www.borderlinks.org

Women on the Border Event Celebrates 25 Years of Work in the Community

Thanks to all of our supporters, both near and far, who made our 2013 Women on the Border and 25th Anniversary celebration a success!

The community came together to celebrate the impact of persistent and powerful women in the borderlands and to kick-off our 25th Anniversary of providing Educational Excellence in the borderlands. View the Awards Booklet here. 

Shared Board Co-Presidents Ken Kennon and Randy Mayer, "One of the themes that has been a bedrock foundation at BorderLinks is: The journey is made by walking.  Over the past 25 years, BorderLinks has done a lot of walking: with sisters and brothers across the border looking for work, with delegations searching for justice, with faith groups looking for deeper understanding.  The journey has been long and wide, wild and crazy, it has been energizing and breathtaking, it has been challenging and weary, but every step has been well worth it.  As Co-Presidents, we give thanks this day for those who envisioned and worked hard for the ‘journey’—it has changed lives beyond our wildest imaginations."

The night started out with our Sweet and Savory Auction, including gift certificates to local businesses Borderlands Brewing Company, Lovin’ Spoonfuls Vegetarian Restaurant, Food Conspiracy Co-op, Beyond Bread, and Delectables Restaurant and home-baked goodies. Staff members Nancy Cordova and Alex Devoid shared their musical talents while friends mingled and had time to catch up with each other.  We also enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by our staff and volunteers, with a special dish from Maya Quetzal, a Guatemalan restaurant that BorderLinks has partnered with over the years.

Later in the evening, Education Director Margi Ault-Duell, warmly introduced Lupe Castillo as the 2013 Women on the Border Honoree.  Lupe was born in Tucson and has lived in its barrios most of her life. Her family has been in the Borderlands region for generations. She has been involved in human/civil rights and immigration/border struggles since the 1960s, principally with the many compañer@s of the Chicano Movement, El Concilio Manzo, Sanctuary, Pueblo Por La Paz, Borderlands Theater, Derechos Humanos, Samaritans, No More Deaths, BorderLinks, Migrant Trail and all the present activities that lead us to peace and justice. Lupe taught history and Chican@ Studies at Pima College.  Lupe Castillo is one of our community partners who shares her knowledge, stories, and wisdom with our participants. Her ability to deeply engage us all in questions about history, justice, human rights, and human experience is remarkable. She is a living example of BorderLinks’ educational philosophy that action and reflection go hand in hand.

Jeannette Pazos, the Executive Director of HEPAC in Nogales, Sonora, presented Engracia Guzman with the 2013 Esperanza y Paz Award for her community work on the border.   Engracia sets an example of love, struggle, passion, and perseverance as a pillar of the community work at HEPAC.  She is a volunteer at the Kid’s Camps, for the Children’s Food Security Program, and is Chair of the Women’s Cooperative. BorderLinks and HEPAC are proud to honor the community building and generosity of spirit present in the life of Engracia.

The night ended with a silent puppetry presentation by Maki Maki Theater called Earth Threads, that touched the hearts of many with themes of migration, disconnection, and mother earth.  We were also blessed to have Lerry Chase with us, who shared  a message of support and encouragement from BorderLinks’ first Director, Rick Ufford-Chase.

Special thanks to all of our volunteers who helped with the set-up, auction, food, serving, and much more.  BorderLinks is thankful to have been a part of such a wonderful community for the past 25 years and looks forward to the years ahead.

For information on past events, see below:
Women on the Border 2012
Women on the Border 2011
Women on the Border 2010
Women on the Border 2009