Ernesto Galeas

Ernesto has worked in the labor movement and non-profits for the past 20 years. He fights for social and economic justice because everyone deserves access to good wages, healthcare, education, housing, and fair treatment.

In 2007, due to his immigration status (Temporary Protected Status, TPS), he was not eligible to pay in-state tuition at Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC). He appealed the decision at both the college level and, at the same time, to the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV). After months of hard work, SCHEV ruled that all students under TPS were eligible to pay in-state tuition at all community colleges and state universities across Virginia. His case paved the way for recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) to pay in-state tuition as well.

In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, attending live music events, and watching sports.