The Transformative Power of Accompaniment

As someone born and raised in El Paso and the daughter of a Chilean immigrant, I carry the spirit of our vibrant border community and the lessons it has taught me. My years at Loretto Academy, where I was formed by the Sisters of Loretto, instilled in me Catholic social teaching and a deep sense of moral responsibility. Service wasn’t just something we did—it was who we were.

Today, as a board member of the Hope Border Institute, I see that same spirit alive. HOPE walks with migrant families through moments of struggle, offering humanitarian aid through our Border Refugee Assistance Fund and Clínica HOPE, providing trauma-informed care, forming young leaders, and advocating for systems that protect human rights and dignity.

On El Paso Giving Day, I invite you to invest in this mission. Whether you’ve stood with us before or are just getting to know our work, your gift sends a powerful message: you are not alone, we walk with you. Together, we can continue building a border rooted in justice, mercy, and human dignity.

With hope, Sofía