In a life-saving attempt to flee El Salvador’s civil war in 1980, Dora Rodriguez was one of thirteen survivors found near death while crossing the border through the Sonoran Desert. By bravely publicizing her story of migration and through her unwavering support for migrants rights, Dora’s image has been propelled to the forefront of the sanctuary movement in Tucson, AZ.

Through her public speaking and advocacy work, Dora’s focus is to educate communities about the harsh realities migrants face in the desert, and to inspire transformative changes to the immigration injustices plaguing our border towns.

Residing in Tucson, AZ, with her husband and five children, Dora is also a proud grandmother. She serves as the Director of Salvavision, a nonprofit offering aid and support to migrants and deportees.