Laura Minero is the recipient of the 2017 Alix Olson Award for the Promotion of a Tolerant and Just Community. The award will be presented by members of STAJOH (Seeking Tolerance and Justice Over Hate) on October 3.
Minero is currently a Ph.D. student in counseling psychology at UW Madison and is a Dreamer and DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipient. Laura has emerged as a leading and persuasive voice in the struggle for just and humane immigration reform, as a member of, and on behalf of, the undocumented community. Laura is an outspoken advocate; leading marches, giving presentations, meeting with lawmakers, taking interviews so that a broad audience may hear and learn of the concerns around DACA. Laura’s academic life focuses on the experience of transgender immigrants and intersectionalities within the immigrant and LGBTQ communities. Laura mentors through the UW Madison posse program and local high schools with a focus on Latin youth.
Minero was nominated for the award by community allies who said “we cannot think of a person that better represents the values of the Alix Olson Award…. We are a better community and a better nation for having Laura amongst us.”
STAJOH is an anti-hate crime group composed of representatives of government agencies from the City of Madison, Dane County, Madison Metropolitan School District, State of Wisconsin, and University of Wisconsin-Madison as well as other community-based agencies throughout Dane County.
The ALIX Award recognizes contributions of individuals who make a difference by promoting tolerance and justice in their community. Retired MPD Detective Alix Olson was the heart and soul of STAJOH and this award is given in honor of her service. The award ceremony is being held in conjunction with the YWCA’s Racial Justice Summit at Monona Terrace.
