Walking With, Not Ahead: Pedro Rios ’95 on USD Roots and His Role in Community-Centered Border Work

Alumnus Pedro Rios ‘95 has built his life’s work around a simple yet transformative mantra: accompaniment over empowerment. 

As director of the American Friends Service Committee’s U.S.-Mexico Border Program for over two decades, Rios supports USD's mission and vision to treat all people with dignity. As a graduate of a university on an international border, his education prepared him for this kind of work. 

“[Empowerment] presumes that I have the power in a one-way direction,” Rios explains. “What I've learned over time is it's more about where I could be a resource for someone, just as someone could be a resource to me.”

This ethos has shaped Rios’ commitment to justice, encompassing efforts ranging from coalition building and human rights education at every level of government. Whether working for access to Friendship Park at the U.S.-Mexico border or leading "Know Your Rights" workshops, his approach centers collective action and shared learning.

Read the full article on page 40 of Arts & Sciences magazine (Fall 2025 issue).

— Elleanor White

The USD College of Arts and Sciences released its third annual Arts & Sciences magazine this fall. In the pages of this magazine, you will explore the impact of the liberal arts, discover current faculty research, and be inspired by student, faculty and alumni spotlights.