This year marks a milestone for Progress321—a decade of building community, nurturing leadership, and inspiring a new generation of progressors committed to the future of the El Paso region. What began as a nonprofit supported by the El Paso Community Foundation has grown into a dynamic ecosystem where purpose-driven professionals come together to connect, collaborate, and lead.
A Decade of Community Building. Ten years ago, Progress321 was created with a simple but powerful vision: to unite professionals who believe in the potential of the region and are willing to work together to advance it. Over the years, the organization has become a trusted space for meaningful relationships, strategic partnerships, and collective growth.
A Network That Connects, Inspires, and Transforms. Through intimate gatherings with local leaders, curated panel discussions, and informal networking events, Progress321 has fostered an environment where authentic connections thrive. Members have found mentors, collaborators, and lifelong friendships—proof that when people with shared purpose come together, transformation is inevitable.
Creating Access to Opportunity. Progress321 has also distinguished itself by offering members unparalleled access. Exclusive tours of new development projects, invitations to high-level regional events such as the ELP Industry Summit and the Global Border Summit, and opportunities to engage with influential voices across sectors have allowed members to experience, firsthand, the momentum driving the region forward.
Empowering Leaders to Step Forward. Leadership development is at the heart of the organization’s mission. Over the years, Progress321 has prepared members to serve on local and state boards, encouraged them to lead committees, and provided platforms that amplify their expertise. Committees such as Programming, Governance, Membership, Gastronomy, Marketing, Change Makers, El Paso Everywhere, and One Region One Table continue to shape the organization’s strategic direction.
2025 Committee Chairs:
- Programming: Shane Griffith
- Membership: Larry John Porras
- Gastronomy: Leyla Zeidan Safa
- Marketing: Melissa Babina
- Change Makers: Sairy Cohen
- El Paso Everywhere: Larissa Garcia & John Tavarez
- One Region One Table: Stephanie Hernandez & Junior Vasquez
Signature Events That Leave a Mark. Progress321’s impact is perhaps most visible in the events that have become pillars of its identity:
- One Region One Table (launched in 2017)
An elevated culinary experience celebrating the rich binational and tri-state identity of the region. Through a multi-course dinner, wine pairings, and live entertainment, this event showcases the creativity and flavor that define the border community. - El Paso Everywhere
A multi-day homecoming experience that gathers El Paso expats from across the U.S. and abroad, strengthening ties with their hometown and celebrating the global footprint of the El Paso diaspora. - Change Makers
In partnership with El Paso Matters, this annual event honors remarkable women across industries during Women’s History Month, celebrating their leadership and contributions. - Lunch Roulette
An intimate series where special guests share their personal and professional journeys, inspiring members to take action and embrace their role as agents of change.
A Community Growing With Intention. Today, Progress321 is home to 177 Progressors, 22 corporate members, and a network of regional partners that includes Borderplex Alliance, El Paso Electric, Microsoft, GECU, Texas Tech Health El Paso, Raiz Federal Credit Union, and many others. Together, they form a collective committed to elevating the region’s future.
Leadership Guiding the Vision.
Executive Director
Under the guidance of Executive Director Analisa Cordova, the leadership team continues to strengthen the organization’s mission. Analisa became the executive director in 2025 and has a passion for this organization having been part of it as a member of many years prior.
2025 Board of Directors
Executive Team:
- President: L. John Porras
- Vice President: Stephanie Hernandez
- Treasurer: Nicole Mier
- Secretary: Stephanie Hernandez
- Administrative VP: Kathrin Berg
Board Members
Melissa Babina, Sairy Cohen, Claudia De La Rosa, Miranda Diaz, Larissa Garcia, Gabriel Gonzalez, Shane Griffith, Alejandra Montalvo, David Panko, Leyla Zeidan Safa, Carlos Ibrahim Sanchez, Danielle Urbina, Daniel Vasquez, Junior Vasquez.
2026 Board of Directors
Executive Team:
- President: L. John Porras
- Vice President: Stephanie Hernandez
- Treasurer: Nicole Mier
- Secretary: Miranda Diaz
- Administrative VP: Kathrin Berg
Board Members
Melissa Babina, Sairy Cohen, Karla Cuburu, Veronica De Lara, Claudia De La Rosa, Abraham Gandarilla, Larissa Garcia, Shane Griffith, Alejandra Montalvo, Leyla Zeidan Safa, Daniel Vasquez, Junior Vasquez, Javier Zubiate.
One Professional Ecosystem, One Shared Purpose. After ten years, Progress321 stands as a catalyst for regional transformation—a place where individuals from all industries come together to learn, collaborate, and envision a stronger, more equitable future for the border community.
A Mission More Alive Than Ever. The 10th anniversary is not only a celebration of what has been achieved, but a reaffirmation of a mission that continues to evolve. With a renewed focus on Strategic Planning—leadership development, sustained membership engagement, expanded regional reach, technology-driven programming, and long-term sustainability—Progress321 enters its next decade with clarity and thrust.
As the organization honors its first ten years, it does so with gratitude for its members, partners, and supporters—and with an unwavering commitment to supporting the ideas, projects, and people that will drive the region of El Paso, Juárez and Las Cruces forward.
