About Us
Our Origin Story
Via International was founded in the 1970s in Tijuana, Mexico, with a simple mission: to support families living in poverty along the border. In those early days, our work focused on direct aid — collecting and distributing food, clothing, and supplies to meet immediate needs.
But as our founders spent more time in the neighborhoods they served, they discovered something powerful: real change begins from within a community. Rather than focusing on what people lacked, Via began to focus on what they already had — their strengths, their knowledge, and their capacity to lead.
This shift transformed Via into a grassroots development organization rooted in solidarity and empowerment. Through our promotora training programs, generations of women and youth have become local leaders, building stronger, more self-reliant communities.
When Via later moved its headquarters to San Diego’s historic Logan Heights, our work expanded north of the border — connecting neighbors, universities, and travelers in a shared mission of cross-border collaboration.
Today, nearly fifty years later, Via International (EIN: 95-2961670) continues to live out its founding vision as a nonprofit organization dedicated to building community from the inside out and strengthening the human connections that cross every border.
Our Community
Follow Us @ Via_Intl
Mission
We promote sustainable development by engaging and supporting leaders in emerging communities.
Vision
We envision a world where all people live in just, sustainable and healthy communities.
Method
We promote asset-based community development by empowering local leaders to build on existing strengths and drive their own transformation.
Values
Human Dignity
Social Justice
Peace
Self-Reliance
Sustainability
Human Formation
Community Development
Leadership
Meet Our Team
Executive Director
Molly Porth Cabrera
Molly Porth Cabrera is the Executive Director of Via International, where she leads with deep community roots and a proven record in strategic, financial, and organizational growth. Originally from Philadelphia, she first connected with Via as a college student during a Via GO border immersion—an experience that inspired her lifelong commitment to community development. Molly holds a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Pennsylvania and has worked across international development, health, education, and youth empowerment. While living in Mexico City for nine years, she founded a consulting practice supporting community-based initiatives and developed a bicultural perspective that shapes her leadership. At Via, she has launched and grown Somos La Voz, built impact frameworks, and strengthened resource development. A mother, jaranera, and mindfulness practitioner, Molly leads with beauty, balance, and joy as guiding values.
Program Director
Aida Renee Amador Aleman
Aida serves as Program Director at Via International, where she leads the strategic vision and implementation of bi national programs serving communities across the US Mexico border. A lifelong border resident, born in the United States and raised in Mexico, she brings a deeply bilingual, bicultural, and lived understanding of daily life in the borderlands. She joined in 2017 as Communications Coordinator and stepped into program leadership during the humanitarian response to the 2018 Central American Caravan in Tijuana. Since then, she has played a central role in strengthening cross border partnerships, guiding university immersion experiences, and advancing migrant led initiatives rooted in dignity and collaboration. She is a Kroc Border Fellow and is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Social Innovation at USD, where she received the Innovation Student Merit Award. She also holds a Diploma in Social Project Management Models from UNAM and a Bachelors degree in Communication from UABC. She is a proud mom of a young son and partner of a United States Marine.
Operations & Administrative Coordinator
Rubi Gonzalez
Rubi, originally from Tijuana, Mexico, experienced cross-border life from an early age after her family immigrated to San Diego. This unique upbringing fostered her deep appreciation for the richness and complexity of life between two cultures and inspired her commitment to sharing those experiences authentically. She holds bachelor’s degrees in business from institutions in both Mexico and the United States, reflecting her passion for applying creative problem-solving to global challenges in finance and international business. Dedicated to collaboration and innovation, Rubi brings a bicultural perspective to every project she undertakes. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, discovering new cultures, sharing coffee with friends, spending time with animals, and creating lasting memories with loved ones.
Family Outreach CoordinatorTeaching Artist, Somos La Voz
Claudia Snider
Claudia first connected with Via International’s work through Somos La Voz, feeling an immediate pull to participate—long before she realized how deeply the experience would shape her life. Born in México, she immigrated to the United States several decades ago and began her career in the hospitality industry. Over time, her path led her toward education, where she spent many years as a Spanish teacher and art instructor for elementary school students.
Through Somos La Voz, Claudia now brings together her lifelong passions for the Spanish language, visual art, dance, and Mexican cultural traditions, along with her deep commitment to working with young people. Her work with the program reflects her belief in the power of culture, creativity, and community to transform lives—starting with her own.
Music DirectorTeaching Artist,
Somos La Voz
Luis Castillo
Luis Castillo is a professional touring musician, composer, producer, engineer, and educator who began playing music at the age of six. With deep roots in traditional and global sounds, he brings a lifetime of experience and passion to his work as Musical Director and Son Jarocho teaching artist with Somos La Voz. After touring the globe for 17 years with several premiere San Diego bands, including P.O.D. (Payable on Death), Big Mountain, and Tribal Seeds, Luis is stoked to be giving back to the community through his teaching with SLV.
Luis’s favorite part of the program is its commitment to community and cultural restoration, teaching youth not only music but also leadership, identity, and ancestral wisdom. “It is our duty as elders,” he shares, “to plant the seeds that were once planted in us.”
His musical influences include Jorge Castillo, Brinsley Forde, Dennis Bovell, Patricio Hidalgo, and a spiritual connection to the Source. He finds inspiration in artists as diverse as Buena Vista Social Club, Django Reinhardt, Amadeus Mozart, and Aswad, reflecting the rich blend of traditions he brings to every classroom and stage.
Advisor and Culture Bearer
Somos La Voz
Jorge Castillo
Jorge Francisco Castillo is a GRAMMY award winning musician, cultural organizer, and founder of Fandango Fronterizo. Born in El Paso and raised in Juarez, he was inspired by his grandfather, a renowned trumpet player, to pursue a Bachelor’s in Classical Guitar. He discovered Son Jarocho in San Diego in 2007 and quickly immersed himself in the tradition, organizing local Fandangos and connecting musicians across borders.
In 2008, Jorge founded Fandango Fronterizo, an annual binational gathering where musicians share music across the U.S.-Mexico border. Over the years, it has grown into a symbol of justice, cultural resistance, and community unity. In 2024, Jorge served as a founding Somos La Voz Teaching Artist for Son Jarocho and now serves as a special advisor to the program. A respected Son Jarocho maestro, he plays a range of traditional instruments, including the jarana, requinto, leona, and marimbol, and continues to mentor new generations in this vibrant musical tradition.
Meet Our Board of Directors
Board Chair
Roxane Helstrom
Roxane Helstrom brings over 30 years of experience in marketing, communications, and fundraising. As Senior Strategic Advisor at the National Conflict Resolution Center, she leads content creation, grant writing, and strategic planning to advance the organization’s mission. Before joining NCRC, Roxane served as Development Director for Family Health Centers of San Diego, Pro Kids | The First Tee, and Canine Companions for Independence. In 2017, she founded Rocket Content, a consulting practice that has since secured more than $4 million in grant funding for clients. Roxane moved to San Diego in 2003 after successful roles at Conseco Finance in Minnesota and The Associates in Texas, later serving five years as Director of Marketing at Accredited Home Lenders. A proud member of the San Diego Downtown Breakfast Rotary Club, she also serves as secretary of its foundation and champions microfinance initiatives empowering women in Latin America.
Board Member
Dr. James Gerber
Dr. James Gerber retired in 2019 after more than three decades as Professor of Economics at San Diego State University. His areas of expertise include international economics, U.S.–Mexico economic relations, and Latin American economies. As Director of SDSU’s National Resource Center for Latin American Studies, he advanced international education and designed student programs in Mexico. In 2008, he co-authored Fifty Years of Change on the U.S.–Mexico Border, a landmark economic history examining both sides of the border from 1950 to 2000. His current research explores the evolution of economic integration in the border region throughout the 20th century. Dr. Gerber is also the author of International Economics, now in its 8th edition, and A Great Deal of Ruin: Financial Crises Since 1929 (2019). He has served as a visiting professor in Mexico and Canada, fostering cross-border academic collaboration and understanding.
Board Member
Dr. Nancy McGehee
Dr. Nancy Gard McGehee is the R.B. Pamplin Professor in the Howard Feiertag Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Virginia Tech’s Pamplin College of Business. Her research and teaching focus on innovation in community-centered tourism development, both in the U.S. and abroad. A recognized leader in her field, Nancy has received the Virginia Tech Alumni Award for Excellence in International Research and is a Fulbright Specialist Program Awardee. She was also named an Outstanding Woman in Travel Research by Women in Travel and Tourism International (WITTI).
Nancy serves as Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Travel Research with Professor Jim Petrick of Texas A&M University and sits on the Board of Directors of the Travel and Tourism Research Association, where she continues to advance scholarship in sustainable and community-based tourism.
Board Member
Matt Clausen
Matt Clausen serves with the Inter-American Foundation (IAF), a dynamic U.S. government agency that supports community-led development across Latin America and the Caribbean. He leads efforts to forge partnerships that expand the IAF’s technical and financial reach, advancing grassroots solutions to regional challenges. Previously, Matt was President of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA), advocating for human rights throughout the region and at the U.S. border. He also spent 15 years in senior leadership at Partners of the Americas, strengthening civil society and promoting citizen engagement and transparency. Matt helped found and later chaired the Building Bridges Coalition through the Brookings Initiative on International Volunteering and Service and led President Obama’s 100,000 Strong in the Americas Innovation Fund. He currently serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of the International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE).
Board Member
Lynn Hadley
Lynn Hadley graduated from the University of Texas, where she met her husband, Phil Hadley, who served on Via International’s Board for more than 35 years, including as Chair until 2022. Lynn devoted 30 years to teaching high school English and later worked in development and event planning for several private schools. She currently serves on the boards of Via International and Vida Joven, a nonprofit supporting orphanages in Tijuana and Baja California. Passionate about education and cultural exchange, Lynn and her husband ran a Spanish immersion program for American high school students in Guanajuato, Mexico, for seven summers. Since 1988, she has been deeply involved with Via—hosting events, serving on leadership committees, and joining international trips. Lynn now resides in San Diego, continuing her lifelong commitment to community, education, and cross-border connection.
Board Member
Rudy Maldonado
Rudy Maldonado serves as the Branch Manager and Assistant Vice President of the Coronado office, a leadership role he has proudly held for the past 12 years.
With 29 years of banking experience, Rudy brings a deep understanding of financial services and a strong commitment to promoting financial literacy within the community.
Originally from Monterey, California, Rudy also has meaningful ties to the Los Altos de Jalisco region of Mexico—connections that continue to influence his values and community-focused approach. He moved to San Diego 25 years ago where he earned his degree in Economics from San Diego State University, strengthening his expertise in financial analysis and economic principles.
Throughout his career, Rudy has dedicated himself to serving his local community. He leverages his extensive experience, cultural roots, and passion for financial education to empower individuals and families, always striving to deliver guidance with integrity, empathy, and professionalism.
Board Member
Heather McDanel
Heather McDanel is a foundation leader, consultant, and strategist with more than 20 years of experience building and strengthening mission-driven organizations. She is the founder of Amethyst Consulting, where she advises nonprofits on leadership transitions, strategic planning, governance, revenue development, organizational culture, and organizational growth. She currently serves on staff at the Independence Foundation, overseeing peer learning initiatives and facilitating leadership cohorts for executive directors, board chairs, and emerging nonprofit leaders.
Heather is best known as the founder and former Executive Director of Students Run Philly Style, which she led for 12 years. Under her leadership, the organization grew into one of Philadelphia’s largest youth development programs, serving more than 1,000 students annually across schools and community centers. Earlier in her career, she held leadership roles in public health and nonprofit advocacy at the National Nursing Centers Consortium. Heather holds a B.A. in Biology from Bloomsburg University and a Master of Public Health from Temple University. She brings extensive expertise in leadership development, organizational strategy, and nonprofit governance to Via International’s Board of Directors
Board Member
Mariela Jimenez Roberts
Mariela Jimenéz Roberts, CMP, brings more than 25 years of experience in event management, community engagement, and organizational partnership development. As founder and principal of HiGather Meetings & Events, she leads the design and execution of purpose-driven meetings, conferences, and events that foster meaningful connections and advance organizational missions.
Throughout her career, Mariela has held event and meeting planning roles with organizations including the American Cancer Society, the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Center, and Right Hand Events, specializing in creating impactful experiences that engage stakeholders and strengthen communities. Through HiGather, Mariela has partnered with Via International on event programming in the past, developing a deep appreciation for the organization's mission and the vibrant global community it serves. As a member of the Via International Board of Directors, she is honored to support efforts that promote cultural understanding, global citizenship, and international exchange.
Andrew Morikawa
Andy brings to the role years of experience gained as a career non-profit leader and founding director of the Community Foundation of the New River Valley. Andy has more than four decades of experience working with nonprofit boards as both a trustee and a CEO, as well as a consultant. Andy is currently IPG Senior Fellow at the Virginia Tech Institute for Policy and Governance (IPG), where he serves in the design and development of the Institute’s Community Voices program. Community Voices is a dialogue and research initiative that engages leaders of innovative social change in dialogue with community leaders, faculty, and students. He is also supporting the “Dialogue on Race” and “Conversation New River Valley”, two innovative, community-wide efforts for social change in his home community, Virginia’s New River Valley. Andy has also taught for Virginia Tech’s Urban Affairs and Planning Department and has served on the Board for Community Housing Partners, a leader in affordable housing serving a seven state area in the southeastern US.
Amy Komorowski
Amy is an elementary school teacher in Chula Vista, CA with a passion for facilitating community development as well as self development through cultural exchange. After spending several years abroad, Amy learned that combining meaningful volunteer work for both the participant and local communities can be very rewarding for all. By combining these experiences with her studies in tourism and international development, she has developed a philosophy around building social capital within communities and is excited to continue working within her passion with Via.
Meet Our Advisors
Dr. Elizabeth Reed is Associate Professor of global health at San Diego State University and Adjunct Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of California, San Diego. Trained in social epidemiology, she conducts research related to the intersection of gender inequality, poverty, and health. Specifically, she focuses her research on the social and economic factors influencing gender-based violence and sexual/reproductive health outcomes, including HIV/STI as well as adolescent and unintended pregnancy. She uses the findings of her research to support the development of public health programming to promote economic opportunity, health, and safety. Her research is based in the US, Latin America, South Asia, and Africa.
Dr. Elizabeth Reed
Raquel Palma
Raquel has worked within the organization for 19 years before retiring, then continued her connection with Via in recent years through volunteer service at our headquarters in San Diego. Having grown up in Logan Heights (where Via’s offices are located), she is deeply connected to the community and issues that make Barrio Logan unique. Raquel’s personal history with the organization, the community, and her previous work in the private sector all make her a wonderful addition to Via's advisors. When not doting on her kids and grandkids, you can find Raquel reading, drawing, in a yoga class or traveling the world!
Rigo Reyes
As Community Development Director, Rigo Reyes develops and coordinates community engagement and leadership training for residents in marginal areas of San Diego and Tijuana and manages our Border Immersion program for students visiting San Diego. He is a long-time social justice advocate whose work is rooted in early childhood experiences growing up on the U.S.-Mexico border, attending United Farm Workers of America rallies and listening to Cesar Chavez while playing marbles. When he was 12-years-old he rode his bike 17 miles each way from his San Ysidro neighborhood to San Diego’s Logan Heights to witness the land take-over of Chicano Park, and has been a strong community empowerment advocate ever since. Reyes has been a member of the Chicano Park Steering Committee for nearly four decades, has been lowriding since the mid-1970s, and is a founding member of the Amigos Car Club.
Tom Melchior
Tom Melchior brings fifty years of experience in law, education and business as an advisor to Via International on legal matters. A graduate of Duke University, then the University of Michigan Law School, he also holds a Master’s Degree in Theology from University of San Diego. Tom practiced law in Los Angeles and San Diego for several years before changing direction and entering the tuna fishing industry as the operator of a fleet of purse seiners fishing for tuna in both the Eastern Tropical Pacific and Western Pacific regions. Through the course of that activity, he engaged in years of business with private and government entities in Mexico, Central and South America as well as several Western Pacific Island countries, spending much time in both regions, as well as Europe and Japan. After selling his interests in the fishing industry, Tom again changed directions and became engaged in education as a teacher and coach at both the Middle School and High School levels, a vocation which remains close to his heart. He currently serves as Chairman of a community bank he founded twenty years ago. Tom resides with his wife Sandy in La Jolla. He is the proud father of three adult daughters who have gifted him and Sandy with four grandchildren living in San Diego, Los Angeles and Connecticut.
