Sr. Norma Pimentel, Marymount Ethics Award winner, featured in TIMEs 100 Most Influential People of 2020

The Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, Sister Norma Pimentel, has captured the attention of the nation and the world for her work supporting migrants along the United States-Mexico border in Texas. In recognition of her leadership and generosity, Time Magazine has featured her on its annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world.

This February, Marymount University hosted Sister Pimentel during Ethics Week, which was themed around “Ethics and Im(migration).” She was the keynote speaker for the signature GEICO Lecture event, “Crisis at the Border: Stories and Reflections from the Rio Grande Valley,” and also received the 2020 Marymount Ethics Award.

“Your work with migrants is an inspiration to us all. Your words capture the challenge that faces us today, to recognize the humanity of all people,” said Dr. Irma Becerra, President of Marymount University, during the GEICO Lecture. “After all, we believe that God is found in the face of every man, woman and child, no matter their nationality or immigration status. We are proud to recognize your outstanding contributions to the pursuit and support of ethics in your field.”

Sister Pimentel’s tribute in the Time 100 was written by Julián Castro, former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

“Sister Pimentel has been on the front lines of mercy for three decades, supporting migrants who are seeking refuge in the U.S.,” he wrote. “She directs efforts to provide shelter, food, sanctuary and comfort to people often treated as less than human. Her organization has housed and assisted well over 100,000 people at the border.”

“Her boundless hope and fearless compassion have earned her the moniker of ‘the Pope’s favorite nun.’ Sister Pimentel will keep changing the world, one act of kindness at a time.”

Click here to read Castro’s full testimonial, courtesy of Time Magazine.

The Time 100 was first published in 1999 as a result of a debate among U.S. politicians, academics and journalists, and is now a highly publicized event every year. The annual list spotlights pioneers, artists, leaders, titans and icons. This year’s honorees featured on the cover include immunologist Anthony Fauci, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai and Black Lives Matter founders Alicia Garza, Opal Tometi and Patrisse Cullors.