Invisible Neighbors: Latinx Immigrants in Eastern Iowa — An Obermann Conversation

Every week, new arrivals come to our area from Mexico and Central America. Many come with few possessions and only the thinnest personal network. These largely invisible newcomers to our community have immediate needs, some of which are being addressed by organizations like Open Heartland and UI-sponsored legal and medical clinics. We’ll hear more about our Latinx immigrant neighbors, their needs, and the work currently happening to assist their arrival.

Speakers:

Deb Dunkhase is the founder of Open Heartland, a recently formed nonprofit that serves Latino immigrant families in Johnson County. She is an adjunct in the UI College of Business and leads an annual medical mission to Guatemala. 

Morgan Kennedy is a third-year student in the UI Carver College of Medicine, where she performs research in the area of Parkinson’s Disease. Kennedy has spearheaded a vaccination program in conjunction with the UI Mobile Clinic. 

Laura Pico is a third-year student in the UI College of Law, where she works in the Immigration Clinic, including with bond programs. She has an interest in immigration and international law.

This virtual event is free and open to all. Registration is required.