Message from Via's New Executive Director

In 2010, as a soon-to-be college graduate, I led a group of classmates from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia on a service immersion trip to San Diego. For a year we had planned to travel to Mexicali/Tecate, Mexico, but at the last minute, our university risk manager prohibited our crossing due to rising cartel violence. Instead, we found ourselves immersed in San Diego’s vibrant border community. We visited a migrant shelter, learned about Chicano lowriding and graffiti as resistance, painted a mural, dialogued with Kumeyaay leaders, toured the border wall, and shared meals with Promotoras from Tijuana. I fell in love with this city, this region, and the promise of a more beautiful world through community development work.

Fifteen years later, the organization that first welcomed me — Via International — celebrates its 50th anniversary of impact in the binational border region with a milestone leadership transition.

As I step into the role of Executive Director, I honor the work of my elders, most especially Elisa Sabatini. Over nearly three decades, Elisa cultivated the good in every person and situation — whether launching a microfinance program, counseling grassroots leaders, standing with women in the colonias of Tijuana, baking bread with women leaders, or mentoring staff. Elisa also cultivated the good in me, identifying my leadership potential and guiding me as I grew my portfolio within Via.

I also recognize the significant challenges of leading a nonprofit today — financial pressures, closures, and censorship alongside great community need. The road will not be easy, but our presence is needed now more than ever.

Indeed, Via continues to accomplish so much in community with YOU:

• Opening Comunidad de Luz, a migrant shelter for women and children in Tijuana, in partnership with the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego.

• Supporting youth healing and empowerment through Somos La Voz — intergenerational art and music programming that helps young people reclaim identity, build confidence, and engage in cultural healing.

• Engaging women leaders in culinary healing through Pan y Paz, now set to provide fresh-baked bread in youth detention centers across the county.

• Partnering with Los Niños de Baja California to deliver microfinance programs to women in Baja California.

• Hosting groups through ViaGO border immersions and piloting Border Curious for civic leaders and global citizens.

Looking ahead, I am committed to deepening our work in cultural heritage and healing, fostering cross-border solidarity, and elevating Via as a thought leader in border and community development. To meet today’s challenges, we will double down on our mission, simplify our programming, and grow the partnerships and coalitions that allow us not only to survive, but to thrive together.

I step into this role with gratitude, humility, and hope — determined to lead Via into its next 50 years with passion, vision, and joy. I invite you to walk with us into this next chapter, honoring our past and building boldly for the future.

Join us in celebrating Via’s 50th year — share your voice in our short survey, follow our journey on Instagram (@via_intl), and sign up for our newsletter to stay connected.