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Keeping the Dream Alive Division of Student Affairs

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Annual Keeping the Dream Alive Conference 2026

Keeping the Dream Alive Virtual Conference 2026

Save the Date: November 5th

Conference Overview

The Keeping the Dream Alive (KDA) Conference brings together dedicated educators, practitioners, and professionals nationwide with a shared commitment to supporting the success of undocumented and mixed-status students in the United States.

This hybrid conference serves as a dynamic platform, connecting minds, ideas, and experiences from diverse regions, creating a rich tapestry of perspectives. KDA facilitates a national dialogue and offers a unique opportunity to exchange knowledge, discover innovative practices, and establish connections with like-minded individuals engaged in similar work.

This year's theme, "Undocu-Joy: Celebrating our Journeys & Fueling our Futures." The theme of "Undocu-Joy" acknowledges that joy is not only a feeling but also an act of resistance and a deliberate choice to celebrate our humanity, our achievements, and our dreams despite systemic obstacles. This conference will explore how educators and practitioners can create spaces that nurture joy, foster belonging, and affirm the full identities of undocumented students. The conference this year will be available both in person and over Zoom.

Areas of focus include:

  • Building Community Care Networks
  • Navigating Policy Changes and Know Your Rights
  • Mental Health and Wellness in Times of Crisis
  • Educational Access and Persistence
  • Institutional Advocacy
  • Celebrating Cultural Identity and Resistance Through Joy

KDA 2023 Highlights

Discover the captivating moments from the Keeping the Dream Alive 2023 Conference!

KDA 2023 Highlights

Registration

FREE registration for KDA will be launched early July!

We welcome and deeply appreciate any donations you are able to contribute. Please note: 100% of all donations go directly to our Student Emergency Fund, which provides critical support to Sac State students facing unexpected financial challenges such as emergency travel, legal fees, medical expenses, and other urgent needs.

Donate

To request ADA accommodations that will allow you to participate in this event, please contact drc@csus.edu no later than five (5) business days prior to the event.

KDA Chair

Kimberly Gomez, M.Ed.

Kimberly Gomez is the Director of the Dreamer Resource Center at Sacramento State. Raised in El Monte, CA, her unwavering dedication to supporting immigrant communities is rooted in her personal experiences as a first-generation student and oldest daughter in a mixed-status family. As the oldest daughter in an immigrant household, Kim was the first in her family to earn a High School diploma, AD-T from Pasadena City College, a B.A. in Psychology from California State University Northridge (CSUN), and an M.Ed. in Educational Counseling from the University of Southern California (USC). She is currently a doctoral student in Sac State’s Ed.D. program.

As an empowered leader and advocate for equity in higher education, Kim’s experience in creating individualized goals and relationships with students and staff has contributed to the DRC. She had developed innovative programs and streamlined approaches to assist undocumented and mixed-status family students. Her mission at Sac State is to cultivate an inclusive and empowering environment where all students can achieve their dreams.

Contact Us for Support

Please contact the Dreamer Resource Center for support with registration or any question you may have.

Phone: (916) 278-7734
Email: drc@csus.edu