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Letter from the Editor

As we gather with family, friends, and neighbors to celebrate the 4th of July, this year’s festivities carry a profound, historic weight. This year, our nation marks its 250th birthday, a monumental Sestercentennial milestone that invites us to reflect deeply on the journey of this country and the enduring spirit of independence.

It is a time for vibrant parades, shared meals, and looking forward to the future. Yet it is also a moment to look back at the very beginning, when the odds were stacked entirely against a fragile coalition of colonies.

We need to recollect the timeless lessons passed down by George Washington, the father of our country. In the grand, high-stakes game of history, he showed the world a truth that still echoes today: the pawn can take the king.

When the Revolution began, the American colonies were a collection of farmers, merchants, and everyday citizens, the ultimate underdogs facing the most powerful empire and military force in the world. Yet, with unwavering determination, sacrifice, and a shared vision of liberty, those "pawns" stood their ground. They rewrote the rules of the game, overthrew tyranny, and laid the foundation for a nation built on the premise that power belongs to the people.

Here at the Women's Intercultural Center (WInC), that lesson resonates in everything we do. We see every day how ordinary individuals, coming together with purpose and passion, possess the extraordinary power to shift the landscape, lift their communities, and create lasting change. You do not need to hold a crown to make history; you just need the courage to move forward.

As we celebrate this historic 250th Independence Day, let us honor the legacy of those who proved that no force is too small to make a difference. May we continue to stand up for one another, cherish our shared freedom, and work together to build a brighter, more equitable future for all.

Wishing you and your loved ones a safe, happy, and memorable 4th of July!

Mary Carter
Editor & Executive Director
Women’s Intercultural Center

 

Catch Sunshine Dayz Co. at the July Markets!

We love seeing the incredible talent within our own circle thrive, and this month, we have a wonderful reason to celebrate! Sunshine Dayz Co., led by a cherished member of our very own WInC community, is gearing up for a bustling July filled with fresh inventory, stunning new arrivals, and plenty of local market magic.

If you’ve been looking for the perfect opportunity to shop small, support local artistry, and discover unique, brand-new treasures, your summer schedule just got a lot brighter. Sunshine Dayz Co. is expanding their inventory this month and launching an array of beautiful new creations that they can't wait to share with you.

Mark your calendars and come out to say hello, show your support, and find your next favorite treasure at these upcoming local events:

🗓️ July Market Schedule

  • Fine Arts Flea Market
    • Date: July 10
    • Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
  • ACC Bazaar
    • Dates: July 11 & July 12
    • Time: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Both days!)
  • Lalo's Night Market
    • Dates: July 24 & July 25
    • Time: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Support Local, Empower Together: Whenever we support our local entrepreneurs, we strengthen the fabric of our entire community.  We are incredible proud to have Sunshine Dayz Co. representing the spirit of WInC out in the market scene. 

 

The Sweet Success of Veronica Velez

There is nothing quite rewarding for our WInC community as watching a spark of passion turn into a thriving, brilliant career. Today, we are incredibly proud to celebrate the journey of Veronica Velez, a talented graduate of our former Cake Decorating Class, who is now sweetening local celebrations with her own business, Cake Creations.

Veronica’s journey began right here in our classrooms, where she learned the fundamentals under the expert guidance of her talented instructor, Judith Aldaz. From those very first piping techniques, Veronica’s deep dedication and natural flair for design were undeniable. Her amazing capacity to learn allowed her to quickly master the craft, ultimately surpassing all expectations.

Driven by a desire to give back, Veronica even stepped up to become a volunteer instructor, sharing her skills to inspire the next wave of decorators. Today, she is the proud owner of Cake Creations, delivering masterpieces that leave a lasting impression across our region.

A Masterpiece in the Spotlight

Recently, Veronica’s breathtaking, ocean-themed masterpiece caught everyone’s attention at a local event, proving just how far her artistry has come. The impact of her work is best shared through the eyes of those who get to experience it firsthand.

Martha Olivas, who witnessed the cake in action, shared this glowing praise:

"I work at Hotel Encanto and I had the honor to work this quinceañera Friday night. The cake was beautiful! We were very impressed."

We are absolutely thrilled to see Veronica turning her dreams into reality and representing the spirit of WInC so beautifully in the community. Please join us in sending a massive congratulations to Veronica on her continued success!

Want to support a WInC graduate for your next special event? Keep Cake Creations in mind for your upcoming celebrations!

 

Support Lupita Zacarias at the Franciscan Festival of Fine Arts!

There is a special kind of joy that comes from watching one of our own step into the spotlight, and this September, we have a major reason to celebrate! We are incredibly proud to share that our very own WInC participant and volunteer, Lupita Zacarias, is preparing to showcase her incredible talent at the upcoming Franciscan Festival of Fine Arts.

Lupita has been pouring her heart, soul, and endless creativity into her beautiful work, preparing a collection that truly speaks to her dedication as an artist. Whether she is participating in our programs or giving her time back to our community as a volunteer, Lupita lifts those around her and now, it’s our turn to lift her up! Let’s come together as a community to cheer her on and support her amazing artistic journey.

🎨 Festival Details

Mark your calendars, gather your family and friends, and make plans to stop by Lupita's booth to see her incredible creations in person:

  • Event: Franciscan Festival of Fine Arts
  • Dates & Times:
    • Saturday, September 5, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    • Sunday, September 6, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Location: Holy Cross Retreat Center
  • Admission: Free!

Why You Should Go: Beyond supporting Lupita, the festival is a wonderful way to enjoy a beautiful weekend filled with incredible local art, delicious food, and live music.

Don't miss the chance to stop by, say hello, and celebrate the amazing talent nurtured right here in our WInC family. We can't wait to see you there!

 

Hands-on Learning with Maria Escarcega

One of the most beautiful things to witness at WInC is the moment education leaps off the page and comes to life. Thanks to our amazing instructor, Maria Escarcega, our participants are doing exactly that, consistently turning theory into practice and building incredible skills along the way.

Learning a new craft takes patience, but Maria’s class approaches the journey with the perfect balance of guidance and real-world experience. The students began by diving deep into the core techniques, studying the precise angles and methods required for the perfect cut. From there, they moved to hands-on practice, perfecting their movements and building muscle memory using styling mannequins.

A Beautiful Bond of Community Trust

Yet true magic happened when the class took the ultimate step forward. Moving past the mannequins, our brave and talented participants began trusting each other to try out real-life layered cuts!

This milestone is a testament to the beautiful bond shared within the WInC family. It takes vulnerability to sit in that chair, and it takes immense dedication to hold the shears. Watching our students lift each other up, sharing laughs, and celebrating each finished look embodies the exact spirit of empowerment we strive for every day.

We are so proud of the progress these individuals are making under Maria's expert eye, and we cannot wait to see where their growing talents take them next!

 

Help Shape the Future of Anthony, NM!

At WInC, we believe that strong communities are built when neighbors come together to advocate for their shared future. An incredible opportunity to do just that is coming up right here in our local area. The City of Anthony, NM, is preparing to apply for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, and they need to hear from you.

New Mexico distributes roughly $11 million annually through this competitive federal program to fund critical local improvements. Because these grants are designed to directly benefit low-to-moderate-income residents, strong community input is exactly what makes a local application stand out and succeed.

Why Your Attendance Matters

This is your chance to have a direct say in how funding is prioritized for our city. By attending the public hearing, you can:

  • Direct Local Spending: Help guide how grant funds are invested in vital areas like housing, public facilities, and economic development.
  • Share Your Ideas: Speak up about the most pressing community development needs and suggest specific projects that would make a difference.
  • Support Your Neighbors: Ensure the resources go where they are needed most to uplift local families.

🗓️ Hearing Details

To make it accessible for working families, the city is hosting two separate sessions on the same day:

  • When: Monday, July 13, 2026
  • Times: 12:00 PM and 5:30 PM
  • Where: Court Chambers, 820 Hwy 478, Anthony, NM 88021

Accessibility Note: If you require a translator for the hearing, please contact the city administration office a week prior to the event. If you are unable to attend in person, written comments can be mailed directly to the city administration office.

⚠️ Disclaimer

Please note: WInC is sharing this announcement strictly for informational purposes to help keep our local community informed. We have no formal affiliation, partnership, or involvement with the City of Anthony, the scheduling of this hearing, or its outcomes. For all official inquiries or special accommodation, please reach out directly to the City of Anthony administration office.

 

Welcoming Back a Cherished Friend!

The walls of the WInC are built on community, yet it’s the people who pass through our doors that truly give it life. This past week, our space felt a whole lot brighter when we received a wonderful surprise visit from a truly cherished member of our family: Judith!

Many of you will remember Judith as a former participant who went on to share her incredible talents as our Volunteer Cake Decorating Instructor, inspiring so many students to discover their own creative potential. Though she had been away, she was back in town and made sure to drop by the center to catch up and reminisce about old times.

A Stunning Gift for Our Space

Judith brought her wonderful smile, warm memories and a breathtaking, hand-crafted surprise. She gave the center a stunning, beautifully detailed diamond art piece that she made especially for us.

This gorgeous piece is now proudly displayed, serving as a daily reminder of the lasting bonds formed within our programs.

Thank you so much, Judith, for thinking of us and for leaving behind a piece of your creativity to brighten our days. Your generosity and kindness truly embody the spirit of WInC. Please know that you are a part of this family forever, and you are welcome back anytime!

 

Summer Fun and Masterpieces on the Patio!

If you’ve stepped outside lately, you already know that the summer sun is in full force. Yet if you ask the youngest members of our community, they’ll tell you: Heat? What heat?

The temperatures might be rising out there, but that didn't stop a wonderful group of young artists from bringing an explosion of color and joy to our center this week.

We know that summer means school is out, and parents often have their kiddos tag along with them when they visit us. To make their visit a little extra special, we decided to surprise the little ones with some sidewalk chalk and a few toys to share.

Concrete Canvas Takeover

It didn’t take long for the magic to happen! The kids completely took over the concrete patio, turning the ordinary ground into a vibrant, open-air art gallery. From bright patterns to imaginative drawings, these young creators poured their energy into making their very own masterpieces, happily sharing their supplies and enjoying the fresh air together.

Watching them laugh, create, and build friendships right on our patio was the perfect reminder of what WInC is all about, providing a welcoming, supportive, and joyful space for families of all generations.

A huge thank you to our little patio artists for brightening up our week and reminding us all how to find joy in the middle of a hot summer day!

 

Celebrating Deborah’s Artistic Journey

It’s no secret that July in our region brings some serious heat, and while we might not be the biggest fans of the blistering summer temperatures, we are absolute fans of the incredible warmth our participants bring into the center every single day. This week, a beautiful breeze of creativity swept through our space, courtesy of a very talented artist.

We are so proud to highlight Deborah, who recently shared one of her latest creations with us.

Watching our students explore their passions and hone their crafts is one of the greatest privileges we have here at WInC. Deborah’s dedication to her craft shines through beautifully in her work, and it is truly amazing to look back and see just how far she has come along with her artwork. Every brushstroke tells a story of patience, growth, and blossoming talent.

Deborah’s stunning piece has brought a wonderful splash of color, inspiration to our community, and beautiful creative expression.

Thank you so much, Deborah, for sharing your talent and your beautiful art piece with us! Your growth inspires all of us to keep reaching, learning, and creating. We can’t wait to see what you paint next!

 

Celebrating a Month of Growth and Gratitude

Reflecting on the past few weeks, there is one word that perfectly sums up the energy at the center: dynamic. From early morning preparations to evening cleanups, it has been an incredibly busy and deeply rewarding month packed with classes, workshops, and specialized services.

Every day, our rooms have been filled with the sounds of learning, the hum of creativity, and the powerful connection of neighbors helping neighbors. Whether it was watching participants master a new hands-on skill, providing vital community resources, or hosting educational sessions, the center has been buzzing with momentum.

A Massive Thank You to Our Village

An impactful month like this doesn't just happen on its own. It takes a dedicated village to keep the gears turning, and we are overflowing with gratitude as we look back at what we’ve accomplished together.

  • To Our Community: Thank you for your constant support, your trust, and your beautiful energy. Every time you step through our doors, share our events, or cheer on a fellow participant, you strengthen our mission.
  • To Our Phenomenal Team: A truly special shoutout goes to our hardworking volunteers and instructors who have put in countless hours this month to ensure everything ran smoothly. From coordinating schedules to greeting every face with a warm smile, your dedication does not go unnoticed.

Because of all of you, WInC is a living, breathing space of empowerment and community pride. Thank you for making this month one for the books. We can't wait to see what we achieve together in the weeks ahead!

 

A Milestone of Determination

There are moments at the center that bring tears of absolute joy to our eyes, and this week, we are radiating pride. Please join all of us at WInC in sending a massive, heartfelt congratulations to Elia Patricia Espinoza on officially passing her U.S. citizenship interview and exam!

Achieving this milestone is no small feat. It is the culmination of immense bravery, sacrifice, and unwavering focus. Elia’s incredible dedication has truly paid off, and her journey is a beautiful testament to what hard work and determination can achieve.

Hours of Heart and Hard Work

Behind this success are countless hours of studying, memorizing civic questions, and pushing past comfort zones. To prepare for the rigorous exam, Elia worked tirelessly to enhance her English speaking and listening skills, spending late afternoons in private simulation sessions with our dedicated citizenship instructor.

Through every practice interview and every challenging question, Elia stayed focused on her goal. Her determination never wavered, and this week, that beautiful effort turned into a well-deserved triumph.

The True Spirit of WInC

Watching our participants unlock these life-changing opportunities is the very reason WInC exists. Elia, your resilience inspires our entire community, and we are honored to have been a small part of your path to this monumental achievement.

Congratulations, Elia!

 

Celebrating Freedom and Community Together

As the 4th of July approaches, our hearts are filled with gratitude for the freedom we celebrate as a nation and for the incredible, vibrant community we share here at the Women’s Intercultural Center (WInC).

To kick off the Independence Day festivities, our team set out to spread some extra joy this week by passing out festive, patriotic headbands to our wonderful participants. The energy in the building instantly shifted into holiday mode! Seeing everyone’s faces light up, hearing the laughter fill the rooms, and watching our community embrace the holiday spirit truly illuminated our entire day.

These little red, white, and blue accessories are a small token of our appreciation for the diverse and resilient individuals who walk through our doors every day. We hope these fun headbands add a little extra sparkle to your Independence Day cookouts, fireworks viewing, and family gatherings!

From all of us at WInC, we wish you a safe, happy, and spectacular Independence Day!

 

How "Free Points" are Powering Our Mission

At the Women’s Intercultural Center (WInC), leadership is about guiding our daily operations and actively fueling the community networks we build together.

We want to extend a massive, heartfelt thank you to our executive director for her incredibly generous donation of 3,945 Microsoft Rewards points to support our cause! Her leadership and generosity set a wonderful example for us all, proving that every single contribution directly impacts our mission to empower those who need it most.

The Power of Giving for Free

Did you know that you can follow her lead without spending a single dime? Your daily internet searches can be turned into real cash for WInC! As outlined in our handy guide, Your Guide to Giving for Free, Microsoft Rewards allows you to earn points completely for free just by searching on Bing, completing daily quiz/poll sets, and using the Edge browser.

Once you accumulate your points, they can be directly converted into a cash donation sent straight to WInC.

Want to Join in Making an Impact?

Every bit helps us reach our goals, and getting started is incredibly simple. If you are inspired by this wonderful act of generosity, consider donating your own Bing points today!

Follow the steps below to join the movement in 4 easy steps (as shown in Your Guide to Giving for Free infographic below):

Your points become real cash that stays right here in our community. Let's work together to turn everyday web browsing into a powerful force for good!

 

The Secret to Happiness is Spelled C-O-N-N-E-C-T-I-O-N

World Happiness Report, some of the happiest people in the world share a common habit: they sit down to share a meal with others at least once a week.

There is undeniable magic that happens when we gather around a table. Bringing people together doesn't just feed our bodies; it nourishes our spirits, deepens our friendships, and builds a stronger, more resilient community.

At the Women’s Intercultural Center (WInC), we are blessed to see this magic unfold almost every single day. For us, connection is a daily practice. Whether our participants are learning side-by-side in a classroom, expressing themselves and creating vibrant art, or simply catching up over a warm cup of coffee, every shared moment has a beautiful ripple effect that lifts us all up.

Because we know how vital these bonds are, we make it a consistent practice to share a meal, a laugh, or an intentional conversation with everyone who walks through our doors. We know that when we break bread or share a smile, we are actively weaving the social fabric that keeps our community strong, supported, and full of joy.

The next time you sit down for a meal or a coffee, consider inviting a friend, a neighbor, or a loved one to join you. After all, happiness is meant to be shared!

 

Happy Birthday, Raena!

It was exactly six years ago, during the beautiful, fleeting window of time right before the world shut down, that a remarkable connection was made. Through the Schlegel Center for Service and Justice, a group of students from Creighton University had arrived in the border region for the Border Awareness Experience. Among them was Raena.

From the very first day, Raena brought something truly special to WInC. It didn’t take long for the volunteers and community to realize she was a young woman full of deep passion, clear purpose, and incredibly big dreams for the future. Whether she was engaging in community discussions or learning about the complexities of the region, she threw her whole heart into the experience.

Six years have passed, and the world had changed in so many ways since that week in March 2020. Yet, the permanent mark Raena left on WInC and the hearts of everyone she met remained as clear as ever.

Pausing to look at the photos from that transformative week, a birthday message was sent across the miles to ensure she knew she would always be considered family. And she responded, "Thank you! I miss you deeply. Y'all hold a special place in my heart.”

 

The Magic in the Stitches

The energy at the Women's Intercultural Center (WInC) is always inspiring, yet it reached a whole new level when Paty showed us her latest creation. We gathered around as she brought out what initially looked like a beautifully textured, vibrant red crochet flower with a deep green base. It was gorgeous on its own, yet Paty had a delightful surprise in store for us.

With a proud smile, she demonstrated the magic of her work. Gently, she folded the plush red petals back and tucked the green leaves away. Right before our eyes, the flower completely transformed. The red ruffles cascaded down to become an elegant, voluminous skirt and a matching wide-brimmed hat, revealing a sweet-faced doll with soft features and dark yarn hair.

We were absolutely captivated by the clever design and the seamless transition from a botanical beauty to a charming little companion. To capture the wonderful moment she shared with us, we took a snapshot of the final reveal.

Getting to see Paty demonstrate her artistry up close shows the immense creativity that thrives within our community. Her handmade presentation left everyone in the room completely charmed, which was perfectly summed up by the sentiment of the day:

"Flower or doll? Why not both! Absolutely in love with this clever, reversible crochet masterpiece made by Paty. The talent is just incredible!"