With an extensive background in business development and non-profit work, Amber is passionate about bringing access to development opportunities within our Queer community. With an eye towards creating a holistic community center, her vision is one of inclusion, collaboration, and laughter. As an El Paso native, she believes wholeheartedly in leaving the world a better place for having been here.

Ashley, aka The Radical Social Worker, has worked in the field of social services for over 15 years. Her work includes providing direct care for children and families, case management, education design and facilitation, and advocacy at the municipal, state, and federal levels. Ashley serves as a bridge-builder, educator, and advocate, and has been able to provide training to over 60,000 people through DRIEP.

Sofia has her BSW from the University of Texas at El Paso and is currently pursuing her MSW from the University of Denver as a full-time student. Originally from Denver, Sofia previously worked in both Phoenix and El Paso with youth-centered nonprofits. Her passion lies in trauma-informed mental health practices and hopes to continue serving youth in these areas.

Julie is a Mama Bear to many kids besides her own. She has a BS in Biology but rarely uses it. She has worked for many years in the food and beverage industries, as well as academia. Running the food pantry is the first job she has ever loved.

Chef is a trained chef who has spent a lifetime creating delicious food and serving his community. He is passionate about relieving hunger in our community.

Diana, named for the statue of the huntress in Mexico City on Reforma Street, was born and raised in El Paso by immigrant parents from Juarez, as well as a large extended binational family. Diana graduated from the University of Texas at El Paso with a BA in History and a minor in Secondary Education. Diana then taught in many types of schools, teaching students of all ages in a diverse array of subjects. In 2009, Diana graduated from UTEP with a Masters in History. Since 2010, Diana has taught at both El Paso Community College and UTEP. Diana also works with others to organize community actions to stand up for the rights of immigrants and immigrant children in detention facilities.

Veronica is a Creative Writing major with a minor in Women Studies at the University of Texas at El Paso. She has been an active member in the Queer Community since she was a teenager. She started out as a volunteer at El Paso’s Southwest AIDS Committee under the supervision of Izzy Mora; she continued volunteer work with Planned Parenthood by hosting Teen Live Wire, a program that helped El Paso youth learn more about safe sex and consent. Veronica is also passionate about and advocates for animal rights, Queer Liberation, Fat Positivity, Immigrant Rights, Farm Worker Rights, and so much more.

Dede Camacho is originally from Chicago and has multiple talents, including puppeteering, drag, and more! Dede has been in show business for 11 years running. Dede is bilingual (Spanish and English) and is known across the country for her incredible performances and amazing personality!

Hilda has been a faculty member at UTEP for over 12 years and currently works with the Women’s and Gender Studies Program. She teaches courses including Latina Studies, Global Feminisms, Feminist Theory, Civil Rights, and Queer Theory. She has a PhD in Educational Leadership and Administration in Higher Education, with a focus is on Educational Policy and Curriculum. She earned an MA in Latin American and Border Studies and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Administration in Higher Education. Hilda also spent time studying in the Medico Cirujano (M.D.) program at the Institute for Biomedical Sciences at UACJ. She enjoys serving her community through volunteer work as a children’s volleyball and basketball coach. Her four children keep her very busy and fulfilled.

Alma was born Deaf and raised in El Paso. After she went to Texas School for the Deaf, she continued her education in Human Services at El Paso Community College. Alma has worked in many different cities in Texas, providing services, serving on boards and committees, and adding to her own knowledgebase with Deaf and Hard of Hearing clients all over the state. Alma is an experienced trainer and presenter on topics related to Deafness including: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Sensitivity, ADA Law, Client Rights, Deaf Culture, and Communications Issues and Resources. She has provided services to the Deaf for over 20 years through various Deaf community agencies and organizations. Alma has worked very closely with various community services providers (including DARS, HHSC, DPFS) to fulfill her passion of breaking down barriers that affect the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community members to ensure that they have full, equal access to communication and services.

Juan is a writer, filmmaker, editor, and marketing specialist born in 1985 on the Mexico–United States border. He holds a PhD in Social Sciences with a focus on Government and Public Policy from the Autonomous University of Ciudad Juárez; he also studied film at the Center for the Study of Cinematographic Arts and the Intercontinental University. He has published novels, essays, poetry, and short story collections, including Correspondencias, cartas, figuras y personajes (2007, 2024), Excluidos funcionales y subjetividades políticas (2017), La isla de los ancianos (2015), Una pared para Patricio (2023), and Islas, gatos y aves (2024). As a screenwriter and director, Juan’s films El camino de Felipe (2014) and Complejo Norte (2018) have been featured at festivals in Mexico, Chile, Argentina, Germany, Honduras, the United States, and Spain, earning support from FONCA, PECDA, IMCINE, Creative Scotland’s Alan Cumming Film Lab, and the Berlinale Talent Campus. He founded the marketing company OnnOff and now serves as Social Media Manager at The Borderland Rainbow Center. He also leads the independent publishing house After the Storm, which develops innovative literary and cultural projects on the U.S.–Mexico border.