Born in Cuenca, Ecuador (one of UNESCO's World's Heritage Trust Sites), Daniela Parra came to the U.S. at age 12 after studying at the Salesianas of Maria Auxiliadora. Arriving in the U.S. knowing only three words of English, Daniela dedicated herself to learning the language and eventually developed a love for languages while studying Italian. A pre-law major, Daniela is deeply interested in criminal law, primarily in prison reform. She hopes one day to promote a review of the criminal justice system and develop recommendations for changes in its policies, practices, and laws to prevent and reduce crime and violence while ensuring justice. Daniela is a member of the CCNY Mock Trial Team, the executive secretary of the CCNY Student World Assembly Chapter, and an orientation leader at Student Life.  She has a profound interest in public service, and plans to achieve a law degree and eventually working in the area of criminal law. She also would like to expand her work into Congress and focus in an array of issues such as human rights, immigration reform, the economy, and the war on drugs.