El Paso, TX 2023

Friends Veronica Carbajal (46) and Carlos Menchaca (42) share their experiences of El Paso and reflect on what working toward justice for their community looks like for them.

Friends Sister Buffy Boesen (73) and Jane German (71) discuss how they became involved with the Sisters of Loretto Academy, the projects they are most proud of, and what they have learned over the years.

Cynthia Hoffman (59) interviews her colleague Michael Gaglio (48) about Michael’s work in environmental preservation, being on the board of the nonprofit The Frontera Land Alliance, and their hopes for the organization for the future.

Friends Marcus McDuffie (37), Jeff Vigil (47), and Naomi Love (27) discuss Jeff's career as a Brazilian jiu-jitsu instructor, the mentors he has had in his industry, and the life lessons jiu-jitsu has taught him.

Colleagues Ivonne Diaz (35) and Sofía Aviant-Mier (22) discuss their experiences as Mexican-Americans in the United States, the political advocacy work they do with the nonprofit Texas Rising, and how they attempt to create work-life boundaries and advocate for themselves.

Dr. Heather Wilson (62), President of The University of Texas at El Paso, and her mentee, Aaron Hernandez (22), have a conversation about their experiences at and connections to the University of Texas at El Paso. They also talk about...

Andi Rose Tiscareno (27) and her boyfriend, John Zamora (26), reflect on their relationship, Andi’s experience as a transgender woman in Texas, and the ways they’ve grown together.

Sarah Justus (24) interviews her grandmother Rosa Benedicto (77) about Rosa's immigration from Ciuadad Juarez, Mexico to Chicago, Illinois. Rosa would eventually settle in El Paso, Texas. The pair also discuss Rosa's marriage and love story with her late husband.

Frank DiCostanzo (62) talks with his conversation partner, Manuela Velasquez (23), about his experiences with Steve Yellen and Basketball in the Barrio. They also talk about the connections between art and basketball and how Frank would like to spend the...

Friends Sister Irma Avila (69) and Sister Liz Deines [no age given], both Sisters of Loretto, talk about Loretto Academy and share fond memories of the school and the Loretto community.

Sonya Miller Preis [no age given] talks with her conversation partner, Naomi Love (27), about her family history. Sonya honors her grandfather, Joe Miller, and her grandfather's aunt, Fania Marinoff, and she also talks about her cousins, her appreciation for...

Dario Louis Toffenetti (93) shares memories about his childhood, parents, and family with his daughter, Carolynn "Carrie" Louise Toffenetti Bagg (62). Dario also shares stories of working with his dad in the restaurant industry and talks about his relationship with...

Ann Hallmark [no age given] speaks with friend and former student Amanda Ekery (28) about the role of music throughout her life.

Jessica Angerstein (41) asks her dad, James Angerstein (81), about his life, including memories of growing up in El Paso, his work as a music teacher, and his time serving in the Army. The two also reflect on their family...

Friends Maria del Rosario Perez (67) and Shaneice “Taylor” Buckley (22) discuss their journeys as filmmakers. They also talk about Femme Frontera, disabilities, and current projects, and they share the advice they would like to give to women and people...

Tracy Yellen (52) interviews her friend Ruben Vogt (38) about his early life, political career, public service, and LGBTQIA+ rights. The two also discuss the El Paso mass shooting that occurred in 2019 and Ruben chairing the One Fund committee,...

Colleagues and wives, Dr. Hilda Ontiveros (41) and Dr. Jesse Soledad Arrieta (44), share a conversation about their roots, Chicana and Women’s Studies, and the importance of documenting oral history within their community. They also talk about their connection to...

Friends Candace Prinz (41) and Zulema Macias (48) discuss the origins of their nonprofit, Green Hope Project, and reflect on the projects and art they have created.

Friends and colleagues Dr. Ahsan Choudhuri (52) and Susie Byrd (51) discuss Dr. Choudhuri’s path to becoming an aerospace engineer, his decision to work at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), and their commitment to economic development and...

John Carrillo (68) interviews his colleague Richard Pineda (47) about the mentors, family members, and places that have most impacted him.

Brothers David Chavez (29) and Omar Chavez [no age given] discuss the nonprofit Basketball en el Barrio, community outreach, life skills they have learned, and the importance of coaches.

Mike Gaglio (47) interviews his wife, RubyAnn Gaglio (51), about her desire to be a philanthropist since she was a little girl, her work as a conservationist and master naturalist, and the lessons she learned from her grandfather.

Spouses Marci Turner (77) and Dave Turner (77) recall the process, effort, and dedication it took to preserve Thunder Canyon in El Paso, Texas. They also talk about Frontera Land Alliance, Public Improvement Districts, and the importance of open space.

Brothers LeCroy “Lee” Rhyanes Jr. [no age given] and Isaiah Rhyanes (25) talk about how Basketball in the Barrio has influenced their lives. They also talk about their connection to basketball, share memories of growing up, and their hopes for...

Best friends Xochitl Rodriguez (38) and Angie Tures (42) talk about their friendship, balancing motherhood and artistry, and Xochitl's nonprofit The Caldo Collective.