Justice Fellows live Loretto’s spirit of service
Posted on March 10, 2025, by Loretto Community
Photo by Larissa Meza
Ten Loretto Justice Fellows are currently serving with five placement organizations in the El Paso, Texas, community. During the fall 2024 semester, they contributed 2,500 hours of service to people experiencing food insecurity and/or homelessness, to people in detention centers or migrant shelters, to families in marginalized communities, and more. Our Fellows experience profound learning, transformation and connection within themselves and in community while furthering Loretto mission and values through direct service and community life. As they serve nonprofits in the community, each pursues a degree in social work, political science and/or pre-law. Loretto is proud to support these students. Loretto’s spirit of love and service will touch countless others as each Fellow walks their unique life path.
Diana Acosta
Serves at Estrella del Paso
“I’m glad I chose to join the Loretto Justice Fellowship because it has brought me so much joy and fulfillment to share my time and service with other Fellows. It’s exciting to meet and discuss our experiences, thoughts and emotions knowing we share similarities. My intentions for this Fellowship year are to grow as a person professionally and personally. I never imagined how difficult life could be for immigrants coming to seek refuge and shelter due to their governments’ injustices. I’m glad I can be part of a community to help and advocate for these populations.”
Christy Busuladzic
Serves at Kelly Center for Hunger Relief
“With Kelly’s Fresh Start Program, we empower clients not just with food security, but we also support them in achieving self-sufficiency goals by meeting each individual where they are. We are able to offer them the skills and resources they need for the ‘Fresh Start’ they aspire to. Each day brings new experiences and challenges, but each encounter with my clients leaves me feeling motivated and powerful. Being a part of the Loretto Justice Fellowship has offered me love, support and self-care that I can take with me into the work I was meant to do in the heart of my community.”
Iris Cano
Serves at Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center
“My time with Las Americas has been deeply moving, not only because the detainees are in vulnerable, often desperate situations, but also because many, like me, came to the United States in pursuit of better opportunities. Hearing about the severe challenges they face while detained — ranging from being served spoiled food to harassment, assault and dehumanization — has profoundly impacted me. Witnessing clients experience panic attacks due to constant mistreatment has underscored the stark privilege I hold, even as an immigrant. Yet, amidst these difficult encounters, there are moments of profound gratitude. Knowing that my role supports these individuals’ journeys toward a better life is a privilege. Some clients confide that I am the first person they’ve felt safe enough to share their experiences with, which is humbling and rewarding.”
Arantza de Jesus
(continuing Fellow from 2023-2024)
Serves at Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center
“When I joined this Fellowship in 2023, I thought I would gain professional experience, but I gained so much more. I grew professionally, but also personally. I have found a support group, a group where I exchange ideas and projects, a guidance group and most importantly, a family. Every Loretto Community member I have met has made me feel part of the Community. Every time I have had the opportunity to be in space with Loretto it has felt like a religious experience, especially when directed by Annie Rosenkranz. I’m proud and thankful to be a Justice Fellow. I can guarantee that the people I’ve met and experiences I’ve lived during these years have made me the person I am right now. Being here has offered so many opportunities, support and growth. I not only feel more prepared to be a better professional, but also a better person and advocate.”
Jose Gomez
Serves at Ciudad Nueva
“One of my intentions for this Fellowship year was to deepen my understanding of immigrant families and the challenges they face. I’ve made significant progress in this area, particularly through my research on youth immigration. My most formative experience so far has been working directly with families and hearing their stories. This has deepened my resolve to advocate for and be involved in social justice. I have identified ways to integrate social justice principles into my work and collaborate with colleagues on initiatives that promote equity and justice.”
Araceli Iglesias
Serves at Abara: Beyond Borders
“My time as a Loretto Justice Fellow has truly been transformative and impactful. I have gained numerous new experiences that have grounded me in the realities of social justice at the community level and beyond. Together with my other Fellows, we share a passion for working toward justice, particularly for migrant populations. I am thankful and blessed to be a part of this incredible Fellowship that has not only given me an outlet to serve my community, but has also created a special environment in which students come together for one common good, which is justice for all.”
Chelsea Le Vey
Serves at Estrella del Paso
“My passion for social justice is something that has always been within me; however, I was never in the right place or right time in my life to realize it. That is, until beginning my Fellowship. Something I have found this year is that it is easy when you’re just starting out to feel as though it’s you alone against the world, but getting to spend time with the other Loretto Justice Fellows, Loretto Community members and members of Loretto Link reminds me that I always have people who care just as much as I do and are willing to help me. As someone who struggled to ask for and accept help from anyone, I feel that this was an important lesson for me to learn and carry on with me.”
Sofia Quinones Segovia
Serves at Ciudad Nueva
“My role as a Loretto Justice Fellow working with youth in the Kids Create program at Ciudad Nueva allows me to offer them stability, encouragement and care: a reminder that safe, supportive spaces exist, and that they are deserving of such environments. The trust these children place in me, sharing their struggles and leaning on me as a resource, is something I hold with deep respect. I recognize the impact that even small actions, like listening, offering guidance or being there, can have. Each moment I spend with them reinforces my commitment to show up as someone who sees their potential, not their problems, and encourages them toward a path that avoids conflict and embraces growth.”
Alondra Rodriguez
Serves at Kelly Center for Hunger Relief
“My intentions for my Fellowship year are coming to life as I had envisioned. Both the Fellowship and my service at Kelly opened doors for me to see what I am capable of doing, and have provided learning experiences that have deepened my connection in community and my engagement in collaborative work. There are days when it can be both challenging and heartwarming, but I know that this is the path I was meant to follow. My experiences with the Fellowship and Kelly have been the best. And I will take these experiences, support and opportunities with me as I pursue my long-term goals.”
Anamaria Solis
Serves at Abara: Beyond Borders
“The Loretto Justice Fellowship has empowered me to recognize my voice and agency in shaping the future of my community. It has helped me realize that I belong in policy work — an area that once felt out of reach. Joining the Loretto Justice Fellowship has been crucial in bridging my passion for advocacy with my social work skills (such as community mobilization), setting me on the path toward meaningful, systemic change.”
Read more about the Justice Fellowship here, and each Loretto Justice Fellow here.
All photos on this post by Larissa Meza. To read all of the articles in the winter 2025 issue, click here.
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