Abrazo Children - 2025

Zelie Evangelina Martinez

Zelie Evangelina Martinez, age 8, is the daughter of Mr. Rafael A. Martinez and Mrs. Bianca Herrera Martinez. Zelie is a third-grade student at M.S. Ryan Elementary School and actively participates in various extracurricular activities and school clubs. She enjoys playing volleyball and is also active in track, cross country, and the Chess Club. Her hobbies include drawing, singing, and dancing, and she especially loves spending time with her family and friends.
Zelie carries on her family’s tradition of community involvement. Her grandfather, Blas M. Martinez, served as WBCA President in 1988, and her father, Rafael A. Martinez, has been a dedicated WBCA volunteer and board member since 2013, and is now serving on the WBCA Executive Committee. Her mother, Bianca, has volunteered her time with its affiliate organization, the International Good Neighbor Council in Laredo, and is a member of The Society of Martha Washington. Zelie is honored to follow in her family’s footsteps as the 2024-2025 Abrazo Child representing the United States.

Rodrigo Neira

Rodrigo Neira, age 10, is the son of Mr. Javier Neira and Mrs. Alice Villanueva Neira. He is a loving older brother to his sister Camila. Rodrigo is a fourth-grade student at Nye Elementary School and takes pride in having Perfect Attendance and LOVES to participate in sports. In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball, football, hunting, and fishing, but his favorite pastime is spending time with his family.

Rodrigo’s mother is also very active in the community. She has volunteered, and continues to volunteer, in multiple capacities within WBCA, having served as a Development Team Member and current WBCA Board Member. She also volunteered her time with its affiliate organization, the International Good Neighbor Council in Laredo, and currently serves as their Treasurer. Rodrigo is proud and honored to be the 2024-2025 Abrazo Child representing the United States.

Maria Fernanda Garcia

Maria Fernanda Garcia is 9 years old and the daughter of Mr. Roberto Garcia and Ms. Lizette Mora. Maria Fernanda is a fourth-grade student in the Gifted and Talented program at Colonel Santos Elementary School. She likes to stay active in and out of school and enjoys playing basketball and volleyball. Additional hobbies include playing tennis, gymnastics, piano, drawing, and reading. She is also a proud member of the Girl Scouts of America.

Maria Fernanda’s parents are both very involved in the community and have volunteered their time as members of the Consejo Internacional de la Buena Vecindad for eight years and counting. Maria Fernanda is excited to serve as this year’s 2024-2025 Abrazo Child representing Mexico.

Tiago X Fernández

Tiago X Fernández, is 9 years old and the son of Mr. Horacio Fernandez and Ms. Graciela Ramirez-Fernandez. He is in fourth-grade and attends United Day School. Tiago enjoys playing sports such as basketball, football, tennis, golf, and soccer. In his spare time, he enjoys reading and collecting memorabilia and trading cards.

Tiago’s parents are involved in numerous organizations throughout the community and currently volunteer their time as members of the Consejo Internacional de la Buena Vecindad, the IGNC Nuevo Laredo Chapter. They have been members of the CIBV for five years. Tiago is looking forward to representing Mexico with pride as this year’s 2024-2025 Abrazo Child.