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Letter from the Editor
Since 1993, the Center has grown alongside the border communities, shaped by neighbors who show up for one another, volunteers who give their time with generosity, and participants whose determination inspires all of us. For more than a decade now, every single year since 2011, the Center has been named a top‑rated nonprofit. That recognition reflects something deeper than an award. It speaks of the steady, everyday work that happens here: the quiet acts of kindness, the shared commitment to belonging, and the belief that civic learning can change a life.
As we mark this milestone, we honor the long arc of service that brought us here. The credit belongs to our WInC community, to everyone who has walked through our doors, taught a class, offered a meal, shared a story, or simply stood beside us in the work. This legacy is yours. And as we look ahead, we carry it forward with the same intention that has guided us from the beginning: to serve with clarity, compassion, and purpose.
Mary Carter
Editor & Executive Director
Women’s Intercultural Center
Art in Motion: Carmen’s Frida Kahlo Portrait Comes to Life
Check out the beautiful progression of this stunning Frida Kahlo portrait coming to life! From the first careful strokes to the delicate details of the eyes and the bold, colorful floral patterns, watching this masterpiece take shape has been nothing short of inspiring.
Each brushstroke tells a story of patience, creativity, and joy. Carmen’s dedication shines through as she brings Frida’s strength and vibrancy to the canvas, transforming blank space into a celebration of color and identity.
The final reveal says volumes. That proud, radiant smile is exactly why we love seeing our incredible artists at work in art class. It’s about confidence, connection, and the beauty of self‑expression.
Incredible job, Carmen. Your work is art truly in motion; a journey of heart, color, and courage.
Share Your Skills — Teach This Fall at WInC
Want to share your skills with the community? We’re putting together our September–December Fall Semester calendar and looking for new instructors! Whether you’d like to teach a full‑semester class or lead a one‑time workshop, we welcome all kinds of talents and experiences.
From art and cooking to language, wellness, and leadership; every class helps our WInC community grow stronger and more connected.
If you’ve ever thought about teaching, now’s the perfect time to step forward and make a difference. Your knowledge could inspire someone’s next chapter.
For more info: 📍 Stop by in person
✉️ Email:
A Gift of Stories for Our Community
We are excited to share a wonderful moment of generosity at the Women’s Intercultural Center. This week, Walmart donated more than 30 brand‑new books to help fill and refresh our WInC Little Library; a space that brings joy, learning, and imagination to everyone who visits.
Each book added to our Little Library is an invitation to explore new ideas, discover new worlds, and enjoy quiet moments of reading with family. These new titles will be available for anyone in our border region to borrow, exchange, or take home keeping the spirit of shared learning alive.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Walmart for supporting literacy, creativity, and community connection. Their generosity helps us continue building a place where stories are accessible to all.
Stop by, pick up a book, and enjoy the gift of reading. Our Little Library is here for you.
Deborah Swason: The Woman Who Fought For Freedom
Deborah Sampson was a Massachusetts woman who became the first known woman to serve as a soldier in the American Revolution. In 1782, she disguised herself as a man and enlisted under the name Robert Shurtliff, joining an elite infantry unit. She fought in multiple engagements and even treated her own wounds to keep her identity hidden. When her identity was eventually discovered, she received an honorable discharge. After the war, she publicly shared her story and later secured a military pension for her service. Her legacy endures as a symbol of courage and the determination to serve despite barriers. This is part of a WInC series of stories of women who have changed the world.
Bringing Federal Support Closer to Home
This week, the Women’s Intercultural Center welcomed staff from the office of U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez, who spent the afternoon providing mobile constituent services directly to our border community. Their presence made it easier for residents to get help navigating federal agencies without traveling long distances or waiting through complicated phone systems.
It was truly a full house. Our lobby filled quickly with community members who arrived early and waited patiently to be seen. Many brought important documents, questions, and concerns, and left with guidance that helped them better understand their options. The turnout made one thing clear: access to federal support is deeply needed in our region, and bringing these services into the community makes a meaningful difference.
We are grateful to offer a welcoming space where people can connect with resources that help them advocate for themselves, their families, and their futures.
Dignity Through Kindness: WInC Meets People Where They Are
Every day at the Women’s Intercultural Center, we see how small acts of kindness can make a lasting difference. Whether someone walks through our doors in search of support, friendship, or simply a moment of hope, they are met with dignity and care.
Our team of volunteers understand that life’s challenges don’t always come with easy answers, yet compassion can open the door to possibility. From providing essentials to offering a listening ear, WInC continues to be a place where people find connection and respect, no matter what their circumstances.
Stories like this review matter. When kindness meets need transformation begins.
If you’ve ever received support, volunteered, or felt inspired by the Center’s work, we invite you to share your story at https://greatnonprofits.org/org/womens-intercultural-center-inc. Your words help others discover hope and belonging.
A Celebration of Creativity and Friendship
At the Women’s Intercultural Center, art class is a space where friendships bloom and laughter fill the room. This week, the group came together to celebrate Camerina’s birthday and Saif’s belated one, turning an ordinary class into a heartfelt gathering.
Tables were covered with colorful dishes, smiles were shared all around, and every plate was filled with delicious food. Between bites and brushstrokes, the room echoed with warm wishes and laughter.
It was a celebration of creativity, connection, and community. The kind of day that perfectly reflects what WInC is all about: people coming together to lift one another up and share life’s sweetness.
A simple, joyful celebration and beautiful reminder that art, like friendship, is best when shared.
Teaching with Heart: Maria’s Hands-On Approach to Haircutting
In our haircutting class, learning comes alive thanks to Maria’s thoughtful and creative teaching style. She guides students through each technique with patience and clarity, moving seamlessly from demonstrations on the whiteboard to hands‑on practice with real models. Her approach makes every lesson accessible, engaging, and confidence‑building.
Maria understands that everyone learns differently, and she meets students exactly where they are offering encouragement, gentle corrections, and the kind of support that helps new skills take root. The classroom is always filled with curiosity, laughter, and the shared excitement of mastering something new.
Her dedication shows in every session, and the impact she has on her students is unmistakable. Thank you for everything you do, Maria. Your talent, kindness, and commitment make our WInC Community stronger every day.
A Colorful Day of Creativity at Our Octochain Workshop
Our Octochain Workshop was a vibrant celebration of creativity and community! Families and friends came together to craft unique paper octopuses, each a testament to their imagination. It was a day filled with smiles across generations, and we're so grateful to Isabel for leading, Lupita for assisting, and everyone who joined in the fun!
WInC Named a 2026 Top‑Rated Nonprofit
The Women’s Intercultural Center has once again been recognized as a 2026 Top‑Rated Nonprofit by GreatNonprofits, a distinction awarded through community voices, volunteers, donors, and participants who know our work best. This honor, which WInC has received every year since 2011, reflects the deep trust and connection shared between the Center and the communities of Southern New Mexico and West Texas.
For decades, WInC has offered education, leadership development, and empowerment programs that help women build confidence, strengthen economic stability, and participate more fully in civic life. These efforts ripple outward, creating stronger families, stronger neighborhoods, and stronger communities.
Executive Director Mary Carter shared that this recognition is especially meaningful in a year marked by growth. WInC has strengthened its core programs, expanded cultural and creative offerings, deepened community trust, and clarified its long‑term direction all while continuing to meet people where they are with dignity and compassion.
GreatNonprofits highlighted that this award is shaped entirely by those with firsthand experience. One reviewer described WInC as a “hub of empowerment, learning, and mutual support,” noting the Center’s unique ability to welcome and serve everyone who walks through its doors.
This recognition is a celebration of the entire community, of every participant, volunteer, supporter, and partner who helps make WInC a place of hope and belonging.
Carmen Makes History in Our Classroom
This week, we celebrated a milestone that fills our entire WInC community with pride. Carmen has officially passed her Citizenship Interview and Exam in English, and she did it with remarkable confidence, grace, and determination. Her achievement is extraordinary on its own, yet what makes it even more special is that she is the very first WInC student to take the new 2025 exam format.
Facing brand‑new questions and a redesigned structure, Carmen stepped into her interview prepared, focused, and steady. She showed exactly what perseverance looks like, proving that dedication and hard work can carry you through even the most unfamiliar challenges.
Her success is a victory and a beacon for every student who will follow. Carmen opened the door wider for everyone behind her, and we couldn’t be prouder.
Huge congratulations, Carmen, you crushed it. Your journey inspires us all.
Celebrating Conchita
This week, our ESL class celebrated Conchita's birthday, a beautiful moment of genuine affection and shared joy. Everyone offered kind words, smiles, and simple gestures that made the day truly special. Conchita's bright spirit brought us all together. We honored Conchita, and in doing so, we honored the strength and kindness each participant brings to our community.
A Night of Movies, Magic, and Community
Movie nights at the Women’s Intercultural Center always bring a special kind of joy, and this week’s gathering was no exception. Families and friends settled in together, ready to enjoy a cozy evening of storytelling on the big screen, yet one moment made everyone smile.
Oliver arrived fully prepared for the adventure, carrying his Grogu and Mandalorian action figures, ready to watch the movie with his favorite characters by his side. His excitement set the tone for the night.
As the lights dimmed and the movie began, the room filled with laughter, shared snacks, and the comfort of being together. These evenings are entertaining and provide families with a chance to slow down, connect, and enjoy the warmth of community.
We always enjoy our movie nights with you all. Here’s to many more moments of joy, imagination, and togetherness.
Vendor Spotlight: Stop by Omar Burciaga’s Table Tomorrow!
We love seeing our WInC family shining in the community! Our dear friend, former volunteer, and dedicated supporter Omar Burciaga will be selling these gorgeous, handcrafted items at the Christmas in July Craft Fair tomorrow!
Take a look at his video preview and make sure to stop by his table to check out these one-of-a-kind art pieces in person.
🗓 Saturday, July 25, 2026
🕙 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Our Lady of Refuge Parish Hall (1320 Mercantil Ave, La Union, NM)
Come enjoy crafts, delicious food (brisket plates, nachos, ice cream, & more!), and say hello to Omar!
More Than a Donation: The Heart Behind Our Doors
At the Women's Intercultural Center, every bag of clothes brought through our doors carries a story and every person who walks in looking for support receives far more than just essential items.
We were deeply moved this week by a heartwarming 5-star review left by one of our dedicated donors, William Wheeler. In his review, William shared why WInC became his top choice for donations after seeing how our team supported his cousin during one of the most challenging times in her life.
"She walked in needing clothes yet received much more... a woman sat with her, listened, and guided her through everything she was facing. For over two hours, she gave her undivided attention... That kind of humanity is rare, and it told me everything I needed to know about what this place truly is: a refuge for people when they need it most."
William also gave a special shoutout to our wonderful drop-off team—noting that whether it's "the bigger guy" or "the one with glasses," they consistently greet every donor with warmth, respect, and a feeling of family.
To William, his cousin, and every supporter who chooses to share their time, resources, and trust with us: thank you.
