Loretto Justice Fellowship empowers students to serve with heart and soul

To work alongside others who are committed to empowering every person seeking assistance and using their expertise to provide relief, justice and hope to the most vulnerable is one of the biggest privileges I’ve stepped into.

Maxine Perez

The Loretto Justice Fellowship has risen to face the challenges of our times. Amidst federal funding cuts and policy changes that hit the nonprofit sector and marginalized communities incredibly hard, our Fellows’ efforts have expanded. By the end of our current program year, 16 Loretto Justice Fellows will have contributed over 7,700 hours of service with eight El Paso-based social justice organizations.

What excites me most about being part of the 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.

Astrid Ochoa

We’ve created innovative community development programming and enhanced support services for people experiencing homelessness; those navigating the immigration justice system and detention; youth and families; and people struggling with substance abuse, addiction and mental health challenges.

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.

Layla Rivera

Loretto Justice Fellows

Giulianna Alcantarapalai
Carolina Cardoza-Herrera
Daniela Felix
Saul Gutierrez
Deborah Ledesma
Candice Licon
Stephanie Menchey
Elizabeth O’Hara
Luna Palacios
Maxine Perez
Astrid Ochoa
Layla Rivera
Génesis Rodriguez
Leslie Sanchez
Edward Smith
Ashley Vallecillo

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. … 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.

Deborah Ledesma

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.

– Daniela Felix

Loretto Justice Fellows attend these academic institutions:

University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso Community College, New Mexico State University

… and serve these nonprofit organizations:

Abara, Aliviane, Ciudad Nueva, Estrella del Paso, Las Americas Immigrant, Adocacy Center, The Opportunity Center for the Homeless, Philosophic Systems Institute, Villa Maria

Stepping outside of my comfort zone opened the door to new opportunities, relationships and experiences that shaped me in ways I never expected, while reminding me of the importance of community, compassion and human connection.

Génesis Rodriguez, Loretto Justice Fellowship program coordinator

I came into this experience hopeful but unsure of what to expect, and now, looking back, I realize how profoundly it has shaped me — personally, professionally and spiritually. I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to be part of a community that is grounded in love, justice, compassion and meaningful service.

Candice Licon

There are not enough words to express the gratitude I feel to have found the Loretto Community where I feel loved, seen, heard and taken care of in a time of my life where I needed it the most. Thanks to their support, I am able to chase my dream of helping immigrant communities through healing. … I cannot wait to continue to be a part of this community for the rest of my life, seeing how my place in the community evolves through time. I am grateful as well for the retreat at the Loretto Motherhouse where we were able to escape from hectic everyday life and learn from others who have dedicated their lives to serving various communities. It was such a transformative experience, something that reaffirmed my commitment and love to social justice. When it may feel that the world is against us or falling apart, we have a community that we can fall back on that can uplift us. It was so refreshing to laugh and cry and experience the beauty of the sisterhood together.

Giulianna Alcantarapalai

Read all of the articles in the summer 2026 issue of Loretto Magazine.