​​Laura Patricia Diaz is a proud Latina immigrant and a domestic violence survivor who arrived from Mexico as a single mother of three children. She overcame tremendous obstacles—studying English as a second language, learning how to use a computer and struggling to raise her children. Laura believes that these experiences will ultimately help her become a stronger individual.

Today, she is a junior at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, majoring in sociology with an emphasis in social work. Her volunteer service at the Union Rescue Mission in downtown Los Angeles profoundly affected her as she saw the struggles of people living on the streets of Los Angeles.

​​Laura’s empathy motivates her to pursue a career in sociology after attaining her degree, with the goal of serving communities to create a better place for everyone.​