Made in God's Image: Resisting Dehumanization in American History

We welcomed Sami DiPasquale and Angelica Acosta Garnett from Abara, based in El Paso, Texas. Abara fosters connection, healing, and action at the U.S.-Mexico border by creating spaces where stories are honored, divisions are bridged, and people are equipped to pursue peace and justice across borders. Their plenary lecture invited us to explore how to move from dehumanization to connection, to a place where we uphold the truth that every person bears the image of God. The Human Needs and Global Resources (HNGR) program hosted a Fall 2025 Symposium (November 4) plenary lecture titled, "Made in God's Image: Resisting Dehumanization in American History” presented by Sami DiPasquale (Executive Director, Abara) and Angelica Acosta Garnett (Asylum Narratives Translation Project Manager, Abara).

Our Guest Speaker

Sami DiPasquale / Executive Director, Abara
Sami DiPasquale was born in Jordan and raised in the Middle East, and he has spent the past two decades in the U.S. working in refugee resettlement, community development, and peacebuilding. Sami holds a B.A. in Sustainable Development (interdisciplinary) from Wheaton College and an MBA from the University of Texas at El Paso. He has served on the boards of the Christian Community Development Association and Micah Global, networks striving for thriving communities free from poverty and injustice nationally and internationally. Sami is fascinated by the history and dynamics of the borderlands, drawn to explore both the beauty and the pain that define these regions, with a particular interest in the intersection of global and local narratives. As the Executive Director or Abara, Sami’s lifelong vision is to bridge divides and cultivate mutual flourishing. 

Angelica Acosta Garnett / Asylum Narratives Translation Project Manager, Abara

Angelica Acosta Garnett was born in Bogotá, Colombia and immigrated to the U.S. at 17, and has since dedicated her career to education, advocacy, and immigrant support. She holds degrees in history, religion, and social studies education and a masters degree in education. As the Director of Abara’s Asylum Narrative Translation Project, Angelica helps asylum seekers share their stories, transforming them into legal narratives. In addition to her work with asylum seekers, Angelica is a speaker and trainer, leading workshops for groups and organizations that seek to better understand and support immigrant communities.Her work reflects a deep commitment to justice, education, and the empowerment of immigrant voices.