Bridging Borders, Building Understanding: Explore’s Journey in Nogales
Explore’s Class 5 trip to Nogales began with a powerful reminder that this region is far more than a point on a map, it is a dynamic hub of relationships, commerce, and community. We gathered at Zulla’s Restaurant with seven local leaders representing the Greater Nogales Port Authority, including Mayor Maldonado, Councilwoman Anna Parada, Joshua Rubin, Jaime Chamberlain, John Fanning, Allison Moore, and Chris Stoller. The conversation quickly grounded us in the significance of the Nogales port of entry as a critical economic engine, moving billions of dollars in goods each year and sustaining supply chains across North America. We also explored the proposed South32 mine and its potential implications, weighing both economic opportunity and community impact in a region where cross-border interdependence is a daily reality.
From there, we visited Chamberlain Distributing to see firsthand how produce flows through Nogales. Walking through the cooling center, we gained a deeper appreciation for the logistics, speed, and precision required to move fresh goods from farms to tables across the United States. The day continued with a vibrant tour of Nogales’ murals, where local artist Priscilla “Nefftys” Rodriguez shared how public art reflects identity, resilience, and cultural pride. Later, at the Historic Courthouse, education leaders Maya Donnelly and Francisco Padilla spoke about the students and families they serve, emphasizing the importance of early childhood investment and cross-sector collaboration in shaping future opportunity.
Art and entrepreneurship rounded out the afternoon. At the Wittner Museum, surrounded by Paula Wittner’s expressive works, we experienced a moving piano performance of a Philip Glass piece by Evan Kory, underscoring the role of the arts as both a unifying and transformative force. We also heard from Stephanie Bermudez of Startup Unidos, who painted a compelling picture of the entrepreneurial ecosystem emerging across Southern Arizona and Nogales, Sonora. The day concluded with insights from Simon Charter of South32, who shared how the mine’s Community Benefits Plan aims to integrate environmental responsibility with long-term community investment. That evening, we crossed the border on foot and gathered for dinner at La Roca, reflecting on a full day of learning and connection.
Our second day began early as we crossed into Nogales, Sonora, where Eleazar Coronado of ARINAC welcomed us with breakfast and an in-depth look at the maquiladora industry. Through both data and a driving tour of the industrial parks, we saw how manufacturing anchors the local economy and connects directly to Arizona’s prosperity. We then visited ARSOBO, where Francisco “Kiko” Trujillo shared the organization’s work providing prosthetics and hearing devices despite limited resources, highlighting the power of partnership—particularly with the University of Arizona. After a memorable lunch at La Llorona, we visited the San Juan Bosco Shelter, where Francisco Loureiro offered a sobering perspective on migration and the realities faced by asylum seekers. As our experience came to a close, we reflected on the themes of equity, interconnectedness, and adaptability, recognizing that Nogales is not just a border community, but a powerful example of how deeply our futures are tied together.
As the cohort returns home, the lessons from Nogales will continue to resonate. This experience broadened our understanding of Arizona as an interconnected system—economically, culturally, and socially, where border communities play an essential, often underappreciated role in the state’s overall vitality. The insights gained here challenge us to think more holistically about leadership and policy, and to carry forward a more nuanced, inclusive perspective on how Arizona functions as a whole.
Meet all of our Nogales partners and see more pictures from the trip!
| Stephanie Bermudez | Startup Unidos |
| Evan Kory | Wittner Gallery |
| Priscilla Rodriguez | Artist / Nogallería |
| Francisco Padilla | Regional Director First Things First |
| Maya Donnely | County School Superintendent |
| Francisco Loureiro | San Juan Bosco Shelter |
| Alejandra Reyes Montaño | ARINAC President |
| Eleazar Coronado | Verdugo & Associates | ARINAC |
| Francisco Trujillo | Executive Director of ARSOBO |
| Mayor Maldonado | Nogales, Arizona Mayor |
| John Fanning | Supervisor, District 3 |
| Councilmember Anna Parrada | Council Representative |
| Allison Moore | Fresh Produce Association |
| Chris Stoller | Nogales Community Development Board |
| Joshua Rubin | Javid LLC |
| Jaime Chamberlain | Chamberlain Distribution |
| Simon Charter | South32 Mine |
| Luis Ramirez | Ramirez Advisors |
