Jessica Contreras (Charlotte, North Carolina) is a 20 year old immigrant activist. She came to the U.S when she was five years old and since then has lived in Charlotte NC. Jessica became involved in activism in 2011 because she saw the many struggles that her family faced and that being undocumented meant that she didnt have the same opportunities and access to education as her peers did. Jessica wanted to be a part of the change, she wanted to have her voice be heard, and to be the voice of her community. Jessica has been a part of the youth group United 4 The Dream at The Latin American Coalition for four years now, there she learned how to be a leader, and organizer in her community. Jessica is currently working as part of the Committee De Inmigracion De Charlotte to organize her community to be more active than before and be able to stand up against anti-immigrant laws. (Attended Ideas Festival)