Inspiring Alumni Making a Difference in El Paso

December 2024

By Anna Carrillo, '19, '21

 

UTEP alumni are making a difference in our community! From leading innovative nutrition programs to creating joyful experiences for young patients and supporting families in need, these UTEP graduates are leaving a lasting impact. 

 

Louie Salazar, B.A. Media Advertising 1999
Nutrition Initiatives Manager - El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank

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  • Image 1: Louie and friends outside the Geology Building looking at the Eclipse
  • Image 2: Louie and friend hanging out at the UTEP Library
  • Image 3: Louie stocking the produce shelves at El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food FARMacy

As the nutrition initiatives manager at El Pasoans Fighting Hunger, Louie leads the Food FARmacy Program, which serves as a vital resource for individuals facing food insecurity and diet-related chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Beyond providing access to nutritious food, Louie offers nutrition education and guidance on healthy food choices to support lasting lifestyle changes.  

 

El Pasoans Fighting Hunger is El Paso’s only food bank, and the second youngest in the nation. The Food FARMacy program is a client-choice pantry that empowers referred individuals from participating healthcare providers and equips them with knowledge and skills to select foods that help manage their chronic conditions.  

"Leading the Food FARMacy has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional career. Our mission to provide healthy foods and educational resources to vulnerable El Pasoans managing diet-related chronic conditions and facing nutrition insecurity is truly fulfilling. The impact of the Food FARMacy on these individuals is immediate, and their gratitude is deeply moving. It is a privilege to be part of an initiative that makes such a meaningful difference in the lives of so many" — Louie Salazar ’99, Nutrition Initiatives Manager, El Pasoans Fighting Hunger.

Daniel James Veale, MBA 2011
Director of Marketing and Public Information Officer - El Paso Children’s Hospital

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  • Image 1: Daniel preparing for Homecoming activities in 2010
  • Image 2: Daniel addressing guests at an EPCH ribbon cutting ceremony for the new multispecialty center in April 2024
  • Image 3: Daniel hosting EPCH event for physicians, staff, and community partners in April 2023

Daniel James Veale serves as the director of marketing and public information officer at El Paso Children’s Hospital. In this role, he oversees all aspects of internal and external marketing and advertising. Additionally, Daniel organizes community events and activities to ensure the well-being and happiness of young patients and their families. During difficult times, he creates an environment where kids can escape and find joy.  

Daniel has over a decade of career accomplishments, which include senior level marketing positions in the athletic departments at Southern Methodist University (SMU), and most recently, The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). Over the past few years, Veale was named one of the original El Paso’s Top 30 Professionals Under 30, UTEP Alumni’s 35 under 35, and has served as a key liaison to the City of El Paso, County of El Paso, and Fort Bliss. 

"Working in this role means having the privilege to create joy and comfort for children and families during some of their most challenging moments. It’s about using creativity and compassion to make a real difference in their lives, while ensuring the hospital’s mission reaches the hearts of our community." — Daniel James Veale '11, Director of Marketing and Public Information Officer, El Paso Children’s Hospital.

Italia Solis, B.A. Business 2021
Community Relations & Development Coordinator - Lee & Beulah Moor Children's Home 

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  • Image 1: Italia with her Alpha Xi Delta sister 
  • Image 2: Italia Solis after her 2021 graduation ceremony   
  • Image 3: Italia (far left) with Veronica Escobar and staff from the Lee & Beulah Moor Children’s Home team as they celebrate 65 years of operation  

Italia Solis serves as the community relations & development coordinator at El Paso’s Lee & Beulah Moor Children’s Home, where she leads community engagement efforts, including donor relations and event coordination. With passion and dedication, she manages donations, volunteers, donor events, and improvement initiatives—all to ensure the children receive the care and resources they deserve. 

 

The Lee & Beulah Moor Children’s Home provides a wide range of programs and services for families and children in transition, including counseling, residential care, foster care, adoption services, unplanned pregnancy counseling, tutoring, recreation, and life-skills development. Italia’s strong background in journalism and public relations plays a pivotal role in her success in this role. During her time as a UTEP student, Italia gained valuable experience as a Legislative Assistant for the UTEP Student Government Association and as an Event Coordinator for Alpha Xi Delta. 

 

"It's rewarding to know that our work has the power to change lives. Everything we do is driven by selflessness, and at this crucial stage in the kids' lives, our efforts can leave a lasting and meaningful impact." — Italia Solis ’21, Community Relations & Development Coordinator, Lee & Beulah Moor Children's Home 

 

Anna Carrillo ’19, ’21, born and raised in El Paso, Texas, is a proud graduate of The University of Texas at El Paso, where she earned her bachelor’s in business marketing and a master's degree in leadership studies. With a strong belief in the power of leadership to bring about positive change and commitment to community service, Anna's current role as the Stewardship Manager at El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank allows her to engage and serve the community.

 

To learn more about Anna and our other Miner Nation Contributors, click here.