Loretto Justice Fellows
Meet our 2025/2026 Loretto Justice Fellows!
Our Fellows are students at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), New Mexico State University (NMSU) and El Paso Community College (EPCC). They are Associate’s, Bachelor’s and Master’s level students enrolled in a diversity of academic programs: Social Work, the Law School Preparation Institute (LSPI), Political Science, Psychology, Philosophy, Sociology, Multimedia Journalism, Creative Writing, Chicano Studies and Legal Reasoning.
Giulianna Alcantarapalai
BA Political Science, Creative Writing | Loretto Justice Fellow at Estrella del Paso
I am a senior at the University of Texas at El Paso majoring in Political Science with a minor in Creative Writing. I plan to attend law school a year after graduating to become an immigration attorney. I am very excited to become a Loretto Fellow, as I chose my career path with the intention to help others in my community, especially those being affected with immigration issues. Through the Loretto Fellowship, I will be able to fulfill this goal before attaining my career. I’m also very excited to experience the wonderful community that comes with the Fellowship.
Carolina Cardoza-Herrera
BA Political Science and Multimedia Journalism | Loretto Justice Fellow at Philosophic Systems Institute
I’m a student at the University of Texas at El Paso majoring in Political Science and Multimedia Journalism. I grew up in Ciudad Juárez before moving to El Paso at 13, and my experiences in the borderland sparked my passion for storytelling, community engagement, and advocacy. I do volunteer work with La Fe Preparatory School, and serve as a research assistant, vice-president of S.P.A.R.C.S. and member of Ignite. What excites me most about being part of the 2025–2026 Loretto Fellowship is the opportunity to grow alongside a community rooted in social justice, and that puts at the forefront the relationships we build with those in our communities. I look forward to learning from the legacy of the Loretto tradition while continuing to serve and uplift its members.
Daniela Felix
BA Political Science, Criminal Justice and Legal Reasoning | Loretto Justice Fellow at Abara
I’m a senior at UTEP, double majoring in Political Science and Criminal Justice with minors in Legal Reasoning and Spanish. I’ll be graduating this December and plan to attend law school to pursue family law. Growing up between El Paso and Ciudad Juárez, I saw how injustice, especially toward women, is often overlooked or accepted as the norm. That pushed me to speak up, get involved, and challenge the systems that uphold inequality. I’m incredibly grateful to be part of the 25/26 Loretto Fellowship. I’m most excited to grow through the experience and to be part of a space that encourages reflection, learning, and showing up for others, regardless of their background or identity. As an immigrant, I understand the hardships and stigmas that can come with that experience, and I really look forward to connecting with others through both what we share and what makes us different.
Saul Gutierrez
BA Social Work | Loretto Justice Fellow at Ciudad Nueva
I’m currently in my senior year of my Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. I believe what excites me the most is the Fellowship experience and getting to not only network with other social workers but also make new friends through the program.
Deborah Ledesma
MA Social Work | Loretto Justice Fellow at Ciudad Nueva
I am a Master of Social Work student at New Mexico State University and a proud U.S. Air Force veteran. I am passionate about advancing social justice, advocating for marginalized communities, and promoting compassionate, informed service. What excites me most about the 25/26 Loretto Justice Fellowship is the chance to foster justice through faith, community, and meaningful action. Early experiences volunteering with my church, such as providing holiday gifts to underprivileged children, instilled in me the transformative power of service and kindness. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside others who value humility and purpose, while deepening my commitment to cultural responsiveness, integrity and love. As a fellow, I look forward to positively contributing to the mission and growing as an advocate for justice and hope.
Candice Licon
Associate’s of Applied Science in Social Work, Certificate of Completion in Drug and Alcohol Abuse Counseling | Loretto Justice Fellow at Aliviane
I am currently pursuing a degree in Social Work at El Paso Community College. I am passionate about helping individuals overcome alcohol and substance dependency, with the long-term goal of earning my Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) credential. Alongside my studies, I have worked full-time as a server for nearly three years, gaining strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills that I am eager to apply in my future counseling career. I am excited about the opportunity to join The Loreto Fellowship, as it offers a chance to connect with inspiring, like-minded individuals, engage with a supportive community, and exchange ideas that foster both personal and professional growth. I look forward to contributing my dedication, empathy, and lived experiences to the fellowship’s mission while building relationships that will last well beyond the program.
Stephanie Menchey
Associate’s of Applied Science in Social Work, Certificate of Completion in Drug and Alcohol Abuse Counseling | Loretto Justice Fellow at the Opportunity Center
I’ve always stood with the underdog, using my voice, fierce determination, and unapologetic stubbornness to call out injustice. Life threw me into storms that many might not have recovered from, but I didn’t just survive—I rewrote the narrative. I reject labels like “victim” or “survivor” and refuse to let my disabilities define or limit me. At 46, I chose to pursue a master’s degree in social work—not just to uplift those in my community, but to show that trauma and disability are not roadblocks to a meaningful life. They’re part of a journey that can fuel growth, purpose, and impact. My mission is to prove that resilience isn’t about avoiding hardships, it’s about rising, again and again, and helping others find the strength to do the same.
Elizabeth O’Hara
BA Philosophy and Legal Reasoning | Loretto Justice Fellow at Philosophic Systems Institute
I am a student at The University of Texas at El Paso pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy with a Minor in Legal Reasoning and Sociology. I am excited to build a family at the Loretto Fellowship whose focus is serving the community around us, and look forward to finding ways in which we can help underrepresented communities thrive. In the future, I hope to continue working for social justice as an attorney and a philosopher.
Luna Palacios
BA Psychology, Chicano Studies and Legal Reasoning student | Loretto Justice Fellow at Abara
I am a border resident whose life has been shaped by living between cultures. I am currently pursuing a double major in Psychology and Chicano Studies with a minor in Legal Reasoning at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). Since I was a child, I have believed in the power of speaking up, especially for those who have been ignored or silenced. Being part of the 2025-2026 Loretto Fellowship program with Abara excites me deeply because it represents the opportunity to work with a community committed to dignity, justice, and a sense of belonging. I am eager to collaborate on the Border Encounters, connect with people through their stories, and continue learning how to turn empathy into action. For me, this opportunity is not just professional; it is deeply personal.
Maxine Monique Perez
BA Political Science, Sociology and Legal Reasoning student | Loretto Justice Fellow at Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center
I was born and raised in El Paso, Texas. I’m passionate about advocating for marginalized communities and eliminating barriers that disregard their humanity and potential through furthering systemic change. This leads me to pursue an education that strengthens my exposure, comprehension, and capacity to create change. I’m currently a junior at UTEP, double majoring in Political Science and Sociology, and plan to continue to Law School, become an attorney, and practice Public Interest and Immigration Law. I am incredibly grateful and thrilled to be a part of the 2025/2026 Loretto Fellowship experience as it will provide me the opportunity to continue to uplift vulnerable populations through work and advocacy, while being supported by the Loretto Community, who share the same commitment to advancing social justice. I’m eager to establish new connections, be exposed to a variety of perspectives, and receive guidance in learning how to navigate unique solutions to cater to diverse needs.
Astrid Ochoa
BA Criminal Justice, Legal Reasoning | Loretto Justice Fellow at Estrella del Paso
I am a Senior majoring in Criminal Justice with a minor in Legal Reasoning at UTEP. I am heavily involved in school and my community, and I hope to continue to be. What excites me most about being part of the 2025–2026 Loretto Fellowship is the opportunity to grow personally and spiritually through meaningful work grounded in justice, service, and community. I’m especially eager to learn from others who are equally passionate about social change, and deepen my understanding of how to live out my values in both my daily life and long-term commitments.
Layla Rivera
Associate’s of Applied Science in Social Work, Certificate of Completion in Drug and Alcohol Abuse Counseling | Loretto Justice Fellow at the Opportunity Center
I am a resilient and motivated individual pursuing a career in social work and addiction counseling. As a recovering addict, I offer unique insight into the challenges of substance abuse and the transformative power of support and self-belief. My personal experience fuels a deep commitment to guiding others on their path to recovery through empathy, advocacy, and practical care. Dedicated to creating safe, inclusive environments where individuals feel heard, respected, and empowered to reclaim their lives.
Genesis Rodriguez
MA Social Work | Loretto Justice Fellow at Villa Maria
I am born and raised in El Paso and I am the youngest of four siblings. What excites me about the Fellowship would be work alongside peers and mentors from diverse perspectives and backgrounds, which I believe will help me better understand and challenge how I view certain situations. I also hope to be supported by mentors as well as my peers who can offer guidance and constructive feedback as I learn and develop my skills. I hope to contribute to the experience by being someone that is empathetic, shows support and guidance to those around me. My past volunteer and work experience has shown me that a moment of kindness can really shape someone’s life and perspective; and I hope to continue to pass that along. I also aim to promote and contribute to an inclusive and welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and heard. Whether it’s through offering support to others, sharing ideas, and working together, I want to help contribute in creating a space where the community can thrive.
Leslie Sanchez
MA Social Work student | Loretto Justice Fellow at Philosophic Systems Institute
I’m a first year MSW student with prior experience working with the incarcerated population through my time with the Public Defender’s Office. I’m excited to be a part of the 2025-2026 Loretto Fellowship because of the emphasis on community building, the meaningful friendships and partnerships it fosters, and most importantly the impactful work I’ll be contributing to through Philosophic Systems Institute (PSI).
Edward Smith
Associate’s of Applied Science in Social Work, Certificate of Completion in Drug and Alcohol Abuse Counseling | Loretto Justice Fellow at the Opportunity Center
I’m currently attending EPCC in pursuit of a degree in Social Work with LCDC Certification. What excites me about the experience of being part of the Loretto Justice Fellowship would be the new opportunities to form new relationships with the other members of fellowship and gain new experiences in interacting with the community and overall gain better insights on what I could personally do to make these lasting changes possible with others.
Ashley Vallecillo
BA Social Work student | Loretto Justice Fellow at Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center
I am a 21-year-old senior Social Work student at UTEP, proud to be a first-generation Hispanic woman. I’m the youngest (and smallest!) of three brothers, 4’11” tall, and like to go to the gym or nap and eat spicy Mexican chips. Life hasn’t always been easy—I’ve felt the weight of mental, physical, and environmental battles—but those experiences shaped my passion for healing, empathy, and making sure others feel seen. I’m so excited to join the 25/26 Loretto Fellowship, a comunidad where every voice counts, where we uplift each other, and where growth happens side by side. I’m ready to show up with corazón, learn from my Fellows, and be part of a circle that reflects the change we want to see in our communities.