June 3, 2025: “We should not underestimate the gravity of this moment. On the contrary. With authoritarianism on the rise, the progress we made over decades to secure fundamental rights for all human beings is under threat. And we must fight back. This is our moment. And if we come together to demand justice and dignity for all people, we will succeed,” Federico Borello, Human Rights Watch’s interim executive director said at the 2025 Voices for Justice dinner in Los Angeles.
In an evening focused on how decisions made by the Trump administration are impacting human rights at home and abroad, STF leaders, teachers and HRW supporters were motivated to take action with speeches by Africa Division Executive Director Mausi Segun, Americas Division Director Juanita Goebertus Estrada, and US Program Washington Director Sarah Yager.
Additionally, over the course of the evening, STFers introduced dinner guests to their 2024-2025 advocacy to Protect the Unhoused, Vote for Human Rights and Genocide Awareness and Prevention. The students were also proud to share the legacy and accomplishments of their predecessors as part of our ongoing celebration of STF’s 25th anniversary.
Following the event, one student shared, “I saw the empathy, courage, resilience, and fight that all of the speakers had which motivated me to continue my journey as a part of STF… I am proud to say that I am a part of an organization that truly wants change and justice for individuals all around the world.”