She is a 24-year-old recipient of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Last year, her goal was to become a pharmacy tech, but because of her status as a DACA recipient, the state of Nebraska would not issue her a professional license.
She was one of many other DACA recipients in the state who could not fulfill their professional dreams. So she, and other youth – many of whom participated in Young Nebraskans in Action (YNA), lobbied for LB 947 at the state capital to change legislation.
Their hard work finally paid off on May 20, when 31 Senators voted to override Governor Ricketts veto, allowing DACA recipients, like Claribel, to get their professional and commercial licenses.
This month, Claribel received her professional license from the state. Although she has a couple other tests to take, she has certain practices she can do and hopes to become a fully licensed pharmacy tech by this fall.
And now Claribel wants to go one step further. She is now looking at going onto college to become a registered nurse – and practice her profession like anyone else in the country.
Overall, she is full of joy for having taken the steps to work with others on an issue that was important for her. This work positively impacted Claribel's life, and that of so many others, as they will not be able to fully contribute and participate in a state they call home.