Voices from Nogales

Sigrid Maitrejean has spent much of her life navigating between cultures and countries. Born in the late 1930s, she grew up between Nogales, Arizona and Nogales, Sonora, experiencing the border during a very different era. She later worked for over 30 years in the U.S. diplomatic service, living in countries across the world—including Thailand, the Philippines, South Africa, Brazil, and Panama. After decades of movement, she returned to Nogales, where she continues to reflect on the changes she has witnessed over time. Her story offers a long-term, intergenerational perspective on identity, mobility, and belonging.

Miguel Lopez is a Nogales native whose life and work—as an attorney and most recently as a judge—are deeply connected to the local community. Growing up along the U.S.–Mexico border, he has witnessed firsthand the ways in which the region has evolved socially, economically, and culturally. His experiences reflect the everyday realities of living in a border town, where movement, connection, and change are constant. Through his story, Miguel highlights the importance of public service, community, continuity, and local identity in shaping life in Nogales.

Evan Kory comes from a family with deep roots in Nogales, where his family has been involved in local business for generations. As a musician and community member, his work is closely tied to the cultural life of the region. Evan’s perspective reflects a middle generation that has seen both continuity and transformation in Nogales, particularly in its economic and artistic landscape. His story highlights the role of creativity, tradition, and community in shaping identity along the border.

Karelia Bazua represents a younger generation of Nogales residents navigating identity in a rapidly changing border environment. Having grown up in the region, her experiences reflect the ways in which language, culture, and cross-border connections continue to shape everyday life. Her perspective offers insight into how younger generations understand belonging, identity, and opportunity in a space defined by constant movement and exchange.