Originally from the land known as Guatemala, Lilian Alvarez has lived experience being a newly arrived immigrant and understands the complexity of learning to navigate systems and cultural nuances. With over a decade of experience working in the non-profit sector, Lilian has dedicated her career connecting and empowering others, challenging equity practices, providing a space for understanding and solidarity – all while safely and intentionally increasing visibility of seemingly invisible communities. Lilian managed traditional refugee resettlement programming for seven years. Prior to that, she was the Director of a small Kinship Care program and worked with at-risk youth in a counseling and group empowerment setting as well as through a national mentoring program. While not a morning person, if breakfast, brunch or vacation travel is involved, Lilian is the first one out the door.

Janette Jurado is a second-generation Mexican American Latina who is a passionate advocate for social justice. She holds a Juris Doctor from Tulane University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University – Fresno. Having practiced law for over two decades, she’s experienced in criminal law, employment law, and most recently, immigration law – holding a strong record of securing favorable outcomes for her clients. In addition to her legal work, Janette has served as a Community Organizer for a local Greater New Orleans area non-profit, where she conducted community outreach, facilitated bilingual worker meetings, and advocated for workers’ rights. Janette has called New Orleans home for over 25 years, and her unwavering commitment to social justice, advocacy, and solidarity work is evident in her extensive volunteer efforts with numerous local organizations. Her passion for social justice drives her to actively engage in community movements, tirelessly working to raise awareness and provide essential resources to marginalized communities. Her work exemplifies a profound commitment to making a positive and lasting difference in her community

Raquel Fonte has dedicated her legal career to advancing the rights and protections of immigrants. A native New Orleanian of Cuban-American descent, she began practicing immigration law in 1996, coinciding with the enactment of major immigration reforms. She holds a J.D. with a Certificate in Law and Public Policy from the Columbus School of Law, Catholic University of America and a B.A. in Political Science and Latin American Studies from American University in Washington, D.C. In Los Angeles, she practiced in several settings including the Central American Resource Center (CARECEN), Public Counsel’s Immigrants’ Rights Project, as well as the Gould School of Law, University of Southern California as a Visiting Professor in the Immigration Law Clinic. After returning home to New Orleans in 2020, she joined Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans’ Immigration and Refugee Services team as a Senior Staff Attorney, representing unaccompanied children in special immigrant juvenile and asylum cases. Today, Raquel lives in New Orleans with her two sons, where she enjoys yoga & cycling the Lafitte Greenway, never misses Jazz Fest, and loves to host the occasional wine tasting.

Blake Ryan grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina, with deep family roots in New Orleans, a city she now proudly calls home. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Global Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master of Arts in International Affairs and Leadership from Arizona State University. Blake’s professional journey reflects her commitment to community empowerment, immigrant justice, and service. She has worked in refugee resettlement as an employment case manager, supporting newly arrived families as they seek job opportunities and navigate workforce integration to achieve self-sufficiency. In addition, she has experience in community organizing and civic engagement, contributing to local and national campaigns focused on expanding access, strengthening communities, and advancing equity. Blake is passionate about building welcoming, connected spaces where people feel seen, supported, and valued. She loves the community in New Orleans, spending her free time discovering new restaurants and events, getting outside, and spending time with friends and family.