Let's Send Johanna Benitez to College!

Johanna is a gifted artist who wants to fulfill her dream of attending Mass Art this fall. Money should not stand in her way, but her parents' immigration status has made it impossible for Johanna to secure the loan she needs to close the tuition gap. Let's close the gap for her. We can do it.

As a college student, who had to "follow the money," I can relate to the stress of limited options. As an educator, who has worked in underserved communities most of my career, I know how inaccessible and inequitable the system can be. Johanna is close

to our family, so this quest feels personal. We want Johanna to be able to attend the school she believes best suits her goals as an artist and as a person. If the system can't make that happen, maybe we can. Please join us.

Even a small donation would get us closer. If only one in three of my Facebook friends pledged $50, we could raise enough. It's hard these days to feel like we can have an impact. Here's one way to make a real difference.

In Johanna's own words: "My art explores my Mexican heritage, my childhood, and feelings I am too timid to express otherwise. I speak about my identity and being a young person through my art and, in doing so, I learn more about myself."