Embarking on the role of Major Gifts Officer for the Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of El Paso has been a journey, deeply rooted in my commitment to service and faith. My gratitude extends to my grandparents, who instilled in my parents a profound devotion to Catholicism, ensuring their education in Catholic schools. In return, my parents bestowed upon my brothers and me the rich Catholic traditions of weekly rosary prayers with neighbors, regular attendance at mass, lighting of luminarias at Christmas, and climbing Mt. Cristo Rey on Good Friday followed by enchiladas.

Their sacrifices were immense, enabling our education in esteemed Catholic schools such as Loretto, St. Joseph, and Cathedral. I was blessed with a four-year scholarship that allowed me to become a second-generation graduate of Loretto Academy in 2003. Subsequently, I pursued a Business Degree in Marketing at UTEP, graduating in 2008. That pivotal year, I said “Yes” to an invitation from my Godmother to partake in the transformative journey of the ACTS retreat, seeking divine guidance for the next phase of my life.

My professional journey has been marked by blessed fulfilling experiences, including serving as Chief of Staff for State Senator Eliot Shapleigh, and holding positions as Development Director at Loretto Academy and the Zoo Society. In the summer of 2010, I took a personal spiritual pilgrimage to Rome and Vatican City to discover the history of my faith on a deeper level.

In 2013, I joyfully married Brandon Silverstein, with Deacon Jim Szostek officiating our marriage. Our family has since expanded to include two rescue dogs, Rufus and Smuckers. Actively engaged in our parish, I contribute as a member of the St. Patrick Cathedral Altar Society and am a board member of the Junior League of El Paso and Progress321.

Over the last six years, I was the Digital Project Manager at Hello Amigo, but my heart has always been dedicated to community service, leading me to pursue public office and ultimately returning to a non-profit role.

I stand before you, ready and eager to fully use the gifts bestowed upon me by God. As stated in Ephesians 2:10, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do Good works, which God prepared in advanced for us to do.”

My purpose is to serve you wholeheartedly in our collective calling to cultivate and strengthen our Catholic Diocese. Feel free to contact me Acordova-silverstein@catholicfoundationelpaso.org or at 915-872-8412.