photo of Julissa Arce

Julissa Arce

Chairwoman
Ascend Educational Fund

Julissa Arce is a best-selling author of MY (UNDERGROUND) AMERICAN DREAM, which is currently being adapted into a television show starring America Ferrera. She was named one of People en Español’s 25 Most Powerful Woman of 2017. She is a leading voice in the fight for social justice, immigrant rights and education equality. Her second book, "Someone Like Me," will be her first Young Adult book and is set for publication in September 2018. She’s a frequent contributor to CNBC and other media outlets.

Julissa immigrated to America from Mexico at the age of 11, and was undocumented for almost 15 years. Still, she managed to accomplish a career on Wall Street, working for Goldman Sachs and Merrill lynch before quitting to co-create the Ascend Educational Fund, which has awarded more than $320,000 in college scholarships to immigrant students.



Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.

Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.

Events featuring Julissa Arce
Mar 9, 2019
3:30pm — 4:30pm
Events featuring Julissa Arce
Mar 9, 2019
3:30pm — 4:30pm