Oliver Elias Tinoco is a recent graduate from San Francisco State University where they received their bachelor’s degree in communication studies with a minor in sociology. Originally from Guanajuato, Oliver often refers to South San Francisco as their second hometown, having grown up there their whole life. It was here that they have been able to find themselves and their community as a means of resilience. As a young adult, Oliver found their undocumented status fortified their commitment to community work and advocacy. Starting their journey at Skyline Community College, Oliver quickly found their passion in centering community as a means of activism and empowerment. As such, Oliver’s work in and outside of education has focused on being an advocate for both themselves and the communities they identify with. 

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While at Skyline, Oliver acted as President of both Fighting for Immigrant Rights and Equity (FIRE) and Skyline’s Sexuality and Gender Alliance (SAGA), serving immigrant and LGBTQ+ students respectively. At San Francisco State University, Oliver acted as President to Improving Dreams, Equity, Access, and Success (IDEAS) and Secretary of the Latinx Queer Club—again working to uplift Undocumented and Latinx LGBTQ+ students alike. Such positions allowed them to accomplish a number of their goals including presenting at the first ever CSU-wide Undocumented Student Summit in 2024 and encouraging others to engage in self-advocacy and visibility. Outside of school, Oliver worked with LYRIC: Center for LGBTQQ+ Youth as a Community Youth Advocate and Communication Intern, creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth to build community and be themselves. 

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As a DreamSF fellow, Oliver is placed with Oasis Legal Services. At Oasis, Oliver assists as a case manager, helping LGBTQ+ immigrants with the naturalization process. They will also work on other projects including connecting Undocumented Community Resource Centers with Oasis’ services. With this placement, Oliver hopes to continue their goal of bridging the gap between their own LGBTQ+ and Undocumented identities. They also wish to help others find safety and empowerment on their own journey as immigrants. 

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A self-taught special effects makeup artist, Oliver’s free time is spent designing and creating makeup looks inspired by their identity, emotions, and interest in the world of horror media. When the makeup brush is down, they enjoy public speaking, hiking in the Bay Area, reading, and writing–keeping their passion for literature alive and well.