Loretto Justice Fellowship thrives

Facing the unique challenges of our times with determination and resolve, the Loretto Justice Fellowship program welcomes its largest cohort to date with 16 Fellows serving with eight partner organizations in El Paso. The fellows come from the communities they serve, driven by their own experiences toward mission-driven careers, and range in age from 19 to 48; they have experienced housing and food insecurity, substance abuse and disability. They are first-generation college students, come from immigrant families, are mothers and justice-seekers.

Our Fellowship’s model proves transformative. The Fellowship doesn’t just prepare future changemakers — it sustains them. Fellows have consistently reported profound growth in self-awareness, leadership and their ability to collaborate across lines of difference.

Placement partner organizations have affirmed that fellows significantly and meaningfully expand their organizations’ capacity to serve, while university collaborators note stronger leadership and commitment to justice.

With deeper partnerships, stronger networks and firm resolve, the Loretto Justice Fellowship is not just surviving these times — it’s thriving. The future is hopeful for those called to walk together in the work of justice.

In the photo at top, our 2025-2026 Justice Fellows pose during our recent orientation at Loretto Academy in El Paso; front row, from left, are Leslie Sanchez, Carolina Cardoza-Herrera, Stephanie Menchey, Astrid Ochoa; second row: Deb Ledesma, Layla Rivera, Genesis Rodriguez, Daniela Felix, Ashley Vallecillo; third row: Giulianna Alcantarapalai, Maxine Perez, Elizabeth O’Hara, Candice Licon, Luna Palacios; top row: Edward Smith, Saul Gutierrez.

To read all of the articles in the fall 2025 issue click here.