditionally underrepresented communities. His vision is to advocate for these communities by nourishing his existing relationships with the organizers and civil rights leaders who he has met volunteering for immigrants’ rights organizations over the last several years. His goal is to become an attorney and—alongside those organizers and civil rights leaders—fight the injustices within the legal system that negatively affect communities like his own. Erik is pursuing his JD at UC Irvine School of Law.