Meet Our 2024 Fellows
ABUNDANCE & DIGNITY FELLOWSHIP
We are thrilled to introduce our fellows, a dynamic group of women and BIPOC women of color from across Arizona, embarking on a transformative journey through our fellowship program. Tailored specifically for these trailblazers, our fellowship delves deep into organizing and activism, offering immersive experiences that provide invaluable insights into community mobilization, creative expression, and resilience. With a mission to strengthen community bonds, amplify marginalized voices, and bridge the gap between faith and policy, we aim to cultivate a more inclusive and empowered political landscape in Arizona.
Stay tuned as we release new fellows in the coming days and weeks!
A Little Bit About Me:
“Hi, I'm Fernanda Marcela Herrera Aceves (she/her/ella), a proud mother of three originally from Sonora, Mexico. I cherish my Catholic faith, which has helped me strengthen myself and keep standing against all odds in my daily struggles, allowing me to move forward. My organizing topic is Immigration, and I am deeply proud of my Mexican heritage. I love serving others and look forward to learning and growing in this organization.”
A Little Bit About Me:
“Hi, I'm Felipa Torres (she/her/ella), a dedicated mother of five originally from Michoacán, Mexico, and now living in Phoenix, AZ. I cherish my family, miss those who are far away, and enjoy reading, listening to music, walking, and appreciating nature. I thank God for all His blessings.”
Why did you want to join the fellowship program and what do you hope to get out of it?
“I'm a proud member of Neighborhood Ministries, a church that feels like family, accepting and supporting me in every moment. I joined the Corazon AZ fellowship program because I'm concerned about the political climate and want to be informed to support my community and fight against anti-immigrant laws. I believe in social justice and know that together, we can make significant changes in this country.”
What area/topic did you choose to organize within the fellowship?
“My focus is on Healing Justice. Healing justice is our right and must be reclaimed to liberate our hearts, minds, and bodies to respond to violence, pain, trauma, and crisis caused by unjust laws. Together, we can rebuild our collective resilience and strength.”
A Little Bit About Me:
“My name is Kimi Honzaki (she/her/ella), and I am an artist who is passionate about birth advocacy, inter-generational healing, and family. This passion extends to expanding paid family leave for all as well as facilitating community building in Arizona.
With over 20 years of experience as an educator, I have thoroughly enjoyed teaching all ages, from 0-102. I am a Spanish medical interpreter and doula who has also developed Spanish curricula for Nurse Practitioner students and parents with their babies.
Why did you want to join the fellowship program and what do you hope to get out of it?
“I am excited to be a 2024 Corazon AZ Abundance & Dignity fellow. I have partnered with the local nonprofit Arizona Muslim Alliance (AMA), working closely with fellow Muslims as well as people of all other faith traditions. I see the unity of humanity as a force for good, coming together, improving, and growing together as a community rooted in faith, justice, and economic dignity.”
What area/topic did you choose to organize within the fellowship?
“My focus for this fellowship is the expansion of paid family leave, care for all, and community outreach. Our diversity and our unity is our strength. Together we make change possible!”
Un Poco Acerca De Mi:
“Hola. Mi nombre es Iliana pacheco, madre de tres hermosos hijos que son mi mayor motivación para seguir adelante cada día, amo mi trabajo como cuidadora de personas de la tercera edad, mi pasión es aprender y superarme cada día y me siento agradecida y totalmente bendecida por la oportunidad de participar en este camino de compañerismo donde a través de nuestra fe y diferentes ideologías nos brinda la oportunidad de crear un mundo mejor donde el amor y el agradecimiento son los que nos hace crear una verdadera unión y nos da la oportunidad de expandir nuestro amor. A través de mi fe cristiana y espiritual me brinda la oportunidad de sentirme en unión con mis compañeras y con toda la disponibilidad de aprender y compartir para lograr una comunidad más prospera y abundante. .”
¿Por qué quisiste unirte al programa de becas y qué esperas obtener de él?
Me gusta ayudar, conocer y aprender de personas de diferentes costumbres, culturas, tradiciones, ideologias etc.
Atravez de este programa tengo la oportunidad de aprender sobre liderazgo y como apoyar a la comunidad.
¿Qué área/tema elegiste organizar dentro de la beca?
“Inmigracion.”
A Little Bit About Me:
“As a dedicated mother to my 4.5-year-old son, I am deeply committed to fostering a world where all individuals can thrive. I proudly identify as someone in a plus-size body and am an ardent advocate for fat liberation, believing in the inherent worth and dignity of all body types. I founded a local community group called Fat Babes of Phoenix, which aims to uplift the voices of people in larger bodies, create a safe space for celebrating fat joy, and advocate for accessibility within our communities.
My passions extend to women's empowerment, particularly within marginalized communities, and I fervently support initiatives for paid leave for caregivers and universal childcare. My faith is centered around spirituality and the moral belief of living with goodness and integrity. Through this fellowship, I aim to enhance my activism skills, learning to effectively translate my passions into tangible actions that contribute to the liberation and empowerment of all communities.”
Why did you want to join the fellowship program and what do you hope to get out of it?
“I wanted to join this fellowship because I was inspired by the work of Corazón and the purpose of this initiative. Through this fellowship, I aim to enhance my activism skills, learning to effectively translate my passions into tangible actions that contribute to the liberation and empowerment of all communities.”
What area/topic did you choose to organize within the fellowship?
“As a dedicated mother to my 4.5-year-old son, I am deeply committed to fostering a world where all individuals can thrive. I have chosen the area of affordable access to childcare and caregiver support, including paid family leave.”
A Little Bit About Me:
“My name is Jessica Renee Walburn, my adopted name legalized in 1996 when I was 10 years old. Today, I go by Lov. After enduring a life of abuse, neglect, drugs, prostitution, and incarceration, and growing up in the foster system while relying on the street economy for survival, I have learned how to turn those tragedies into triumphs. Through utilizing my lived experience, I am committed and dedicated to breaking the cycle and creating solutions that heal. I have an undeniable passion for helping others who have been where I have been; I inspire and lead many to a life where the cycle is broken and hope is alive.
Currently, I work with AZ AANHPI For Equity, where I helped create the We Imagine Safety program. This program supports unhoused community members by providing harm reduction, training, and support groups. I envision a community led by compassion, where we support one another and heal with love.
My faith is central to my life. Tradition, for me, is about a strong relationship with God. I honor my faith by living by example, praising and worshiping, and showing gratitude for my blessings. I believe that faith is designed by the individual and their Creator.”
Why did you want to join the fellowship program and what do you hope to get out of it?
“I wanted to join the fellowship to enhance my skills, and to amplify my voice and the voice of others behind these very important issues. Being able to create freely and be part of something that has never been done before is a true blessing. One hope is that together we can establish a new approach to organizing, built from faith, that brings community together stronger than ever. My other hope is that other women are inspired and feel called to join forces and synergize our communities.”
What area/topic did you choose to organize within the fellowship?
“I chose to organize around “People’s Care” with a hyper focus on childcare.”
A Little Bit About Me:
"Hello, I'm Cassandra Mendoza. Originally from Mexico, I've lived in various places like Los Angeles, Yuma, Phoenix, and now Maricopa, AZ. My faith, family, work, and personal growth are central to my life. I find strength in my Christian faith, cherish my diverse family, and am dedicated to my work with Neighborhood Ministries in Central Phoenix, where I support community members. Outside of work, I love learning, outdoor activities like camping and hiking, and indulging in my longtime hobby of karaoke.”
Why did I join the fellowship program?
"I joined the fellowship program to deepen my understanding of social justice issues. I feel a responsibility to take action within my community, and this program provides a platform for learning and growth in that regard."
What area/topic did you choose to organize within the fellowship?
"In the fellowship, I've chosen to focus on access to childcare. I hope to gain insights, strategies, and connections to effectively address this pressing issue in my community. My aim is to contribute positively and make a tangible difference in improving childcare access for families."
