Jorgelina Benitez

Hometown

Brazil

Education

Bachelor in Business Administration 

Interests

Gender dynamics in migration; Highly skilled migrant women; Brazilian migration to the United States; Feminization of migration; Transnational migration experiences; Cultural adaptation and identity negotiation.

Experience

Growing up in a bicultural family has shaped my fascination with diverse cultures and fueled my desire for global exploration. Born in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, on the triple border with Ciudad del Este (Paraguay) and Puerto Iguazú (Argentina), I was immersed in a rich cultural diversity. The first years of my childhood were spent in Paraguay, where my Brazilian mother and Paraguayan father introduced me to cultural diversity. I navigated between languages, with Guarani and Spanish as my first tongues. Upon entering primary school in Brazil, I embraced Portuguese as my native language. Driven by my passion for travel and cultural exploration, I decided to participate in an exchange program, eventually leading me to migrate to the United States. In 2015, I embarked on an enriching journey as part of the Au Pair program, marking my initiation into life as an immigrant in the US. This immersive experience deepened my appreciation for diverse cultures and gave me a unique insight into the dynamics of Latina migration. Inspired by the transformative impact of my experiences abroad, I dedicated myself to advancing my academic pursuits, ultimately deciding to pursue a Master's in Latin American Studies. This decision reflects my commitment to delving deeper into the complexities of Latin American migration, history, and culture while seeking to bridge gaps and foster understanding between diverse communities.