Born and raised in the Dominican Republic, migration and the processes that encompass it have existed around Naomi for as long as she can remember. Whether it be translating immigration documents from English to Spanish or explaining US cultural concepts to newly arrived family members, the immigrant experience has been intrinsic to her since she immigrated to the United States in 2010.

Naomi obtained her undergraduate degree in International Studies and Spanish & Portuguese Studies at Dickinson College. During this time, she participated as a Project Management member for the Women of Color of Summit and a student worker for Access and Disability Services, cementing in her roles the importance of intersectionality and creating safe spaces for all individuals.

At the core of her intellectual curiosity are the dynamics between immigration, statelessness, and disenfranchisement of marginalized communities. Naomi wishes to examine how these communities are treated by Western non-governmental organizations and the mechanisms established by them. Moreover, this interest is driven by a final research paper she completed that focused on the dynamics of Palestinian statelessness and Western intervention.

While studying abroad, she further solidified her desire to help marginalized communities through interning with Movement Against Intolerance, an NGO in Spain. She gathered hate comments targeted at minority groups found across different social media platforms and filed formal complaints via the organization to the European Observatory of Online Hate. Naomi also interned as an Adult ESL Assistant Instructor with the International Rescue Committee. She aided the lead teacher in classes for immigrants, refugees, and asylee clients through the use of interactive educational activities. Through these experiences, she obtained a better understanding of cultural assimilation.

Upon finishing her master’s degree in International Migration and Refugees Studies, Naomi plans to seek employment in organizations like the Department of State and the United Nations. Ultimately, Naomi wishes to exercise the expertise she has garnered through this program by securing stability and humanity for disenfranchised populations worldwide.