Meet our 2024/2025 Loretto Justice Fellows!

Our Fellows are students at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) and New Mexico State University (NMSU). They are Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), Master of Social Work (MSW), Law School Preparation Institute (LSPI) and students of Political Science.

Diana Acosta

BSW student | Loretto Justice Fellow – Social Work at Estrella del Paso

Diana in the final stages of graduating with a BSW from UTEP with an expected graduation date in Spring 2025.  Diana  was born in El Paso and raised part of her childhood in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.  Diana has a 2-year-old daughter who is “the light of my eyes.”  Diana shares: “What excites me about being a part of the 24/25 Loretto Fellowship experience is networking and building strong relationships with other members of this program. I’m excited to learn more as I intern and work as a team to look out for the welfare of our community and clients. My hope for this internship experience is to advocate for all minorities that are suffering from discrimination, prejudice, and racism, providing adequate resources while educating them to help them overcome the day-to-day struggles and crises, while at the same time learning from my clients, mentors and peers.”

Christy Busuladzic

BSW student | Loretto Justice Fellow – Social Work at Kelly Center for Hunger Relief

Christy is currently working on her BSW at UTEP, entering her senior year. Christy shares: “Following the pandemic, I witnessed and felt a shift in our society. Our already oppressed populations became even more vulnerable and mental health became a crisis across the board. I decided then I would get the proper education to support my compassion and empathy to advocate and support our great city. I am looking forward to networking and working with diverse populations through the Fellowship.”

Iris Cano

MSW student | Loretto Justice Fellow – Social Work at Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center

Iris was born and raised in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.  She started attending school in the US when she was 10 years old and is now pursing a MSW degree from UTEP. A few fun facts about Iris: she has 2 dogs & 2 cats, loves traveling, and loves plants!  Iris shares: “I hope that this Fellowship experience helps me to expand, not only my knowledge but my network and my support group. I really look forward to connecting with other individuals, in order to create a better community for our current and future generations.”

Arantza de Jesus

Political Science, Gender and Women’s Studies, LSPI student | Loretto Justice Fellow – Legal Services at Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center

Arantza is a senior at UTEP majoring in Political Science with a minor in Women and Gender Studies.  She was honored to participate in the Loretto Justice Fellowship on 23/24 and will be continuing in the Fellowship program for one more semester (Fall 2024).  In the future, she plans to attend Law School to become an immigration attorney. For the next semester, she is hoping to acquire more experience in the field of immigration law while also creating a community and exchanging experiences with the other Fellows.

Jose Gomez

MSW student | Loretto Justice Fellow – Social Work  at Ciudad Nueva

Jose is a student at NMSU pursuing his MSW. Jose shares: “I’m really excited about being part of the Loretto Fellowship because it offers a unique chance to immerse myself in hands-on experiences that align with my passion for advocating for overlooked individuals. I’m looking forward to refining my counseling and advocacy skills, and collaborating with mentors and peers who share my dedication to social justice. This Fellowship will be an invaluable opportunity to apply my academic knowledge in practical settings and contribute to initiatives that support vulnerable populations.”

Araceli Iglesias

BSW student | Loretto Justice Fellow – Social Work at Abara

Araceli is about to start her senior year at UTEP pursuing a BSW.  Araceli shares: “I am thrilled to be a part of this amazing program, and I feel honored to be part of this internship.  I am looking forward to meeting the others that are part of the Loretto Community, engaging with the other Fellows, and serving my community in various ways.  I am excited to see where this Fellowship takes me and I am eager to be part of this!”

Chelsea LeVey

Political Science, Biology student | Loretto Justice Fellow – Legal Assistant at Estrella del Paso 

Chelsea was born and raised in El Paso Texas, and is currently a Political Science major at UTEP set to graduate in Spring of 2025.  Chelsea’s goal is to pursue a career as an attorney.  Chelsea shares: “My passion for social justice began a year ago when I first came to UTEP and since then I’ve been able to explore numerous avenues that interest me and align with my passion.  What I am most excited about for the upcoming 24/25 Loretto Fellowship is the opportunity to work with my chosen organization and give back to the community as well the chance to surround myself with peers who share my ambition for a better, fairer world and who I also learn from.”

Sofia Quinones Segovia

BSW student | Loretto Justice Fellow – Social Work at Ciudad Nueva 

Having a solid background in community service and a strong desire for social justice and activism, Sofia is excited to offer her abilities and commitment to Loretto.  Sofia’s varied volunteer experiences and BSW studies at UTEP have given her the tools she will need to effectively support people and communities, promoting both individual development and communal well-being.  Sofia shares: “My own migration experiences and the difficulties associated with delayed documents have provided me with special insights that I will draw upon to promote compassion and understanding within the community.  By taking an active part in conversations, encouraging, and supporting others, and sharing tools and techniques that have assisted me in overcoming comparable obstacles, I aim to make a positive contribution.  In addition, I want to plan and take part in advocacy campaigns, educational workshops, and community service initiatives that advance social justice and strengthen underrepresented populations.”

Alondra Rodriguez

MSW student | Loretto Justice Fellow – Social Work at Kelly Center for Hunger Relief 

With a passion for social work and a dedication to helping communities, Alondra is pursuing her MSW at UTEP. She recently earned her Bachelor of Social Work and had the opportunity to work in hospice and palliative care services. Where she developed strong skills in providing compassionate care and support to patients and their families and made my passion for helping my community even stronger. Alondra shares: “I am beyond thrilled and grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Loretto Justice Fellowship 24/25 program. I am confident that my time in the program will serve my long-term goal of pursuing a career that will inspire me to expand my knowledge, develop relationships, enhance companionship, and skills to contribute positively to systemic changes, which align with my vision.”

Anamaria Solis

BSW student | Loretto Justice Fellow – Advocacy + Policy at Abara 

Anamaria is a senior majoring in Social Work with a minor in Sociology at UTEP, an officer in various student organizations like the University Honors Council, IGNITE, and Future Health Professionals.  She also volunteers her time at Sacred Heart Migrant Shelter and Kelly Memorial Food Pantry.  Anamaria has served as a research assistant at UTEP for three years studying pregnant first- and second-generation Mexican immigrant’s stressors and health outcomes. Anamaria shares: “I am passionate about women’s health policy and hope to foster a career focused on reproductive justice. As a first generation American, I am especially interested in working with immigrant populations to enhance health equity. I am excited to be a Loretto Justice Fellow to expand my policy and advocacy experience and to join a group of like-minded individuals who are committed to improving our community through social justice work.”