Farewell Estela: El Paso’s most recognizable person steps down after 27 years at ABC-7
(Editor's note: You can view the conclusion of Estela's final in video player above, and you can watch the community farewell event in the video player below. A complete gallery of event photos can be found at the bottom of this article.)
By Kevin Lovell, KVIA General Manager
EL PASO, Texas -- Estela Casas is probably the most recognized person in El Paso. Perhaps Beto O’Rourke, Veronica Escobar or Oscar Leeser might challenge her name and face recognition. Maybe. Estela jumped to the forefront of people’s minds largely because of her exposure on top rated ABC-7’s 5, 6 and 10 pm newscasts where she’s been a main anchor for almost 27 years. Before coming to KVIA-TV, Estela anchored and reported at English language KTSM (NBC), KDBC (CBS) and Spanish language KINT (Univision) where she deployed her exquisite Spanish language skills.
El Pasoans have seen Estela grow professionally through the years. While she was always a superb anchor, she grew into an outstanding reporter, whether it was interviewing President Obama one-on-one, anchoring the Pope’s visit to Juarez or guiding and reassuring viewers during the hard times in El Paso’s history.
A professional beyond reproach, it is Estela’s connection with her audience that sets her apart. She would be my choice as the one person in our city who most represents the ideals, energy and passion of our community. In every news meeting, Estela champions the “people” stories. She loves bringing to life the stories of those who make up the Borderland. As Estela moves on to other opportunities, I think her connection with people and telling their stories will remain her legacy at ABC-7.
Estela’s standing in the community began to grow with her Estela’s Escuelas reports about teachers and children’s educational initiatives and accomplishments. Her decision to make public her deeply personal battles with cancer is where Estela made the biggest difference in our community. Estela went public to share her journey and offer advice to others when she fought off thyroid cancer in 2010. Then, when doctors diagnosed Estela with bilateral breast cancer in 2017, Estela made her battle against the disease a mission. Only four weeks after the diagnosis, Estela worked with friends, associates, donors and the El Paso Community Foundation to establish the Stand with Estela fund. The objective was not to secure sympathy but to help other women recognize cancer signs in their bodies, and provide them with financial and emotional support.
Donations poured in. Volunteers stepped up to join Estela’s fight to help others. Remember, while Estela was raising money and rallying support for her foundation, she continued working her very demanding shift anchoring and reporting for three newscasts five days a week. All the while, she was fighting for her life with radiation and chemotherapy, with uncertainty in the future clouding her thoughts. Estela never stopped charging forward. She shared her tender moments with her closest family and friends. In public and on TV, she never wavered, and never lost focus on her commitment to doing her job on air. She made helping others just as big a priority as taking care of her own needs.
It may be a cliché to say, but there will never be another Estela Casas. She’s one of a kind. A true El Paso original. She represents all the positive qualities this city has to offer. Estela Casas is the face and heart of El Paso.
