Friend,
As I write this as the Former CEO of the Southwest Coalition for Life, my heart is overflowing with gratitude, awe, and a deep, abiding sense of peace.
What began more than a decade ago with prayer, trembling faith, and a 10-year vision has grown into something far bigger than I ever imagined — something beautiful, resilient, tested, and ready for its next chapter. The Southwest Coalition for Life is all grown up — rooted, proven, and poised for greater impact than ever before.
For those who joined us in person at our 10th Annual Gala, thank you for making it one of the most meaningful and unforgettable nights of my life. And for those who couldn’t be there, I want to share just a glimpse of what unfolded — because it was a night that truly marked history.
First and foremost, I thank my wife, Melissa. She is the source of my profound awe and reverence for women and motherhood. Walking beside her — witnessing her strength, tenderness, sacrifice, and fierce love for our six children (plus two in heaven) — has shaped everything I believe about the dignity of women, the power of motherhood, and the urgency of protecting both. None of this exists without her quiet heroism, steady prayers, and unwavering love.
One of the greatest gifts of this milestone is the profound peace I felt passing the torch to move this mission forward. There is nothing more rewarding as a founder than entrusting something you’ve poured your life into to a leader you deeply respect, love, and believe in.
Jessica Sifuentes is that leader. To have walked alongside her for so many years — to have watched her grow, lead, innovate, and love this mission with her whole heart — makes this transition not bittersweet, but truly joyful. I am profoundly grateful for her friendship and leadership, and as the U.S. Bishops just approved the case for canonization of her mentor Fr. Richard Thomas, I couldn’t be more excited by this providential timing to see for what’s ahead under her care as our new Chief Executive Officer. …
And talk about going out with a bang! The night also celebrated what this community made possible together. Randy McMillan shared the behind-the-scenes story of how prayer, unity, courage, and persistence stopped the $10 million, taxpayer-funded UNM abortion center from being built.
Honoring Kenny Donovan with our Champion of Chivalry Award for his extraordinary integrity — withdrawing his construction bid and ensuring no foundation was ever poured — was a powerful reminder that one courageous decision can protect countless lives.
And the evening was crowned with hope made visible as we honored Adrilet, our Hero of the Year, alongside her precious baby. That moment said everything. When a woman is supported, believed in, and loved — lives are changed forever.
To our board, staff, volunteers, donors, prayer warriors, and friends: thank you. Thank you for your sacrifices over these past ten years. Thank you for trusting me with your prayers, your hopes, and your hearts. It has been the honor of my life to walk this journey with you — and now, to help share the Borderland model you built with the rest of the nation.
As I shared from the stage, this transition isn’t an ending — it’s a handoff. And right now, we have a critical opportunity.
If you have not yet made your year-end gift, I want to personally invite you to help set Jessica up for success as she leads this next chapter to new and unimagined heights. Your generosity right now ensures strong footing, bold momentum, and the resources needed to serve women, protect life, and expand what we’ve built together.
This is how we turn this milestone into a strong launching point.
And finally, I am deeply blessed and excited to step into this next chapter alongside a man who has been my role model for over a decade, and whom I now gratefully call a dear friend and brother in Christ, David Bereit.
Eleven years ago, I remember watching my very first pro-life training video thinking, “Man, it would be amazing to work with that guy someday!” I'm now blessed with this opportunity as we come together to magnify the lessons, challenges, victories, and miracles of the past decade to help others help moms be heroes — by strategically coordinating pro-life leaders and organizations for maximum collective life-saving impact through the Life Leadership Conference.
Hope isn’t ending.
It’s been renewed.
And it’s just getting started.
Thank you for letting me walk this journey with you.
Gratefully in Christ,
Mark Cavaliere
Founder & Former CEO
Southwest Coalition, Inc.
P.S. — If you missed the gala or want to relive any part of this historic night, I encourage you to watch the livestream replay. My parting request is this: please give Jessica the same trust, prayers, and generous support you have so faithfully given me. Let's set them up strong by helping to reach our year-end goal, to launch this next chapter on its strongest footing. And if you’d like to stay connected with me as I step into this next chapter, you can sign up for updates at MarkCavaliere.com. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.