By: Veronica Nevarez
Photography by: Jordan Licon Photography

Podcasting has become one of the most dynamic cultural movements of the last decade. What began as a niche format has grown into a powerful form of media that influences politics, education, entertainment, and community conversations around the world. Global listenership rose from approximately 507 million in 2023 to around 584 million in 2025, and analysts predict continued growth through at least 2027. The numbers are staggering: the industry surpassed $31 billion in 2024, and advertising revenue alone is expected to exceed $5 billion by 2027. For many, this is big business.

For Marcela Fernandez, her podcast, Bordergirls, is not simply about entertainment or self-promotion but about creating an intimate space for women of the Borderland to share stories, offer inspiration, and sometimes find much-needed healing. “Lending an ear,” as Fernandez describes it, is at the heart of her mission—a way to remind women that they are seen, valued, and never alone in their struggles.

Long before podcasting became part of her life, Fernandez was already deeply embedded in the work of giving back. A philanthropist at heart, she has consistently used her time and resources to lift others, particularly those living in poverty across the border region.

She plays an active role in the FEMAP Foundation of El Paso, a nonprofit committed to improving the quality of life through healthcare, education, outreach, and economic development in both El Paso and Ciudad Juárez. FEMAP’s work is vital in a region where the border creates opportunities, but also stark inequities. Every year, the FEMAP Gala Committee selects an honorary chair who has made extraordinary contributions to the community in support of this mission. In November 2024, Fernandez and her husband, Miguel Fernandez, received this honor for their kindness, dedication, and leadership.

Her reach also extends into Ciudad Juárez through her involvement with Fundación Necesidades Básicas, founded in 2021. This organization provides crucial financial support to initiatives serving underprivileged children. Its work encompasses not just food, healthcare, and education, but also psychological and moral support—recognizing that children need nourishment for both body and spirit. The foundation ensures resources are distributed equitably, maximizing the impact of each donation.

But philanthropy for Fernandez is not limited to survival needs. She is equally committed to enriching lives through art and culture. As a member of Texas Women for the Arts (TWA), she helps channel funding to programs that have brought artistic opportunities to more than 3.7 million children across Texas. Locally, her efforts support organizations such as Creative Kids, El Paso Opera, and the Tom Lea Institute. To Fernandez, the arts are not luxuries but vital tools for self-expression, resilience, and community identity.

The Birth of Bordergirls

While giving back through philanthropy remains central to her life, Fernandez also wanted to create a space where women could connect in a different way. That desire gave rise to Bordergirls, her podcast dedicated to amplifying the voices of women, particularly those who might not recognize the value of their own stories.

Fernandez recalls questioning why “women can’t be closer or more uplifting” with one another. With Bordergirls, she sought to change that dynamic, creating a safe, encouraging space. The guiding reminder she offers women is powerful: “you have a voice in the world, even when women don’t think they’ve done anything special.”

The podcast, available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, has already cultivated a dedicated following. While Fernandez admits her production schedule is inconsistent—“I wish I could be more consistent, but life is busy”—her listeners remain loyal. Editing, she explains, is “tough,” but necessary to preserve the authenticity of each conversation. Most episodes are in Spanish, reflecting her cultural and linguistic roots, though she acknowledges a growing demand for English-language episodes. “Everything in life is progressive so I’m taking the right steps to feel comfortable doing so,” she says, recognizing the importance of connecting with diverse audiences.

Her influence extends far beyond the immediate El Paso–Juárez region. Fernandez’s following now stretches as far as Tijuana and San Diego, demonstrating the resonance of her message with women living in border communities across Mexico and the United States.

Inspired and Inspiring

Her work has not gone unnoticed among peers. The Head of Content of Vogue Latin America, Karla Martinez De Salas, is both a friend and a colleague, and Fernandez credits her as an inspiration for her work on women’s issues. The conversations always go deeper, organically moving toward more intimate reflections

Finding Strength Through Transition

Part of what makes Fernandez such a powerful advocate is her personal story. She was just 13 years old when her family relocated from Chihuahua to El Paso. The move was transformative. “It was one of those things that makes an impact,” she recalls. Chihuahua, she explains, was very different both culturally and mentally. The shift to El Paso was a cultural shock. She describes the experience as “starting from scratch,” but also credits it with helping her develop resilience.

“There is something very special about living on the border … it’s a very different dynamic growing up here,” she reflects. That resilience would later inform both her philanthropic work and her ability to encourage other women facing their own transitions.

Her personal life also blossomed in El Paso, where she met her husband Miguel, who also hails from Chihuahua. She affectionately calls him a “frustrated architect” for his passion for architecture and design—an interest that eventually fueled one of their most visible projects together.

The Stanton House: A Vision Realized

Downtown El Paso has seen remarkable revitalization in recent years, and one of its crown jewels is the Stanton House, a boutique hotel that reflects both Marcela and Miguel’s shared passion for design. What began as a vision grew into a four-year collaborative project among family and friends. The building, Fernandez recalls, was in “terrible condition,” requiring significant transformation.

Fernandez took the lead on interior design, curating everything from the furnishings to the artwork. The result is nothing short of breathtaking: a space where every detail feels intentional, blending modern elegance with local character. She admits the project was a challenge, but one she embraced wholeheartedly. The Stanton House today is not just a hotel—it is a symbol of downtown’s cultural resurgence and a reflection of Fernandez’s impeccable eye for beauty.

Looking Ahead

For Fernandez, the Stanton House and Bordergirls are not endpoints but stepping stones. She shares her plan to move into video podcasting, in both English and Spanish. By expanding into visual media, she hopes to reach an even wider audience while continuing to nurture connections across border towns.

Her long-term vision is clear: “To continue with my personal growth for the podcast and helping impact other border towns.” She also acknowledges the importance of maintaining balance, grounding her ambitions in her roles as wife and mother. “Life is unpredictable—recognize who you are and keep growing in every aspect of life to continue helping others.”

This philosophy—of recognizing limitations while still striving for growth—guides her daily life. She believes that impact begins locally: “We need to start with what’s around us, because we cannot help the whole world.”

A Legacy of Connection

At its core, Fernandez’s story is about connection—connecting women to their own voices, connecting communities across a border that too often divides, and connecting philanthropy with the everyday realities of those who need it most. Her work illustrates how one individual, motivated by empathy and guided by purpose, can have a ripple effect across an entire region.

She is at once a philanthropist, a creative visionary, a cultural advocate, and a storyteller. And whether she is curating artwork for a hotel, hosting a podcast episode, or organizing resources for underserved families, Fernandez’s approach is consistent: thoughtful, authentic, and deeply human.

In a world captivated by numbers, metrics, and the scale of influence, she reminds us of a simpler truth—that real impact comes not from reaching millions, but from touching one life at a time.

Marcela Fernandez continues to “speak volumes,” not only through her podcast but through the generosity of her actions and the example she sets. Her legacy is already being written in the lives she has uplifted, the conversations she has sparked, and the community she continues to build around her.