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As I reflect on this past week, my heart is filled with gratitude. It has been a whirlwind—welcoming the start of the 2025 Summer Semester, embracing the energy of learning, and navigating personal challenges, including my surgery. Yet, through it all, one thing has remained constant: the unwavering support of our Women's Intercultural Center community.

I am truly overwhelmed by the kindness, encouragement, and prayers that have surrounded me. Your messages, well wishes, and presence have reminded me that this Center is more than a space for learning—it is a family, a community that lifts each other up during every season of life.

This week has reaffirmed the power of resilience, connection, and hope. Whether through a classroom discussion, a creative workshop, or a moment of personal reflection, we continue to grow together, strengthening the bonds that make WInC so special.

Thank you for standing beside me. Thank you for believing in the work we do. Thank you for being a part of this journey.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Mary Carter Editor, Week in Review Women's Intercultural Center

Bringing Confidence Through Haircutting

Tuesdays just got a little more amazing at the Women's Intercultural Center! This week, our participants picked up their scissors and styling tools as they began their haircutting and styling class, led by the talented and passionate Maria Escarcega.

More than just learning how to trim, shape, and style hair, this class is about empowerment. The skills being taught are life-changing—not just for those enrolled, but for their families. A fresh haircut can boost confidence by giving the person a fresh, stylish look and save costs for families.

Maria, with her dedication and expertise, is guiding students through the fundamentals of haircutting and hairstyling, helping them develop hands-on skills that will serve them well in the future. Her patience and encouragement create a supportive space where everyone feels motivated to learn and grow.

A huge thank you to Maria for sharing her passion and knowledge! We can't wait to see how her students progress.

Stay tuned for updates as our students sharpen their skills—one haircut at a time

FBI Investigates Disturbing Online Network Targeting Youth

Investigators have found that members of 764 use psychological manipulation to lure victims into dangerous situations, often under the guise of friendship or shared interests. Some victims, as young as nine years old, have been coerced into creating graphic content, which is then used for extortion or shared among members.

The FBI has urged parents, educators, and community leaders to remain vigilant and educate young people about the dangers of online exploitation.

How Parents Can Safeguard Their Children Online

Open Communication – Talk to your children about online dangers and encourage them to share any suspicious interactions.
Monitor Online Activity – Keep an eye on the apps, games, and websites your child uses.
Privacy Settings – Ensure social media accounts are set to private and limit interactions with strangers.
Teach Digital Literacy – Educate children on recognizing manipulation tactics and avoiding risky online behavior.
Use Parental Controls – Enable safety features on devices and apps to restrict inappropriate content.
Encourage Critical Thinking – Teach kids to question online interactions and recognize red flags.
Report Suspicious Activity – If you suspect online exploitation, report it to authorities immediately.

As this investigation unfolds, it’s a stark reminder of the critical need for digital awareness and protection. The Women's Intercultural Center remains committed to empowering individuals through education and advocacy, ensuring that our community is informed and safeguarded against such threats.

Carmen’s Crochet Creations for a Special Celebration

In our Crochet Class at the Women's Intercultural Center, creativity and love are stitched together—literally! This week, we were treated to an incredible display of adorable crochet creations made by Carmen, each one woven with care and affection for a very special occasion: her granddaughter’s confirmation.

Crafting isn’t just about making something beautiful—it’s about expression, tradition, and heartfelt gestures that carry deeper meaning. Every stitch Carmen placed into her crochet pieces reflects the love, pride, and blessings she holds for her granddaughter, transforming simple yarn into treasured keepsakes that will forever represent this important milestone.

Sometimes, the most precious presents aren’t the ones bought—but the ones made, stitch by stitch, with love. As her granddaughter celebrates this wonderful moment, she does so wrapped in Carmen’s dedication, warmth, and artistry. We are honored to witness such meaningful creativity in our community and to share in the joy of this celebration.

A Mother’s Day Celebration Through Candle Art

Creativity, love, and celebration filled the air at the Women's Intercultural Center this week as participants gathered for a Mother’s Day candle decorating workshop. The workshop was a heartwarming event where art met appreciation, allowing attendees to craft stunning, personalized rose candles in honor of the incredible mothers in their lives.

Guided by the wonderful Lupita Zacarias, who truly shined as our instructor, participants poured their creativity into their designs, adding beautiful floral patterns, intricate details, and personal touches to each candle. Every creation was more than just a decorative piece—it was a symbol of gratitude, reflecting the deep appreciation we hold for the women who nurture, support, and inspire us daily.

From soft pastels to vibrant hues, each candle carried a story, a sentiment, a celebration of motherhood. The joy in the room was undeniable, as smiles and laughter accompanied the crafting process, reminding us that the simplest gestures—made with love—are often the most meaningful.

A huge thank you to everyone who participated and made this workshop so special. And to all the incredible mothers out there—Happy Mother’s Day! Your love and strength continue to light the way for so many.

Celebrating Rosie Flores' Achievement

At the Women's Intercultural Center, we take immense pride in celebrating the successes of those who have walked through our doors. This week, we shine a spotlight on Rosie Flores, a former intern, dedicated donor, and now—an officially inducted educator through the GISD Teacher Induction and Mentorship Program for the 2024-2025 school year!

Rosie's journey is one of perseverance, passion, and a commitment to education. From her time at the Center, where she worked tirelessly to support programming, to her present achievement as a teacher ready to inspire and uplift students, her dedication shines through every step of the way.

Education is more than a profession—it’s a calling, a commitment to guiding young minds and shaping the future. Rosie has embraced this mission wholeheartedly, and we know that her classroom will be filled not just with knowledge, but with kindness, encouragement, and the belief that every student has the potential to thrive.

As she embarks on this new chapter, we celebrate her journey and cheer for the impact she will undoubtedly make. The future is brighter because of educators like her.

Anabey Leyva’s Path to Citizenship

The Las Cruces Convention Center buzzed with quiet anticipation. Rows of chairs filled with 199 people from all walks of life—each with their own stories, their own struggles, their own triumphs—were waiting for one pivotal moment. Among them sat Anabey Leyva, her heart pounding with a mixture of pride and disbelief. May 9, 2025, marked the culmination of a journey she had worked tirelessly to complete. She was about to become a naturalized citizen of the United States.

Anabey had always believed in hard work. It was a philosophy instilled in her since childhood, one she carried into every aspect of her life—including her pursuit of citizenship. When she first enrolled in the Women’s Intercultural Center’s Spanish-language citizenship class, she made a simple yet bold request at her workplace: an hour off to attend. It was a small ask, but a significant one. That single hour, carved out of her packed schedule, became a sacred time of growth, of learning, of transformation.

She wasn’t just a participant in the class—she was its star student. Her dedication was unmatched. She pored over materials, memorizing American history, understanding the foundations of democracy, and embracing the responsibilities that came with citizenship. Late nights spent studying, moments of self-doubt conquered, and unwavering determination brought her to this day.

As the judge stepped forward to administer the oath, Anabey stood tall, her head high. The words felt weighty, powerful—a declaration of her place in this country, of her commitment to its values and ideals. When the ceremony concluded, applause erupted, cheers rang through the hall, and tears welled up in Anabey’s eyes. She was no longer just a dreamer—she was an American.

Her journey would continue, of course. There was more to learn, more to experience. But in this moment, she allowed herself to revel in what she had achieved. She had worked for this, fought for this, earned this.

And now, with the world before her, Anabey Leyva stepped into her new life—not just as a citizen, but as a testament to perseverance, hope, and unwavering belief in oneself.