Jacqueline Macias is a second-generation Mexican American from a farm worker family. She constantly searches for ways to make her parents and grandparents proud of the hard work they invested in her life. Born and raised in San Antonio, Jacqueline loves this city because it is a welcoming city where people can enjoy an array of cultures, traditions, and politics.
As a proud daughter of immigrants, Jacqueline has experienced the same hardships many new immigrants suffer when coming into this country. Receiving people arriving on their journey is both a special and overwhelming experience. She says the opportunity is like none other, and she is honored to serve each traveler along the way. She hopes to serve humbly and inspire prosperity for the journey ahead—and in the process develop the necessary expertise to become a skilled social worker.
Having lived in San Antonio since childhood, Jared Urbina is excited to be joining the Interfaith Welcome Coalition.
Jared’s parents emigrated from Mexico in the late 1980s. As such, Jared is keenly aware of cultural and linguistic challenges that often come to characterize the immigrant experience. Jared’s upbringing impressed upon them a sense of solidarity with others embarking on the same journey of migration as his parents.
Raised within the Latter Day Saints (LDS) faith, youth service projects were a common weekend activity, and the importance of volunteering and engaging with one’s community continues to be a feature of Jared’s outlook. Through their role as one the Welcoming Interns for the IWC, they hope to learn about issues affecting their community, participate in the response, and gain experience working in the non-profit sector.
When not working, Jared spends their free time playing with their dog, Max. Other interests include learning about textiles and fibers and playing the piano. Currently, Jared is learning to play Chopin’s Nocturnes.
