Wonderfolk in the Past, Present & Future: Part I

(Re)introducing Daniela

It's been eight years since Daniela was part of Wonderfolk's first cohort. Since then, she has been busy attending and graduating college with a Bachelors of Social Work, becoming a Youth and Family Case manager for schools in East Multnomah county, and getting ready to attend graduate school to become a licensed Clinical Social Worker.

Wonderfolk, as an organization, was born out of the inequalities that exist due to a lack of access. Our mission has focused on providing opportunities to youth to experiences they might not have had due to inequalities.

"As a young immigrant from a low income family, I would have never had the opportunity to travel outside of the country with all expenses paid. Wonderfolk opened the opportunity for self growth and opened another side of me that I wouldn't have been able to experience without the help of this program. This program showed me to love traveling and experiencing new cultures as well as helping those in need when there is a chance. Wonderfolk has continued to bridge a gap for all those young adults who are facing inequalities and don't have the opportunities that others do." - Daniela

An accomplishment Daniela is most proud of is coming out of her comfort zone [during the Panama] trip. “Being a first time traveling without people I knew and getting to know amazing people while doing incredible work for those in need.”

Additionally, Daniela says that working for the community in Kuna Yala was one of the most significant experiences she gained from Wonderfolk. 

Another experience that was significant for her was the home stay in Santa Fe. Daniela says, "staying with the Munos family was beautiful...getting to know their culture and the way of life in their small community was an experience I will never take for granted because they opened their doors and shared their home and culture with me."

No matter where in the world our fellows go, we are grateful for the support of the Wonderfolk community! It's people like you who make it possible for our fellows to travel outside of the country for the first time.