By: Jasmine White, Follow South Jersey Community Journalist
CAMDEN, N.J. – Students in Camden are being offered chances to branch out into the political world through a program called Camden to Congress, sponsored by Movimiento Tricolor (Tricolor Movement).
The idea of the program is to get students from Camden, but not limited to its community, from grades 9-12 more involved in the happenings of society.
The President of Moviemento Tricolor, Ashly Estevez-Perez, created the program to give an early start to students interested in political studies and public advocacy, emphasizing the necessity to help people from marginalized groups feel heard.
“I think that launching this program is a first step into trying to create a better pipeline for people from backgrounds like myself, we’re under-resourced and in fields that are not supported as much,” Estevez-Perez said.
Estevez-Perez grew up in the United States as an undocumented immigrant from the Dominican-Republic until her high school years. As a first generation graduate, she obtained her undergraduate degree and master degree, which led her to working in the U.S. House of Representatives for four years and the Biden-Harris administration for two and a half years.
She expressed that people in those spaces were already privy to previous exposure to help them get to their places in Congress, while she had to work harder to be on a level playing field.
“Most folks already had exposure, tools and a network that helps them not only get there but succeed in those spaces, and navigating those spaces at times without those three things was challenging,” Estevez-Perez said. “At times, it created a notion that I did not belong.”
Movimiento Tricolor hosted cultural events in the past that assisted in networking, as well as dialogue facing events that hone in on issues in the community and how to aid them.
The organization partnered with schools in the Camden area and had people from the team talk to students about issues they may face in the workforce, possible career choices and internship opportunities.
“We partner with small businesses as well as with our own organization together to give out over $5,000 in scholarships to highschool students across campuses,” Estevez-Perez said.
Camden to Congress is planning on hosting events on systematic change and are looking to make them bilingual, offering English and Spanish translations. The dates on these upcoming events this summer or to be determined.
The organization announced the First Dominican Restoration Day Parade at the Camden Waterfront on Aug. 17, 2025 starting at 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., following is a concert from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Estevez-Perez shows that no matter your background or circumstances, you can rise above societal standards and break boundaries for the better.
“Don’t let the world tell you where you belong, but you tell them where you belong,” Estevez-Perez said.
For more information about Movimiento Tricolor, visit their website by clicking here.
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