Keynote Speaker, Elia Hernandez-Moreno
National Program Director of Communication Across Barriers
Elia is the author of “Living Intentionally,” a book that depicts her own personal journey and hard earned insights on the importance of adding value to the lives of others in just 90 seconds. She is also author of newly published “Permission to Rest” a guide book that takes you from Compassion Fatigue to Compassion Satisfaction. She serves as the National Program Director for Dr. Donna M. Beegle's organization, Communication Across Barriers, a national and international consulting firm that serves professionals, organizations, and communities on breaking the cycle of poverty in America.
Serving People on the Margins Sessions
INCLUSION OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES - NEW HOPE OF INDIANA
Allison Wharry
Allison has served as CEO of New Hope of Indiana since September 2014. Allison is dedicated to serving individuals with disabilities and is proud of all of the associates and volunteers who work together to continue New Hope’s longstanding dedication to excellence. Prior to working with New Hope, she was the Vice President and Chief Advocacy Officer for St. Vincent Health and served as Vice President for Government Relations at the Indiana Hospital and Health Association. Allison has degrees from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and Indiana University School of Law. Allison describes herself as a lawyer by training but a social worker at heart. Austin earned a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University, an MDiv from Lincoln Christian Seminary, and a DMin from Asbury Theological Seminary. His dissertation aims to solve the ministry problem of mobilizing Christians and Churches into neighborhood revitalization as an expression of Jesus' ministry to marginalized neighbors. Austin remains a practitioner and coach of other neighborhood-based organizations. He is the author or co-author of five books, the latest Neighborhoods & Jesus is a culmination of the learnings, failings, and practices that help the people of God join with the mission of God.
Jenny Pfeil
Jenny has served as a nonprofit professional for over 14 years and currently serves as the Director of Fund Development for New Hope of Indiana. Throughout her career, Jenny’s focus has been to help organizations amplify their mission and raise money in support of it. She and her teams have raised millions of dollars to address some of central Indiana’s most urgent social service needs. She is passionate about helping underserved populations tell their stories and have a voice. Outside of work she is avid Chicago Cubs fan and enjoys spending time with her spaniels Beau and Bella.
Sister Francine Brown, D.C.
Sr. Francine Brown has been a Daughter of Charity for forty-two years and has been involved with and for individuals with Intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families for approx. forty-five years. She has been associated with New Hope of Indiana since 1987. For three years she oversaw the purchase, renovation, and/or construction of thirty single-family accessible homes mostly in and around Indianapolis, Indiana for New Hope. Sr. Francine is currently an Emeritus Board member of New Hope of Indiana as well as serving as a volunteer.
TRAFFICKING 101
Nicole Schiff - Paso del Norte
Nicole Schiff is the Executive Director of Paso del Norte Center of Hope and responsible for the facilitation and oversight of the El Paso Anti-Human Trafficking Coalition since 2020. Ms. Schiff serves as an affiliate of the Human Trafficking Prevention Task Force run by the Office of the Attorney General of Texas. She also serves on the Region 10 – Child Death Review Committee with the Department of Family and Protective Services, the Family Leadership Council of the El Paso Behavioral Health Consortium, the El Paso Child Abuse Prevention Coalition, and the Brain Trust Network. She joined the FBI - El Paso Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBIEPCAAA) after graduation from the FBI – El Paso Division’s Citizens Academy Program in 2023. She was a graduate of the El Paso Chamber Leadership – Class 44 in 2023 and the fourth cohort of the Paso del Norte Executive Leadership program, “REALIZE” in 2017-2018. Ms. Schiff holds a Masters’ Degree in Public Health and a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration. She is a trained facilitator of Motivational Interviewing for professionals serving Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Youth (CSEY) populations through the Train the Trainer program provided by Baylor University, Diana R. Garland School of Social Work.
THE GIFT OF IMMIGRANTS - CHANGING THE NARRATIVE
Sister Denise LaRock, D.C. - Facilitator
Sister Denise LaRock has been a Daughter of Charity for going on 32 years. She was an elementary school teacher for 17 years and during that time began working the children of Spanish-speaking immigrants. In more recent years, Sister Denise has been serving asylum seekers in San Antonio and engaging in advocacy.
Marisa Limón Garza - Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center
Marisa Limón Garza is a native of the US/Mexico borderland region who currently serves as the executive director of Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center, a 37-year-old organization dedicated to serving those at the intersection of poverty and immigration. Las Americas is a binational legal service provider with a geographic footprint of El Paso, TX, Ciudad Juárez, México and southern New Mexico. Marisa’s thoughtful leadership has been featured in The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, The Dallas Morning News, Democracy Now, National Public Radio, and The Hill. Marisa holds a master’s in education and bachelor’s in English and Spanish literature from the University of Notre Dame and a certificate in nonprofit management from Georgetown University.
Melissa Lopez - Estrella del Paso
Melissa M. Lopez, Executive Director/Attorney at Law at Estrella del Paso (formerly Diocesan Migrant & Refugee Services, Inc. “DMRS”), was born and raised in El Paso. She graduated from Coronado High School, and later earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science with a Minor in Professional Writing and Rhetoric from the University of Texas at El Paso in May 2004. After graduating from UTEP, Ms. Lopez attended law school at the University of Texas School of Law graduating with a Doctor of Jurisprudence in May 2007. Upon graduating, Ms. Lopez returned to her native El Paso to work as a Staff Attorney at Diocesan Migrant & Refugee Services, Inc. She has been a practicing immigration attorney ever since. In her early days at DMRS, she represented individuals in removal (deportation) proceedings, especially survivors of Domestic Violence. Ms. Lopez received the El Paso Bar Association’s Professionalism Award in 2011. In September 2012, she assumed the role of Interim Executive Director and, in February 2013, the Executive Director. During her tenure, the size of the Estrella del Paso staff has more than doubled. She is in high demand to present topics on immigration both locally and nationally, including presentations at the 2013 Spring Conference for the Dallas Society for Social Work Leadership in Health Care, the 2016 Texas Poverty Law Conference, and the 2019 American Immigration Lawyers Association National Conference. She regularly presents at the Mexican Consulate, other community presentations, and many similar addresses. She hosted a weekly radio show, Amor al Migrante, which aired on the Bridge, El Paso’s Catholic Radio Station, for over two years. www.estrelladelpaso.org Estrella del Paso (formerly Diocesan Migrant & Refugee Services, Inc. “DMRS”) is the largest provider of free immigration-related legal services in West Texas and New Mexico. Established in 1986, Estrella del Paso provides a comprehensive range of legal representation and advocacy services to the immigrant community. These services include providing representation in family-based immigration cases, to survivors of domestic violence, trafficking and other crimes, to individuals seeking United States Citizenship, to individuals before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) who are in removal (deportation) proceedings, and to unaccompanied minor children. In addition, Estrella del Paso provides Know-Your-Rights presentations to individuals, including unaccompanied minor children, detained in the local immigration detention centers and shelters. In addition to providing direct legal representation to its clients, Estrella del Paso’ staff attorneys and accredited representatives conduct outreach presentations to the immigrant community to educate the community as to the protections and benefits available to them under the law. By 1997, Estrella del Paso had served over 150,000 immigrants and their families in various stages of the immigration process. Currently, Estrella del Paso serves more than 30,000 individuals every year
Sister Meggie Flores, D.C. - Diocese of Charleston Hispanic Ministry
Sr. Migdalia was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut in Saint Vincent’s Hospital. She has been a Daughter of Charity of St. Vincent for 40 years. She has a Diploma in Pastoral Catechetical Theology of the Pontifical University of Puerto Rico, a BA in Elementary Education of the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, and an MBA in Accounting also from the Interamerican University. She has served in various ministries and settings. After living in Puerto Rico for 39 years, 10 years ago she returned to the United States and has served most of her time among migrant populations. She worked 5 years in El Paso, Texas where she discovered her passion of working with Migrant and Refugees. In El Paso she worked with elderly homeless migrant women in “Casa de las Abuelitas”, at the Pastoral Center Shelter receiving Migrants, at the INM (Instituto National de Migración), “Casa del Migrante” in Juarez, Mexico receiving the Migrants that were being sent back to Mexico (MPPers Migrant Protection Protocol), and in DRMS now known as Estrella del Paso with the Unaccompanied Minors. She was missioned to South Carolina in 2021 to start with two other Daughters from scratch a house and ministry for the seasonal Migrant Farmworkers with H2A visas and migrants working in chicken processing farms. Sr. Meggie as we all know her lives in love with Jesus, her vocation, and the poor, she has the honor to humbly serve. She states: “When I look at a Migrant, I see a migrating God, I see humanity, I see creation evolving, I see the history of salvation, of the church, of our Little Company and my personal story. The universe and all of us are in constant migration. That’s why I believe: Todos somos migrantes” (We are all migrants)”.
Grantee Networking and Discussion by Focus Area
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND ADVOCACY
Austin Maxheimer - Community One
Austin Maxheimer has been a practitioner of neighborhood revitalization for over twelve years, the last seven serving as the Neighborhood Revitalization Director for Community One. He began participating in neighborhood work through his local church as they began an engagement initiative alongside marginalized neighbors within a disinvested neighborhood. It was through this work that his own understanding of Christian outreach and mission was transformed into a more wholistic expression that has become Community One’s Love Your Neighborhood framework and approach to neighborhood revitalization. Austin earned a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University, an MDiv from Lincoln Christian Seminary, and a DMin from Asbury Theological Seminary. His dissertation aims to solve the ministry problem of mobilizing Christians and Churches into neighborhood revitalization as an expression of Jesus' ministry to marginalized neighbors. Austin remains a practitioner and coach of other neighborhood-based organizations. He is the author or co-author of five books, the latest Neighborhoods & Jesus is a culmination of the learnings, failings, and practices that help the people of God join with the mission of God.
HOMELESS/HOUSING
Jessica Lovell - Depaul USA (photo unavailable)
Jessica graduated from Tulane University School of Social Work in 2015 with an MSW. While working towards her Masters degree she completed a yearlong internship at the Harry Tompson Center (HTC). Jessica quickly fell in love with the work she was doing with the homeless community as well as fell in love with the Rebuild Center. She realized this work was more of a calling and an honor and less of a job. Jessica worked as a case worker for HTC for three and a half years, including her internship, where she housed over 50 people in Permanent Supportive Housing and Rapid Rehousing programs, including Depaul USA’s RRCHI and Coming Home programs. Over the years she became well-known in community and many people came into Rebuild Center asking for Ms. Jessica’s help. Jessica started working for Depaul USA in 2018 as director. She is committed to the mission of ending homelessness and changing the lives of those affected by it and demonstrates this commitment through innovative work in the New Orleans community. Jessica oversees three housing programs that serve 50 people in housing in New Orleans. At the Rebuild Center, she hosts a wellness program that aims to address the underlying issues of trauma, PTSD, and other root causes of homelessness and suffering that prevent people from making positive changes in their lives. Since 2021, wellness has taken a large focus and has become a yin and yang with homelessness. Wellness helps people learn to make a home within themselves and find their gratitude so that we can then better help people with the physical space of housing. Jessica was born and raised in New Orleans. She enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and especially her son, Cyrus. She loves the New Orleans Saints, as most New Orleanians do, and also loves going on road trips to Pearl Jam concerts and the beach. Some of her other favorite hobbies include kayaking, photography, music festivals, and art. At the age of 17, Jessica was in a car accident that left her paralyzed and wheelchair bound. That accident taught many valuable lessons, most notably lessons of resilience, overcoming adversity, and how a weakness can also be a strength. Jessica now understands her disability to be a strength which motivates and helps empower many people whose paths she crosses.
IMMIGRATION/REFUGEE SERVICES
Melissa Lopez - Estrella del Paso
Melissa M. Lopez, Executive Director/Attorney at Law at Estrella del Paso (formerly Diocesan Migrant & Refugee Services, Inc. “DMRS”), was born and raised in El Paso. She graduated from Coronado High School, and later earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science with a Minor in Professional Writing and Rhetoric from the University of Texas at El Paso in May 2004. After graduating from UTEP, Ms. Lopez attended law school at the University of Texas School of Law graduating with a Doctor of Jurisprudence in May 2007. Upon graduating, Ms. Lopez returned to her native El Paso to work as a Staff Attorney at Diocesan Migrant & Refugee Services, Inc. She has been a practicing immigration attorney ever since. In her early days at DMRS, she represented individuals in removal (deportation) proceedings, especially survivors of Domestic Violence. Ms. Lopez received the El Paso Bar Association’s Professionalism Award in 2011. In September 2012, she assumed the role of Interim Executive Director and, in February 2013, the Executive Director. During her tenure, the size of the Estrella del Paso staff has more than doubled. She is in high demand to present topics on immigration both locally and nationally, including presentations at the 2013 Spring Conference for the Dallas Society for Social Work Leadership in Health Care, the 2016 Texas Poverty Law Conference, and the 2019 American Immigration Lawyers Association National Conference. She regularly presents at the Mexican Consulate, other community presentations, and many similar addresses. She hosted a weekly radio show, Amor al Migrante, which aired on the Bridge, El Paso’s Catholic Radio Station, for over two years. www.estrelladelpaso.org Estrella del Paso (formerly Diocesan Migrant & Refugee Services, Inc. “DMRS”) is the largest provider of free immigration-related legal services in West Texas and New Mexico. Established in 1986, Estrella del Paso provides a comprehensive range of legal representation and advocacy services to the immigrant community. These services include providing representation in family-based immigration cases, to survivors of domestic violence, trafficking and other crimes, to individuals seeking United States Citizenship, to individuals before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) who are in removal (deportation) proceedings, and to unaccompanied minor children. In addition, Estrella del Paso provides Know-Your-Rights presentations to individuals, including unaccompanied minor children, detained in the local immigration detention centers and shelters. In addition to providing direct legal representation to its clients, Estrella del Paso’ staff attorneys and accredited representatives conduct outreach presentations to the immigrant community to educate the community as to the protections and benefits available to them under the law. By 1997, Estrella del Paso had served over 150,000 immigrants and their families in various stages of the immigration process. Currently, Estrella del Paso serves more than 30,000 individuals every year
EDUCATION
Roberta Trost - Sr. Thea Bowman Catholic School
Roberta Trost has over 25 years of experience with a diverse background in operations, management, business development, client services and supporting not for profits with fund development. She has partnered with both internal and external clients in diverse roles in professional service organizations including human services, healthcare organizations and education. She has worked as a consultant and fund development professional with Christian counseling service organizations, Department of Special Education systems and supports the development efforts at Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School in East St. Louis. In her role in fund development, Roberta focuses her efforts on grant writing, identifying and cultivating individual and corporate donors as well as supporting various fund raising events and marketing. Roberta’s passion is to support children and families to help eliminate poverty through education. She serves to support the operating budgets so that organizations can remain focused on helping children with their education and life skill needs. Roberta was previously employed by the Archdiocese of St. Louis-Department of Special Education, Advanced ICU Care telemedicine company and Right Management an international talent management and career transition consulting firm. Roberta holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Leadership from Maryville University, St. Louis. She has served as Board member for the Department of Administration and Policy for SIUE Edwardsville and Board Director of Membership for the Healthcare Business Women’s Association. Roberta currently serves on the board of Sister Thea Bowman.
Julius B Anthony - St. Louis Black Authors of Children's Literature
Julius B. Anthony is President and Founder of St. Louis Black Authors of Children’s Literature and The Believe Projects®. Julius believes that every child has the basic human right to read. He says when children have access to images and literacy that reflects their cultural experiences, they will see themselves and read, laugh, learn, sing, become well and be filled with joy!
As a member of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, I have been assigned as a Case Manager for the Trafficking Victims Assistance Program, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington, DC. Each prior ministry of my life as a Daughter has culminated in the gifts and skills needed for this present graced service. The opportunity allows for accompaniment of persons from all over the world. Persons whose self and personal dignity has been severely traumatized by their trafficker. One begins with safety and basic necessities, sincere acceptance and warm listening, followed by resources to enable legal status in the USA. Most important is the trusting relationship that undergirds the person’s gradual growth into self-sufficiency and productive citizenship contributing to the betterment of the USA society. It is the privilege of representing the heart and mercy of Jesus Christ to His suffering children.
HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Sister Mary Jean Doyle, D.C. - Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Washington DC
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT - JOB TRAINING
Rose Chadwick - Momentum Advisory Ambassadors
Rose Chadwick is passionate about youth justice, having experienced the system firsthand and being unable to advocate for herself. She sees the need for change in juvenile facilities to help youth rehabilitate and sees being an advocate as one of her most significant accomplishments. Her favorite quote is, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that" by MLK Jr. Rose wants to use her voice to speak out and make sure she and others are heard. Her most recent accomplishment is receiving a college scholarship from the North Texas Coalition Against Human Trafficking to pursue a career in the dental field. Rose found Café Momentum through her therapist's recommendation. While at Café Momentum, she excelled as a server and learned valuable skills. With the help of her case manager, who served as a positive role model, Rose overcame many obstacles. I want to make people know they are worthy of being protected
Tristyn Williams - Momentum Advisory Ambassadors
Tristyn Williams' journey with the Café Momentum program proves that transformation is possible when the necessary tools and support systems are in place for young people. At just 15 years old and still in detention, Tristyn learned she was pregnant. Upon release, and while caring for her mother, who was battling cancer, Tristyn found Café Momentum. As an intern and with unwavering determination, Tristyn received her high school diploma, focused on personal character development, and became the mother she wanted to be for her son. Tristyn also discovered a passion for pastry and plans to continue her education in culinary arts. When Tristyn was asked how she views herself, she responded, "I came here and figured out my career plan, built a means of living for my child. I've become more social and aware of my decisions' impact on my life." I want to create a space for people to feel heard and safe enough to learn, grow and fail, while learning to love themselves unconditionally in the process
BASIC NEEDS - HUMAN SERVICES
Mary Kay Meeks - Face to Face
Mary Kay Meeks-Hank came to Face to Face in 2007 as the Director of Operations. She has been the Executive since 2009. Her commitment to Face to Face, to the broader Germantown community, and to those living in poverty is unwavering. Her years at Face to Face have engaged her on every level and here she has the privilege of “walking the walk” with the guests, staff and volunteers at Face to Face. Over the years, Face to Face has become her second home and its’ people – guests, staff, board, and volunteers - her second family. The three words that she would choose to describe Face to Face are hospitality, mutuality, and transformation. She graduated from Fordham University in 1993 with a Master’s Degree in Sociology, Research and Planning and from Chestnut Hill College in 1987 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. She received Certification in Executive Leadership from the Nonprofit Executive Leadership Institute at Bryn Mawr College in November 2010.
Keynote Speaker, Susan Burton
Founder of A New Way of Life (ANWOL)
Ms. Burton struggled to rise above a life of poverty, violence, and loss. As a way to cope, she fell harder into substance misuse and became enmeshed in the cycle of mass incarceration for nearly two decades. After being released from prison for the sixth time, Ms. Burton was finally able to access recovery services in an affluent area of Los Angeles. There she discovered and embraced opportunities that were never offered before. Determined to bring those resources to areas plagued by poverty and over-incarceration, Ms. Burton founded A New Way of Life (ANWOL) in 1998.
Nathaniel Fields - Director of Homeless Services for NOLA (Homeless)
LIved Experience on the Margins Panel
Mr. Nate Fields currently works as the Director of Homeless Services and Strategies for the Mayor's office of New Orleans and is the former Vice President of Public Space Maintenance for Downtown Partnership of Baltimore where he had a team of twenty-five employees whose services ensure downtown Baltimore is a clean, safe, and welcoming place. Nate's professional background includes 20 years of experience providing outreach services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness, mental health treatment, and family strengthening training. Prior to his current position, Nate developed the first outreach team and citywide outreach strategies for the Mayor's Office of Human Services in Baltimore, MD. He also has experience training staff and managing services at a foster care agency and has worked as a rehabilitation counselor. Nate obtained a bachelor’s degree from Bowie State University. Nate is a proud Baltimore City native and is tremendously committed to serving people in his community and has dedicated his life to ensuring that every person has the opportunity to realize their dreams. He has a special passion for serving people who are experiencing homelessness due to his own experience successfully overcoming these same challenges.
Ann Marie Jones - Dawn's Place (Trafficking)
Former resident and graduate of Dawn’s Place, Ann Marie brings a unique perspective from the wisdom she has gained through her journey of transformation from human trafficking victim to healer. Ann Marie initiated and developed a Twelve Step sexual exploitation recovery group. Because of her life experience, Ann Marie has expertise that professional training cannot replicate. She can assist the residents in articulating their goals for recovery and healing and support them in advocating for themselves to obtain effective services.
Marvion Dean - Youth Leader in East St. Louis (Marginalized Community)
Marvion Dean is a 23 year old native of East St. Louis and one of the founding members of Leaving Our Voices Everywhere (LOVE). He is a chef, gardener, and youth development professional passionate about holistic health and improving his community. He has worked in the youth programs at Mt. Sinai Family Center.
Maria (Coni) Lara - El Paso Villa Maria (Immigration Experience)
My name is Maria A. (Coni) Gutierrez (Lara). I was born in Santa Maria del Rio, a small town in San Luis Potosí, MX. I am Sociologist, from UTEP. I am currently the Executive Director of El Paso Villa Maria, a nonprofit who serves women. I work to improve the life of women affected by alcohol and drug addiction, domestic violence and women whom I call the survivors of el camino (immigrants). We provide the essential services to empower them toward stable housing and independent living. "I come from a family of 14 sisters and brothers. I am the third one who came to the US and the only one remaining here. Before coming to this country, I migrated from my hometown to Ciudad Juarez and from there I, through marriage, came to the US, in a way, I was living the American Dream. I got divorced and ended up unhoused, fortunately, for some at the border, it is easy to go back to your family. I came back later and started my master’s degree in Sociology. As an immigrant with little knowledge of the language, I was told that it would take me a life to finish the program. While in the masters, I became unhoused again, but since I was attending school and the long lines at the border kept me from going back to Juarez, I ended up living in my car. Fighting for Duranguito, a Mexican historical barrio downtown El Paso, I found the opportunity to stay there. Toñita, the last Duranguito warrior, let me spend so many nights in her apartment. After struggling with the language, and I still am, I graduated from UTEP. I wrote my thesis in Spanish, my mother tongue, I thought a language would not stop me from moving forward, I fought to write in this language, and I won, I was told that the only ones allowed to write in Spanish were the PHD students, I never understood this. I am now the director of Villa Maria, teaching a Sociology class at EPCC (El Paso Community College) for about ten years now and advocating for women who need support to make it in this life."
