Girl Be Heard Company Member Meets Pope Francis

Hazel Bonilla, Girl Be Heard company member, met Pope Francis to discuss her work with Catholic Charities and talk about her experience as an immigrant from El Salvador in the United States at the Our Lady Queen of Angels (229 E 112th St, New York, NY 10029) today, September 25, 2015 at 4:00pm.

"If you are undocumented, please don't be afraid to speak out about yourself," says Hazel Bonilla, member of Girl Be Heard since 2013. "Know that you have the support and love from the immigration community and our allies. Know that you are doing yourself and the world a favor when we learn about the amazing individuals who speak out about themselves. You are never alone."

Girl Be Heard company member and champion of immigrant rights, Hazel Bonilla, age 21, met Pope Francis during his visit to New York City today. Hazel is part of the Catholic Charities' DREAMers program. Hazel came to the United States with her family 15 years ago to escape violence in El Salvador. With the support of Catholic Charities, Hazel will be the first of her siblings to attend university.

Hazel is one of the lucky few who will meet Pope Francis in person as he advocates for Catholics to treat immigrants with dignity. For Hazel, this mission hits close to home.

An advocate of the Dream Act, Hazel says, "Through Girl Be Heard, I have had the opportunity to advocate as a feminist for the social equality this country so desperately needs." Hazel was recently interviewed by Fox about her upcoming meeting with the pope. Watch the TV interview here.

Read more about Hazel's story here.