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OUR TEAM:

Since the inception of the Center, 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) 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 and 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, while leading the independent publishing house After the Storm, which develops innovative literary and cultural projects on the U.S.–Mexico border.

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:

Member-at-Large

Kraig Strickland

He/Him - Every queer person deserves to feel safe, heard, and valued. My previous experience volunteering on The Trevor Project crisis line showed me firsthand how a calm voice can be a lifeline and taught me that real support starts with simply showing up. Today, I serve as Chief Operating Officer at Kinective, a wellness-focused company where I focus on building environments that uplift both staff and members. Joining the Borderland Rainbow Center board is a way to extend that same care and purpose into the broader community to protect, empower, and advocate for those who need it most.

Member-at-Large

Alexsandra Anello

Member-at-Large

Lynn Westbrook

Member-at-Large

Dina Perez

Member-at-Large

Michael Apodaca

He/Him - Michael Apodaca is a committed resident of Central El Paso with a strong history of community involvement. He graduated from Austin High School in 1999 and later attended the University of Texas at El Paso.

From 2004 to 2010, Michael represented the El Paso County Democratic Party on the State Democratic Executive Committee in Austin. In 2012, he served as Treasurer of the Texas Democratic Party. His leadership was evident during President Obama’s re-election campaign, where he acted as the State Field Director for Organizing for America in Texas and as the field director for Veronica Escobar’s successful congressional bid in 2018.

In 2022, Michael was elected County Chair of the El Paso County Democratic Party, a position he currently holds with enthusiasm and dedication. Additionally, in 2024, he joined the board of the Borderland Rainbow Center to support its mission for the LGBTQ+ community in El Paso.

President- Emeritus

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.

Secretary

Bethanie Lester

Member-at-Large

Parul Haribhai

Member-at-Large

Nick Muniz

He/Him - Nick Muñiz is a dedicated public servant and community advocate who currently serves as the Operations Manager and Equal Opportunity Officer for Workforce Solutions Borderplex. A proud El Paso native and graduate of Cathedral High School, Nick holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from St. Mary's University and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Our Lady of the Lake University, both in San Antonio.

Throughout his career, Nick has demonstrated a deep commitment to advancing equity through public service and program development. He has held leadership roles across Texas, including serving as Director for Head Start in Bexar County and working in regulatory compliance for the State of Texas with Child Care Licensing. Upon returning to El Paso in 2016, Nick reconnected with his roots through his family's business, J. Muñiz Contractors, LLC, and later reentered the public sector with roles at the El Paso County Housing Authority and the City of El Paso, where he managed compliance and federal housing programs.

As a gay man and lifelong El Pasoan, Nick is proud to contribute to the center's mission and to help create a more equitable and affirming community for all.

President

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

Izzy Mora

He/Him - Izzy Mora is a dedicated community organizer and program director with a distinguished career rooted in public service, income development, and strategic program planning. Over the years, Izzy has led impactful initiatives across health, advocacy, and nonprofit sectors, driven by a deep commitment to equity, representation, and community empowerment.

He began his career as Family Support Services Coordinator for the Child Crisis Center, before taking on multiple leadership roles at the Southwest AIDS Committee—including Director of Volunteer Services and Director of HIV Testing and Counseling—where he worked to expand outreach, testing, and care for vulnerable populations. His efforts continued with the American Cancer Society, where he advanced income development strategies, and with the Rio Grande Cancer Foundation, where he served as Director of Marketing and Communications and led the Green House Cancer Resource library system, enhancing access to critical health education.

Izzy’s passion for inclusive health and cultural initiatives extends to his board service with numerous organizations, including AIDS Project El Paso (APEP), La Frontera Film Festival, Polo for AIDS, and Bras for the Cause. He also served as President of the Board for the Border AIDS Partnership, guiding collaborative funding efforts across the U.S.-Mexico border region.

A pioneer in queer media and outreach, Izzy has been instrumental in the production and coordination of key LGBTQ+ publications, including Back Street, El Callejón, and The T, each serving as vital platforms for health education and cultural storytelling. He played an early role in organizing El Paso’s first Gay Pride events, helping lay the foundation for visibility and celebration of queer life in the city.

Currently, Izzy serves as the Public Relations Representative for Recovery Guide, a quarterly mental health and addictions publication, and hosts Queer Onda El Paso, a monthly podcast that features voices, stories, and organizations shaping the queer experience in the Southwest.

Izzy believes that a visible, connected, and well-documented queer community is essential to the vitality of any city. Through his work, he continues to advocate for the preservation of queer history, the amplification of LGBTQ+ voices, and the creation of inclusive spaces that foster resilience, opportunity, and pride.
 

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.

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