Co-director
A proud native of Eagle Pass, Texas, Amerika is a passionate advocate for economic development and human rights with experience working in emerging economies worldwide. Her global perspective, shaped by years abroad, fuels her commitment to inclusive growth, social justice, and cross-border collaboration. As a co-founder of the Frontera Federation and other nonprofits, she combines her expertise in grassroots empowerment and international development to drive opportunity and equity in the border region, ensuring her community thrives while honoring its cultural heritage.
Co-director
Ari is a US and Mexico border and immigration expert with over 10 years of experience focusing on how deterrence and criminalization of migration result in death, disappearance, and other harms of thousands of mostly indigenous people, as well as empower criminal organizations and fuel government corruption. In addition to co-founding Frontera Federation, Ari has worked for USA TODAY, Human Rights Watch and Refugees International, and has published widely. They hold a master’s degree in International Policy and Development from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies.
Community Health Programs Coordinator
Ana Guardiola is a board certified and dedicated APRN and FNP-BC who provides compassionate healthcare to underserved communities along the border. Her commitment to community health extends beyond her clinic, as she works tirelessly to reach patients in remote areas and partners with organizations addressing humanitarian challenges. Her expertise also supports humanitarian efforts through Operation ID, where she applies forensic training to help identify individuals who have lost their lives during migration—a solemn reminder of the urgent need for dignity and justice.
President of the Board
Chris is a border and immigration-policy consultant based in Brownsville, Texas. He was senior policy counsel at the American Civil Liberties Union’s National Political Advocacy Department, responsible for administrative and legislative advocacy on border and immigration issues from 2012 to 2019. Prior to joining the ACLU, he spent seven years at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in San Francisco as a law clerk and staff attorney and then worked for the Miami law firm of Kurzban Kurzban Tetzeli and Pratt.
Vice President of the Board
Karen is a passionate community organizer dedicated to making a positive impact through local nonprofit work. With years of hands-on experience, she has collaborated with a diverse range of community members and organizations to address critical social issues such as access to healthcare, income inequality, environmental justice and immigration rights; among others. Committed to empowering individuals and fostering collective action, Karen thrives on bringing people together to create sustainable, grassroots solutions.
Board Member
Anastacio “Hooky” Guajardo, a former Maverick County Commissioner, has dedicated decades to advancing ethical governance and sustainable development in border communities. A champion of transparency and interfaith collaboration, he serves on the board of the Frontera Federation as it addresses systemic inequities through community-driven strategies that prioritize dignity and resilience. His lifelong advocacy for faith-based partnerships and equitable growth reflects the Federation’s commitment to fostering solidarity and opportunity across the border region.