Star Spotlight: Damian Pereson-Estrada ’27, History and Secondary Education

Hoping to bring positive change to his former school district, Damian Pereson-Estrada ran for an elected seat on its board of education last spring.

A newcomer to local government races, Damian faced an uphill challenge. And though he wasn’t among the three candidates elected to the Elmwood Park

School District 401 Board, Damian and his grassroots, nonpartisan campaign still won 15% of the vote, outpacing two of his challengers.

It’s enough support to inspire another run in the future, he says.

“The school board is definitely where I want to make an impact in my community,” Damian notes.

Alongside serving his community and working to improve academics, Damian wants to share a key lesson from his Dominican experience: the importance of representation.

“I share a common heritage with more than 60% of the kids in Elmwood Park, and they deserve to have someone who looks like them in a position of leadership and advocacy,” Damian says. “At DU, we are a very culturally responsive community and that’s very much shown in the education we provide students. I’ve been thankful to experience that.”