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Annual Keeping the Dream Alive Conference 2026
Keeping the Dream Alive 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!
Tentative Agenda:
Note: All workshop sessions will be recorded and shared with registered attendees both online and in-person.
| November 5th | Sacramento State & via Zoom |
|---|---|
| 8:30 a.m. - 9 a.m. | Registration and Refreshments |
| 9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. | Welcome and Keynote Speaker |
| 9:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. | Breakout Sessions #1 |
| 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Breakout Sessions #2 |
| 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. | Lunch & Entertainment |
| 1:15 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. | Breakout Sessions #3 |
| 2:30 p.m. - 3 p.m. | Closing Speaker |
Registration
Registration is free this year! While there is no cost to attend, we warmly welcome and encourage institutions and individuals to consider making a voluntary donation of $20–$100. One hundred percent of all proceeds will directly support our Student Emergency Fund, helping students facing unexpected financial hardships.
Accessibility
We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible conference experience. To share and request your access needs, please email k.gomez@csus.edu as early as possible. Please note that accommodations may not be available for requests made fewer than 30 days before the event.
KDA Chair
Kimberly Gomez, M.Ed.
Kim Gomez, M.Ed., serves as Director of the Undocumented Student Resource Center at Sacramento State, where she has spent over four years building one of the most recognized immigrant-serving centers in Northern California. Under her leadership, Sac State has become a regional leader in immigration legal consultations and AB 540 student support. She serves as Co-Chair of the CSU Systemwide Dream Centers, representing Northern California across all 23 campuses.
Kim is a previous NCORE Student Scholar, a current AAHHE Board of Directors member, and a recipient of the Division of Student Affairs Star of the Year award. Most recently, she helped lead her team to the 2025 Diversity and Inclusion Award 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. Kim was the first in her family to earn an 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).
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