COMMUNITY. CULTURE. CURIOSITY.
This is your platform. These are your transformative conversations; your new and inspiring ideas that will progress the borderland region and beyond.
Come ready to feed your curiosity, there is so much to discover.
This is BBI.
About Us
Borderland Big Ideas is an accessible ideas platform that aims to inspire curiosity and innovation by amplifying the big ideas already progressing the borderland region, and introducing big ideas from around the world.
This platform provides an opportunity to learn from leading subject experts and engage with big ideas through hands-on experiences.
It is a platform to expand the mind through connective and transformative conversation on all topics important to the borderland region and beyond.
CONNECTIVE
A big idea brings together like-minded people from a multitude of backgrounds.
CHALLENGING
A big idea challenges your current understanding.
INSPIRING
A big idea inspires you to follow your passions.
POWERFUL
A big idea has the power to transform your city, your country, and the world.
What is a "Big Idea"?
Designing the Culinary Experience
In collaboration with Lola Rose
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
6:00 - 8:00 PM
Join us as we take a sneak peek behind one of El Paso's most vibrant new restaurants! Check out the speakers below.
Events
Meet the Speakers
Carlos Ibrahim Sanchez
Over the last 24 years, Carlos has had the privilege of leading different types of restaurant concepts at all levels. The varied experiences gathered throughout his journey, have served to solidify his love for the hospitality industry. Mr. Sanchez graduated from Maxine L. Silva Magnet High School and went on to study at the University of Texas at El Paso.
During this time he realized that hospitality was his true calling and decided to dive head first into the industry. Carlos feels blessed by the incredible experiences and people he has met during his time in hospitality. While the accomplishments have been great, the never-ending road of new lessons and teachings is one he continually looks forward to. Carlos is a proud El Pasoan, who carries with him a deep love for his region and community.
Most recently, this love cemented his decision to start and co-own a new venture, El Paso’s newest concept, Lola Rose. The drive to continue to push the envelope in his hometown made his Lola Rose decision an easy one. In his spare time, Carlos enjoys being active in his community and hopes to continue giving back to a region that has already given him so much. He is currently a member of Progress321 and is looking forward to co-chairing the organization's signature event, One Region One Table. As someone who thrives to be at the forefront of innovation and creativity in his field, he cannot wait to see what‘s next in store for him..
Marcos Olivares
Marco was born and raised in El Paso Texas and graduated from the Culinary Vocational Program at Riverside High School where he grew his passion for cooking. He then pursued a degree from The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, and graduated with honors in 2014. Marco has competed in some of the most prestigious culinary competitions and has brought home 3 gold and 2 silver medals from the Culinary Olympics held in Germany. Marco has worked in some of the best restaurants in New York City, with his last position being Executive Chef at The Crow’s Nest in The Hamptons, cooking for dignitaries and celebrities.
Since then, Marco has returned home to El Paso to open a restaurant of his own and to share his culinary adventures. His cuisine is focused on simplistic, seasonal ingredients with a touch of borderland flavors.
Stephanie Hernandez
Stephanie was born in El Paso TX and was raised between the two cities of Cd. Juarez & El Paso. She is the Co-Owner of Don Jose Mexican Grill alongside her brother Jose Angel Hernandez. She currently serves on the board of Progress321 and is an active member in several other nonprofit organizations. She has been volunteering for the community for over 15 years. Stephanie graduated from UTEP with a bachelor’s in accounting & management and is the proud recipient of the “Philanthropy Miner Hero” Award. A fun fact about Stephanie is that she also has a Culinary degree from Le Cordon Bleu in Dallas Texas.
