State: New York
Years on RSYC: 2024–2026
David is a resolute advocate for migrant rights and community empowerment through service.
The Kino Border Initiative is an ongoing project for David, through which he has worked with his City Hall as a translator and advocate in hundreds of immigration hearings.
David works as a translator to advocate for migrant rights within the U.S. legal system. This calling to advocate for others has inspired David to deliver powerful speeches about social justice at national conferences. He has also led Roots & Shoots projects that address coastal clean-ups and the global migration crisis.
Now in college, David studies Economics and Math. In addition to his Roots & Shoots work, David is a passionate performer in musical theater, and is involved in his school’s opinion newspaper, legal society, debate society, Catholic ministry, and investing club. Notably, he was a 2025 Coca-Cola Scholar, and a finalist at Speech and Debate nationals. He finds joy in exploring music, family traditions, and cultural connections.
David highlights the importance of doing difficult work saying, “Personally, I struggled hearing the stories of the migrants. But in struggle there is hope.”
