Loretto Justice Fellows
Meet our 2026/2027 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, Political Science, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Native & Indigenous Studies, Creative Writing, Legal Reasoning, and Drug & Alcohol Abuse Counseling.
Paola Anchondo
MA Social Work | Loretto Justice Fellow at Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center
I was born and raised on the border of El Paso, Texas, and Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico. I am the middle child; however, I believe my personality is best defined by being the eldest daughter. I am a first-generation student, currently attending UTEP and beginning my second year in the Master of Social Work (MSW) program. Throughout my MSW journey, I have felt like I have been a part of a community and have felt genuine support and care from others. I am excited to join the Loretto Justice Fellow community, as it will be one where I will also have a strong sense of community and feel true and honest care.
I look forward to sharing my experiences, being heard, and listening to those with beautiful stories and perspectives. I am enthusiastic about developing relationships with members of the community and being able to develop myself professionally and mentally through the agency’s holistic approaches. I also hope to be that sense of support and care for others..
Heather Benko
Associate’s of Applied Science in Social Work, Certificate of Completion in Drug and Alcohol Abuse Counseling | Loretto Justice Fellow at the Opportunity Center
Hello! My name is Heather Benko, and I am deeply honored to have been selected for the Loretto Social Justice Fellowship! Through this opportunity, I will begin an internship with the Opportunity Center of El Paso, an organization whose mission is especially meaningful to me. I am currently completing my Associate’s Degree in Social Work and working towards my Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor certification at El Paso Community College, both of which are a foundation for pursuing my Bachelor of Social Work program at UTEP, where I also plan to pursue a minor in Criminal Justice.
My path to social work has been shaped by personal experiences with homelessness, addiction, and involvement with the legal system. During some of the most difficult periods of my life, social workers, recovery counselors, and other compassionate people helped me regain stability, rediscover my strengths, and begin building a better future for myself and my family. Their support showed me how profoundly one person can affect another person’s life through empathy, encouragement, and a willingness to remain present during difficult moments.
What excites me most about this fellowship is the opportunity to transform my lived experience into meaningful service and advocacy. I want to support people who may feel overlooked, discouraged, or defined by their circumstances, and help them recognize that change is possible.
I am especially passionate about serving individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction, and legal challenges, while also working to strengthen the systems and communities that support them. I look forward to learning from others who share a commitment to social justice, growing into a stronger advocate, and helping people move forward—one hopeful and positive step at a time.
Stephanie Bistrain
BA Social Work, Creative Writing | Loretto Justice Fellow at Aliviane
Living in Juárez and crossing to go to UTEP, my body and mind are fronterizas. I contemplate visible and invisible borders. Alongside the power of research data to advocate, I also believe in creative writing as a tool for social change, translating complex issues the world sometimes wants to look away from into more personal, connected stories that foster our understanding and empathy. This can be seen in my previous study abroad in Spain and in my to-be-published El Paso/Juárez collaborative book, “Same Sky/Mismo Cielo,” where we write about our identities, challenges, hopes, and dreams on the border, just as we do in social work. I am excited to be part of Loretto to see how all our efforts on the border spread across the country! We have a new bridge to build that crosses the quiet yet powerful forces of vulnerability, tenderness, and human connection.
Rubi Cardona
MA Social Work | Loretto Justice Fellow at Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center
My name is Rubi Cardona, and I am a Master of Social Work student at The University of Texas at El Paso with a passion for advocating for immigrant communities and advancing social justice. My experiences as a psychology graduate, volunteer, and future social worker have strengthened my commitment to empowering individuals and families facing complex challenges. I believe in approaching every person with empathy, dignity, and respect while working to create meaningful, lasting change.
I am excited to be part of the Loretto Fellowship because it offers the opportunity to learn from dedicated advocates and strengthen my advocacy, community engagement, and service. I look forward to growing as a social worker while contributing to an organization whose mission reflects the values that inspired me to enter this profession.
Dominique Carmona
BA Social Work| Loretto Justice Fellow at Philosophic Systems Institute
My name is Dominique Carmona. I am 29 years old and am doing my BSW at UTEP. I have always been very passionate about helping people and actually making a difference in my unique community. That is actually what excites me the most about my fellowship with Loretto. I know that it is mostly community-based and makes a difference a reality.
Ximena Castruita Medrano
BA Political Science, Legal Reasoning | Loretto Justice Fellow at Estrella del Paso
As an international student majoring in Political Science with a minor in Legal Reasoning, having the opportunity to serve as a legal assistant for an immigration advocacy center as important as “Estrella del Paso” means a lot to me. I’m super excited to apply what I have learned so far in my classes to actually help people and provide the services they need, especially on a topic that is constantly present in our lives as a border community. I strongly believe in how powerful love and kindness can be to change lives, even with the smallest acts, and I’m looking forward to taking advantage of this position to be a source of empathy and resources for those who need it. Besides, I can’t wait to create meaningful connections with individuals committed to justice, community engagement, and social awareness, and to learn from them through the Loretto Justice Fellowship.
Gema Ceniceros
Associate’s of Applied Science in Social Work | Loretto Justice Fellow at Ciudad Nueva
My name is Gema Ceniceros, and I am a 41-year-old student, mother of three, advocate, and community leader from El Paso, Texas. After losing my vision due to medical negligence, I returned to college after 21 years with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to serving others. I am the co-founder of a support group for blind and visually impaired individuals, serve as Secretary of the El Paso Council of the Blind, and teach Braille in my community. My experiences have strengthened my passion for accessibility, inclusion, and social justice.
What excites me most about the Loretto Justice Fellowship is the opportunity to learn from others who share a commitment to justice and compassion, while growing as an advocate and contributing to meaningful change in my community and beyond.
Yaya Diharce-Soto
BA Social Work | Loretto Justice Fellow at Ciudad Nueva
My name is Claudia Diharce-Soto (I’d like to be called Yaya Soto), and I am a Bachelor of Social Work student at The University of Texas at El Paso. I am passionate about serving individuals and families through compassionate, culturally responsive, and strengths-based practice. Throughout my volunteer and academic experiences, I have developed a deep appreciation for community engagement and social justice. I am excited to be part of the Loretto Fellowship and specifically to “Ciudad Nueva” because it provides the opportunity to learn from dedicated professionals while making a meaningful impact in the El Paso community. I look forward to expanding my clinical skills, advocating for underserved populations, and growing as a social worker committed to promoting dignity, equity, and hope. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute, learn, and collaborate with fellow Loretto Fellows and community partners.
Valerie Flores
MA Social Work | Loretto Justice Fellow at Ciudad Nueva
Hi, my name is Valerie Flores. I am passionate about supporting mental health, fostering meaningful connections, and creating spaces where people feel seen and valued. Through my work and personal experiences, I have developed a deep appreciation for resilience, service, and community. I am excited to be part of the Loretto Fellowship because it brings together individuals who are committed to leadership, growth, and social impact. I look forward to learning from fellow participants, sharing perspectives, and strengthening my ability to serve others with compassion and purpose. The opportunity to grow alongside a community dedicated to justice, reflection, and positive change is what excites me most about the Loretto Fellowship experience.
Natalia Montoya
BA Psychology, Criminal Justice | Loretto Justice Fellow at Philosophic Systems Institute
My name is Natalia Montoya. I am most excited to gain true community organizing and advocacy skills along with other fellows. In addition to gaining knowledge, I want to contribute to creating real change for the communities I am passionate about. Most importantly, I look forward to developing a network of fellow advocates with whom I can continue to collaborate over many years.
Samantha Navarro
Associate’s of Applied Science in Social Work, Certificate of Completion in Drug and Alcohol Abuse Counseling | Loretto Justice Fellow at Aliviane
My name is Samantha Navarro. What I find most exciting about being a part of this Fellowship is the unity it should create among all of us, allowing better networking once we are out in the field. The more resources we have to help others, the better!
Ruth Quiñonez
Associate’s of Applied Science in Social Work | Loretto Justice Fellow at the Opportunity Center
Hi, my name is Ruth Ivonne Quinonez, a 36-year-old female mother of four wonderful teenagers. A student at El Paso Community College, looking forward to obtaining my Associate of Applied Science in Social Work alongside completing a specific Drug and Alcohol Abuse Counseling course. So I can meet the state’s educational requirements, I can take the test for the Licensed Chemical Dependence Counselor credential. I know I still have a long path ahead of me, but I want to become a Social Worker. For this reason, I feel a passion to make a meaningful difference and help vulnerable populations that navigate life’s challenges. There is an urge in me to transform my empathy into action so I can directly improve someone’s quality of life. I believe every person deserves respect, equity, and access to resources regardless of their background. Having the opportunity to be a member of Loretto Fellowship is great to share with others my experiences and connect with all of you through this journey. So we can promote inclusive, welcoming spaces so we all can feel valued and heard. I’m so excited.
Danielle Ramirez
BA Social Work | Loretto Justice Fellow at Lee & Beulah Moor Children’s Home
I’m excited to start my second year of my BSW. As an outgoing person who enjoys meeting others, I’m looking forward to beginning my internship and being a part of this awesome community.
G. S.
Certificate of Completion in Drug & Alcohol Abuse Counseling | Loretto Justice Fellow at Aliviane
I am a wife, mother, grandmother, and a veteran of the armed forces. One of the most exciting aspects about being selected for the Loretto Fellowship, besides being an honor, is the opportunity to work with diverse groups of people and be able to learn along with them about what their needs and expectations are, and how to possibly meet them. I am looking forward to making new friendships, learning new skills, and to this exciting journey I am about to embark on!
Abril Sustaita
BA Social Work | Loretto Justice Fellow at Philosophic Systems Institute
I’m Abril Sustaita, a Fronteriza who was raised in Juárez. Currently, I’m pursuing a major in social work, and the fall semester will be my senior year. I’m really excited to get back and work with my community, hopefully do something different, and become more aware of the needs in the area. I also want to connect with people, get to know them, build bonds, and, of course, connect with other members of Loretto. I look forward to listening to their stories and learning from them, especially since there are students from different schools and majors.
Perla Teran
BA, Social Work, Psychology | Loretto Justice Fellow at Villa Maria
My name is Perla Teran, and I am a social work student at UTEP. I was raised between Ciudad Juárez and El Paso, two places that have shaped my understanding of resilience, compassion, and social justice. Through my personal experiences living in both cities, volunteering in community centers, and working with immigrant populations, I have witnessed both the challenges these communities face and the strength they demonstrate. These moments have deepened my commitment to advocating for dignity, equity, and meaningful support for others.
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Loretto Justice Fellowship. I am excited to learn, grow, and serve alongside a community of compassionate individuals committed to justice and service. I look forward to connecting with others, gaining new perspectives, and developing the skills needed to continue supporting individuals and communities with empathy and respect.
Daeliah Topaha
BA, Social Work, Native American & Indigenous Studies | Loretto Justice Fellow at Abara
I am a Bachelor of Social Work student in the Accelerated Pathway Program at UTEP, where I am also pursuing a minor in Native American and Indigenous Studies. I am grateful to be part of the Loretto Justice Fellowship and for the opportunity to learn from people with different backgrounds and lived experiences while sharing my own as a Navajo woman. Through my internship with Abara, I hope to give back to my community and our border relatives while inspiring other Indigenous relatives to recognize the power of their voices and the impact they can have through advocacy.
Tedi Toyllens
Associate’s of Applied Science in Social Work, Drug and Alcohol Abuse Counseling | Loretto Justice Fellow at Alivinae
Tedi Toyllens is a social work student at El Paso Community College with a passion for serving others and helping individuals and families overcome life’s challenges. She is returning to college to pursue her calling in social work, bringing compassion, resilience, and real-life experience to the field. Tedi is excited to be part of the Loretto Justice Fellowship because it offers the opportunity to learn from dedicated community leaders, gain meaningful hands-on experience, and deepen her commitment to social justice while serving the El Paso community. She looks forward to growing both personally and professionally as she prepares for a career focused on hope, dignity, and lasting change.
Alexa Vargas
Associate of Applied Science in Social Work | Loretto Justice Fellow at Aliviane
My name is Alexa Vargas, and I am a mother and an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Social Work student at El Paso Community College. Being a parent has strengthened my compassion, resilience, and commitment to creating a better future, not only for my daughter but for my community. Growing up in a Hispanic household and supporting my family through challenging circumstances, including navigating illness and systemic barriers, has shaped my understanding of resilience, dignity, and the importance of accessible support systems.
These experiences have strengthened my desire to become a social worker who not only supports individuals but also challenges the systems that create inequity. I am especially drawn to the Loretto Justice Fellowship because of its intentional focus on service, community, and justice. It represents an opportunity to grow as both a professional and a person while engaging in work that directly impacts communities.
I am eager to bring my lived experiences, strong work ethic, and passion for advocacy into this fellowship and to learn alongside others who are equally committed to creating lasting, meaningful change.