The Paso del Norte Community Foundation sends its heartfelt congratulations to Natalia Salas Porras, who recently graduated from the School of Art at Cooper Union in New York. Natalia received scholarship support from Community en Accion’s (CEA) Survivors en Accion Scholarship Fund, established by CEA in the Paso del Norte Community Foundation immediately following the August 3, 2019 shooting to support the education needs of survivors of the tragic event.  Natalia’s mother, Maria Eugenia Legarreta Rothe, was needlessly killed in the shooting. 

The PdN Community Foundation extends its sincere gratitude to CEA for its commitment to developing a strong, proud, and productive next generation of leaders by celebrating our diverse heritage as a gift to our city, this region, and our nation. CEA believes in the children who lost parents due to the August 3^rd shooting and embraces them as their own, recognizing that they are part of a broader family.  Through this scholarship and expression of care, CEA chooses to replace hate with love and tragedy with triumph. 

Each year with the renewal of her scholarship, Natalia checked in with the leadership of CEA and Foundation, providing a special opportunity to witness Natalia’s growth and transformation over her years of study.

“Artmaking was the path I took to make sense of myself after the murder of my mother. The past four years were dedicated to learning and healing, an essential experience to transform my grief into opportunity. This transformation was possible thanks to CEA, Paso del Norte, and all the donors who supported me economically, who made sure I would not lack a home or materials for my art practice throughout my education.  Thank you, to everyone who helped me start a new life that I am embracing with hope and the memory of my beloved mother," said Natalia Salas Porras.

We are so proud of Natalia and wish her tremendous success as she remains in New York and sets out in her artmaking career.  Natalia wishes to gift the Foundation and community with a piece of her art in thanks for the support she has received, and we couldn’t be more humbled by such a thoughtful gesture and priceless gift.  Please take a moment to view Natalia’s beautiful art.