Border Briefs Debut in San Diego: Event Showcases Philanthropy's Role in Shaping the U.S.-Mexico Border Region

The presentation was part of "Voices and Visions from the Border: A Funder Dialogue" hosted by the U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership (BPP) proudly unveiled the Border Briefs series at a special event titled Voices and Visions from the Border: A Funder Dialogue, held at the San Diego Central Library. The gathering brought together philanthropic and nonprofit leaders, academics, media, and policymakers to explore the role of philanthropy in confronting the challenges and amplifying the opportunities of the U.S.-Mexico border region.

Developed in partnership with renowned borderlands scholar Dr. Paul Ganster of San Diego State University, the Border Briefs provide critical, evidence-based insights across six thematic areas: Health, Environment, Education, Migration, Philanthropy, and Border Dynamics. These publications are designed to inform and inspire cross-sector collaboration, policy development, and strategic investment in the borderlands.

The evening opened with remarks from Anabella Díaz Rivera Robinson Bours, BPP Board Member, who welcomed guests and recognized the generosity of the event sponsors: The Conrad Prebys Foundation, R.L. Jones Customhouse Brokers, San Diego Foundation, Procopio, International Community Foundation, and G-Global.

Andy Carey, Executive Director of BPP, officially presented the Border Briefs, highlighting how these resources aim to challenge misconceptions and provide concrete data to guide collective action. "Too often, the border is viewed solely through the lens of crisis," said Carey. "These briefs offer a new narrative—one grounded in facts, opportunity, and the potential for cooperation across sectors and borders."

A panel discussion moderated by Karina Jimenez Lewis, Associate Director Policy Reform and Advocacy at the Annie E. Casey Foundation and BPP Board Member, followed. The conversation explored how funders and partners can leverage data, lived experience, and collaboration to promote equity and prosperity in border communities. Panelists included:

• Casandra Hernández Faham, Senior Program Associate for Arts and Culture, The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
• Silvia Rivera, Director of Local News, MacArthur Foundation.
• Dr. Emily Young, Vice President of Programs, The Conrad Prebys Foundation.

Each speaker brought a powerful perspective on the unique intersections of culture, journalism, civic engagement, and health across the borderlands.

About the Border Briefs

The Border Briefs are a set of six research-based documents focused on key thematic issues affecting the U.S.-Mexico border region. Designed to dispel myths, elevate local knowledge, and support data-driven policy and philanthropic action, the briefs are available for download at: www.borderpartnership.org.

About the U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership

The BPP is a binational membership organization whose mission is to support a network of organizations that build prosperity through leadership, collaboration, and philanthropy in the U.S.-Mexico Border region. For more information about the BPP, please visit: www.borderpartnership.org.

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SOURCE U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership