Astrid Silva Speaking Fee: $10,000 to $20,000

Astrid Silva's journey from a young immigrant to a prominent activist is both inspiring and impactful. Born in Durango, Mexico, she crossed the Rio Grande with her mother at the age of four, bringing with her only a cross, a doll, and the dress she wore. The family initially settled in Los Angeles, California, before relocating to Las Vegas, Nevada, where her father secured employment in golf course construction. In Las Vegas, Astrid attended Doris Hancock Elementary School and Garside Middle School. She graduated in 2006 from the Advanced Technologies Academy's magnet program. Despite the challenges of being undocumented, she persevered academically, earning three associate degrees from the College of Southern Nevada and a bachelor's degree in History/Pre-Law from Nevada State College. Astrid's activism was catalyzed by personal experiences, notably the inability to attend her grandmother's funeral in Mexico due to her immigration status. This profound moment compelled her to advocate for change. In 2009, a chance meeting with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid marked the beginning of her public involvement in immigration reform. She became a leading voice for the DREAM Act in Nevada, courageously sharing her story to shed light on the challenges faced by undocumented individuals. In 2011, Astrid co-founded DREAM Big Vegas, an organization dedicated to educating the community about the issues confronting DREAMers and their families. Her leadership and dedication garnered national attention. She was honored as the American Immigration Council's Youth Immigrant of the Year in 2014 and was recognized as a rising civil rights leader by the Los Angeles Times. In 2017, she delivered the first Spanish-language Democratic response to President Trump's address to Congress, further amplifying her advocacy on a national platform. Today, as the executive director of Dream Big Nevada, Astrid continues her tireless work supporting undocumented families and advocating for comprehensive immigration reform. Her journey from a young girl carrying a doll across the border to a nationally recognized activist exemplifies resilience and the enduring pursuit of justice.