As Roxanne Fiddler, Director of the Archdiocese’s Partners in Excellence (PIE) Scholarship Program, and I made our way into Archbishop Borders School, located in the vibrant Highlandtown neighborhood of Baltimore, the energy of the school was immediately noticeable. As we entered, friendly staff welcomed us with smiles, and the colorful student artwork that lined the hallways reflected the school’s commitment to creativity and to nurturing the potential of every child who walks through its doors.
We had come to speak with Jhoanna Braca, a mother from Venezuela whose story is one of resilience and determination. Jhoanna’s journey to Baltimore, and the role that Catholic education has played in shaping her daughter’s future, is a testament to the power of community and faith.
We conducted our interview in English and Spanish, with the help of a Spanish-speaking Archbishop Borders staff member to translate when needed. The bilingual nature of our conversation allowed Jhoanna to share her story fully and naturally, while ensuring that very part of her experience was conveyed with the depth it deserved.
Jhoanna began by telling us about her life in Venezuela. “Crecí en una familia muy tradicional, con fe, con valores, con todo” (“I grew up in a very traditional family, with faith, with values, with everything”), she said. Raised in a deeply Catholic environment, her faith was woven into the fabric of her life. She went on to study journalism, a career that would later be disrupted by the political instability that took hold of her country. “Estaba en un canal nacional de televisión y tuve que dejar el país” (“I was working at a national TV station, and I had to leave the country”), Jhoanna explained, recalling the moment she realized that staying in Venezuela was no longer safe for her or her young daughter, Fiorella.
Forced to leave her job and her home, Jhoanna and her family fled to Medellín, Colombia. The move to Medellín offered some respite from the turmoil in Venezuela, but it wasn’t the long-term solution she had hoped. Jhoanna lived there with Fiorella for six years, always dreaming of better opportunities. “El inglés es fundamental para el crecimiento” (“English is fundamental for growth”), she said, explaining how important it was for her daughter to learn the English language and to receive an academically excellent education that would open doors to new possibilities. In 2022, through a humanitarian parole program and with the help of a sister, Jhoanna and Fiorella relocated to Baltimore, looking for a fresh start.
Their initial experience in the United States wasn’t easy. Fiorella enrolled in a public school, but the environment was not welcoming. “Fueron 15 días horribles” (“It was 15 horrible days”), Jhoanna recounted, describing the bullying and difficulties Fiorella faced in just the first few weeks. Jhoanna knew that this was not the right place for her daughter. She needed an environment where Fiorella could feel safe, supported, and encouraged to grow. That’s when Jhoanna discovered Archbishop Borders School.
When they first visited the school, Jhoanna felt an immediate sense of belonging. The dual-language program stood out, offering Fiorella the chance to continue her education in both English and Spanish, while also being surrounded by the Catholic values that Jhoanna herself cherished. “Me gustó mucho la presentación de la escuela” (“I loved the presentation of the school”), Jhoanna told us. It was a place where Fiorella could thrive, not only academically but also spiritually.
Despite the hope that Archbishop Borders School offered, Jhoanna worried about how she would manage the financial burden. She was a single mother, newly arrived in the U.S., and still trying to establish stability for her family. That’s when she learned about the Partners in Excellence (PIE) scholarship program, which provides financial assistance to families in need. Jhoanna applied, and soon received life-changing news: Fiorella had been approved for a scholarship! “Cuando me dijeron la maravillosa noticia, que Fiorella fue aprobada para recibir la ayuda, quise llorar” (“When they told me the wonderful news that Fiorella was approved to receive help, I wanted to cry”), Jhoanna said, her voice filled with emotion. The PIE scholarship made it possible for Fiorella to attend the school that would nurture her potential and align with the values Jhoanna held dear.
As the conversation continued, Jhoanna shared how Fiorella is flourishing in her new school. “Ahora, en su segundo año, está muy feliz. Habla inglés con fluidez, participa en el coro y ama la danza” (“Now, in her second year, she’s very happy. She speaks English fluently, participates in the choir, and loves dance”), Jhoanna said, beaming with pride. Though we hadn’t met Fiorella, the way Jhoanna spoke of her made it clear that she has not only adapted to her new environment but is thriving in ways her mother had only hoped. Fiorella’s love for the arts has blossomed at Archbishop Borders School. She joined the choir and has even performed with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s youth program. “Le gusta mucho la artes humanas, le encanta la danza y el canto” (“She loves the humanities, she loves dance and singing”), Jhoanna said, expressing her gratitude for the opportunities her daughter has been given.
As we listened to Jhoanna’s story, Roxanne and I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of appreciation for our archdiocesan donors who make programs like PIE possible. Jhoanna spoke from the heart when she expressed her gratitude. “Están cambiando la vida de muchas personas” (“You are changing the lives of many people”), she said, acknowledging how profound an impact the scholarship had on her family’s future. Without this support, Fiorella’s journey could have taken a very different turn.
Before we concluded the interview, we asked Jhoanna if there was anything else she wanted people to know about her daughter or the school. She smiled softly, thinking for a moment before responding. “La escuela apoya muchísimo en el crecimiento espiritual y profesional de los niños” (“The school supports the children’s spiritual and professional growth immensely”), she said. For Jhoanna, Archbishop Borders School has become more than just a place for Fiorella to learn—it is a community that has welcomed them both and provided the stability and support they needed.
As we left the school that day, Roxanne and I reflected on the incredible strength Jhoanna had shown throughout her journey, and the important role Catholic education had in her family’s new life. Archbishop Borders School, with assistance from the Archdiocese’s PIE Scholarship Program, has given Fiorella the tools she needs to succeed, and has given Jhoanna hope for her daughter’s future. Stories like this remind us why we do what we do—because behind every scholarship is a family whose life is being transformed for the better.
