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OUR TEAM:

Since the inception of the BRC, our board has embodied a myriad of diverse identities. Including current and past board members, they identify as lesbian, gay, queer, bisexual, genderqueer, straight allies, transgender women, transgender men, nonbinary people, parents of transgender kids, parents of straight kids, Mexican American, Iranian/Mexican American, African American, Caucasian, Latinx, native-born El Pasoan, transplants to El Paso, bilingual, multi-lingual, working-class people, middle-class people, veterans, and members of military families.

Amber Perez, MS

Executive Director

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

Lorena (Lori) Silva-Edwards, MHPS

Director of Intergenerational Rainbow Link

she/her - Lori is a mama bear to her two trans/gender fluid teens, as well as any person who finds themselves in need of mama bear nearby. She has a BSNS from Purdue Global and pulls from backgrounds in both emergency medicine and education to function as a Jane of all trades who's ready to tackle the unexpected. As an El Paso native, Lori returned to the borderland with her husband to raise their children close to family. She has been active with the BRC community for 4 years and looks forward to continuing to serve the community she grew up in.

Sofia Macias

Healing Sexual Trauma in the Borderland Care Coordinator

she/her - Sofia has her BSW from the University of Texas at El Paso, is currently pursuing her MSW from the University of Denver as a full-time student. Originally from Denver, CO Sofia has had previous work experience in Phoenix, AZ working with youth as well with nonprofits serving youth throughout the El Paso region. Her passion lies in trauma informed and mental health practices and hopes to continue serving youth in these areas.

Luis "Chef" Orzoco

Pantry Manager

he/him- Chef is a trained chef, who has spent a life time creating delicious food and serving his community. He is passionate about relieving hunger in our community.

Veronica Camacho

DRIEP Program Assistant

she/her - Veronica is a Creative Writing Major with a minor in Women Studies at the University of Texas at El Paso. Is an active member in the LGBTQ+ Community since her teens starting out as a volunteer at El Paso’s Southwest AIDS Committee under the supervision of Izzy Mora; 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. Advocates for animal rights, Queer Liberation, Fat Positivity, Immigrant Rights, Farm Worker Rights, and so much more.

HIlda Ontiveros

DRIEP Lead Trainer

she/her - Hilda is a faculty member at UT El Paso for over 12 years and currently at the Women’s and Gender Studies Program. She teaches courses like 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 a Master of Arts 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.

Juan M Fernández Chico

Social Media Manager

he/him - Juan has a PhD in Social Sciences from the Government and public policy terminal from the Autonomous University of Ciudad Juárez. Co-author of the book Correspondences, letters, figures and characters, together with Alfonso Herrera, the novel The island of the elder and Functional Excluded and Political Subjectivities, and many papers. He has studied film at the Center for the Study of Cinematographic Arts and the Intercontinental University.
Screenwriter, producer and director of many films that competed in festivals in Mexico, Chile, Argentina, Germany, Honduras, the United States, Spain, and other countries. He received different scholarships in film production from institutions like FONCA, PECDA, IMCINE, Alan Cumming Film Lab of Creative Scotland and the Talent Campus of the Berlinale Film Festival.
For a few years, he worked as marketing director and marketing specialist. Juan founded his own marketing company, OnnOff, and now works as Social media manager at The Borderland Rainbow Center.

Ashley Heidebrecht, LMSW

Director of Diversity and Resiliency Institute of El Paso (DRIEP)

she/her - Ashley Heidebrecht, 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 level. Ashley serves as a bridge-builder, educator, and advocate, and has been able to provide training to over 60,000 people through DRIEP.

Andi Tiscareno, MHPS

Intergenerational Rainbow Link Coordinator, Administrative Assistant

she/her - Andi has a BA in English and American Literature with a minor in Rhetoric and Writing from The University of Texas at El Paso. She has over 6 years of experience organizing and leading youth. As an open and proud transwoman, Andi has a passion for LGBTQ advocacy and youth development.

Julie Lucas

Pantry Director

she/her - 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 many years in the food and beverage industries as well as academia. Running the food pantry is the first job she has ever loved.

Diana Martinez, MA

Volunteer Coordinator, PATHS Coordinator, Evaluator

she/her – Diana, named for the statue of the huntress in Mexico City on Reforma Street, was born and raised in El Paso, Texas by immigrant parents from Juarez, and 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 and 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 at UTEP. Diana also works with others to organize community actions to stand up for the rights of immigrants and immigrant children in detention.

Dede Camacho

Drag Queen Story Hour- El Paso Chapter Coordinator

she/her/Queen - 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!

Alma Pizarro-Gould

Deaf Services Contractor

she/her - Alma was born Deaf and raised in El Paso, Texas. 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 TX, providing services, serving on boards and committees, and adding to her own knowledge base with Deaf and Hard of Hearing clients all over the state (Austin, Corpus Christi). 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, Communications Issues and Resources. She has provided services to the Deaf for over 20 years through various Deaf community agencies and organizations. Alma 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.

OUR BOARD:

President

Tess English

She/Her - Tess is currently the Chief Operations Officer of the Gulf Stream Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Her long history of service in youth development is anchored by her commitment to equity and opportunity for all.

Member-at-Large

Sylvia Acosta, PhD

She/Her -Sylvia is a passionate advocate of LGBTQ issues with a wealth of professional experience. She is the former CEO of the YWCA El Paso del Norte Region and has decades of experience in development. She has been the Vice Chancellor of Constituent Development and Principal Gifts at UC-Irvine and served in leadership roles in Development and Alumni Relations, at UTEP and NMSU, St. Mary's and Texas Tech.

Secretary

Stan J. Sloan, MDIV, MTS

He/Him - The Reverend Stan J. Sloan is an Episcopal priest and serves as the Managing Director of Collegiate Church of New York, the nation’s oldest corporation, focused on racial, economic and LGBTQ justice. Prior Collegiate, Sloan served as the CEO of Family Equality Council, the nation’s organization for LGBTQ families. Stan’s previous experience has been in queer poverty, serving as the CEO of Chicago House for sixteen years. Stan and his husband Jan moved to El Paso in July of 2021 and are excited to be a part of El Paso’s BRC and the broader community.

Member-at-Large

Ross Ingram

he/him - Ross is Co-Owner and Chief Engineer at Brainville, LLC, a local recording studio. He believe strongly in the necessity for safe and inclusive workplaces for all.

What is the commitment?

1) A two-year commitment

 

2) Attending once per month board meetings

 

3) Committing to two board committees that meet monthly (Pantry Sustainability, Policy, Gala, Development, Capital Improvement, or Finance)

 

4) Attempting to raise $1,000 per year for the BRC (can be in other forms that are not monetary such providing services that equal a dollar amount)

 

5) Attending one event, quarterly, throughout the year

 

6) Being a team player of a fun, disciplined and diverse team

Join our Board!

Please make sure to include all relevant experience, volunteer and professional.

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