2024-25 Fellows

Clair Anderson is a dedicated community relations professional with a rich background in nonprofit development and fundraising, particularly in the realm of child welfare. Currently, she serves as the State and Community Relations Coordinator for New Mexico Gas Company, a position that allows her to leverage corporate investments to create a lasting positive impact in communities across New Mexico. Additionally, Clair serves on the Board of Directors for Cuidando Los Niños.

A non-traditional student, Clair earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Lewis University while raising her two incredible daughters as a single mother. In 2020, she completed her family by marrying her friend of 24 years and welcoming two wonderful bonus sons into her life.

Clair’s journey is fueled by her belief that strong communities are built on genuine relationships and shared values. She seeks to inspire those around her, demonstrating that the most significant legacy lies in the love and guidance we provide to the next generation.

John Armijo serves as In-House Counsel at Titan Development, where he has practiced business and real estate law for the past nine years. Raised in rural New Mexico with an agricultural background, John has a strong commitment to improving education and economic conditions in the state, particularly by creating opportunities for youth and the young workforce. He is a member of the Leadership New Mexico Connect Class of 2023 and currently serves as a Board Member of the Rudi Foundation.

Nina Chavez is a former public elementary school educator from the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas who relocated to New Mexico in 2019 to be closer to her extended family. She holds a Master’s degree from Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy and a Bachelor’s degree from Southern Methodist University. Since moving to New Mexico, Nina’s professional career has encompassed fundraising, communications, and advocacy for nonprofits, as well as government funding. Her tenure with the New Mexico Legislative Finance Committee provided her with a strong foundation in public finance and policy making. Currently, Nina serves as the Director of Government Relations for Goodwill Industries of New Mexico, where she focuses on advocating for workforce development and supportive services for individuals transitioning from incarceration, homelessness, and poverty. She is also committed to seeking alternative entry-level training programs for in-demand industries in New Mexico.

Gabriel Castro was born and raised in Northern New Mexico, where he learned the importance of community from his family and local elders. This value has shaped his aspirations and fueled his drive to make an impact larger than himself.

Gabriel serves as the Senior Director of Presbyterian Healthcare Services, bringing over 25 years of healthcare experience. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Radiology Management and a Master’s degree in Business Administration. Gabriel is also a 2022 graduate of the Building Better Boards with People of Color program, a 2021 Leadership Albuquerque graduate, and was honored as one of Albuquerque Business First's 40 Under Forty in 2018.

Gabriel recognizes his duty to engage with his community to foster the positive change he wishes to see. His leadership roles include serving on the Board of Directors for the United Way of North Central New Mexico, where he co-chairs the Community Investment Council. He is also a past chair of the Hispano Philanthropic Society Council. Additionally, Gabriel serves on the DEI Advisory Council at Presbyterian Healthcare Services, is President of the Casa Esperanza Board, Chair of the Board for Paws & Stripes, and a Board Member of 516 ARTS.

Megan Cornett is an Air Force Officer and leader at Kirtland Air Force Base, currently transitioning from active military service to a civilian career in the New Mexico community. She previously served as the Department of Defense liaison to the New Mexico Public Education Department. After living in various locations across the United States and overseas, Megan and her husband have settled in the Land of Enchantment, where their two children are now enrolled in Albuquerque Public Schools.

Deena Crawley began her career in an advertising agency, gaining experience across a variety of industries. Today, she serves as Chief of Staff at Dion’s and Tula’s, where she facilitates the executive and key leader teams and leads strategic priorities for the organization.

Deena is a former President of the American Advertising Federation–New Mexico and has been a dedicated board member and volunteer for Make-A-Wish New Mexico. She was inducted into The University of New Mexico Anderson School of Management Hall of Fame, has mentored for Fathers Building Futures, and is a graduate of Leadership New Mexico. Deena has also been recognized as one of Albuquerque Business First's 40 Under Forty and as a Woman of Influence. She holds a degree in Business Administration from The University of New Mexico.

David Diller is an Albuquerque native who holds a Master’s degree in accounting from The University of New Mexico. He earned his CPA license in 2013 while working in the CFO office at Sandia National Labs. In 2019, David transitioned to a career in financial planning after teaching financial literacy and accounting at Central New Mexico Community College. He currently works at RBC, where he assists local businesses in designing retirement plans tailored to their specific workforce, providing both educational workshops and one-on-one retirement planning services. David is deeply passionate about empowering individuals to take control of their personal finances. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, Maggie and Josie.

Celina Espinoza is a native New Mexican with a degree in Communication and emphasis in Broadcast Journalism from Eastern New Mexico University. Celina traveled the United States as a multimedia journalist reporting on issues that deeply affected diverse communities. After more than a decade in television news, she transitioned into law enforcement and helped build trust between officers and the people they serve as the Santa Fe and then Albuquerque police department’s Communication and Community Outreach Director. 

Celina also worked for a southwest commercial real estate developer and assisted local businesses with marketing and brand-building. She is deeply humbled to now use her skills to help save lives as the External Affairs Director at New Mexico Donor Services through organ, eye, and tissue donation. Did you know one donor hero can save up to 8 lives!? Celina serves on the media committee for Donate Life America and Chairs the Native American Committee for the Association for Multicultural Affairs in Transplantation. In her free time, Celina can be found hiking along the Rio Grande with her son, Cruz, and enjoying anything #newmexicotrue.

Victoria Esquibel grew up in the east mountains, where her passion for gymnastics, dance, cross country, and track fueled her drive to excel in school. As a first-generation college student, she earned her undergraduate degree in Family Child Studies and Human Development with a minor in Psychology from the University of New Mexico. Victoria then pursued her Master’s in Business Administration, focusing on Public Administration. Currently, Victoria works in the nonprofit sector as the Corporate Engagement Manager at United Way. She also manages the donor group for the Hispano Philanthropic Society, serves on the Cuidando Los Niños advisory board, and participates in the Corporate Volunteer Council. Outside of work, Victoria is happily married, has three dogs, and maintains her passion for health and fitness.

Brenna Gaytan is the Director of Government Relations for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico.  Brenna has been with Blue Cross for eight years. She is responsible for activities related to legislative and regulatory policy as well as advocacy efforts for the health plan. Previously, Brenna served as a law clerk for the New Mexico Court of Appeals. Brenna also served as the Finance Assistance and Political Coordinator for U.S. Senator Tom Udall, ensuring compliance with FEC regulations. Brenna received her law degree from the University of New Mexico and her bachelor’s from Arizona State University.

A native of Southern New Mexico, Gabe continues to invest in the community through board service on the Voz Collegiate Preparatory Charter School and Young Professionals of Albuquerque. He also supports community activism and political action through his work on the Young Democrats of New Mexico board, and has contributed to the growth of the local marketing ecosystem through his service to the American Advertising Federation. He has contributed to the program content and operations of the Hispanic Scholarship Fund Media & Entertainment Summit, where he has been able to mentor emerging Latino professionals in media.

Gabe currently resides in Albuquerque with his partner of 6 years, and enjoys competitive road cycling, podcasts, and spending time with loved ones.

Gabe Gomez is the Managing Director of Marketing and Communications at the UNM Foundation, where he leads a team of dedicated professionals committed to advancing the University of New Mexico's mission and vision through strategic storytelling, branding, and fundraising. With over 15 years of marketing experience, Gabe has successfully executed numerous integrated campaigns that have enhanced brand awareness, community engagement, and sustainable impact.

In addition to his role at the UNM Foundation, Gabe is an award-winning poet, editor, educator, avid traveler, and epicure. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing from the College of Santa Fe, a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Saint Mary's College of California, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of New Mexico Anderson School of Management. Gabe has taught at several institutions, including Tulane University, the University of New Orleans, and the Institute of American Indian Arts.

Gabe is the author of three poetry collections: The Outer Bands, which won the Andrés Montoya Poetry Prize from the University of Notre Dame Press, The Seed Bank, and Samsara at Quantum Zeno. He also serves as editor-at-large for TABLE Magazine New Mexico, exploring the region's culinary excellence, and volunteers as the President of the American Marketing Association, New Mexico Chapter.

Gabriela “Gabi” Gómez is a first-generation New Mexican with roots in Chihuahua, Mexico, and El Paso, TX. Born and raised in Albuquerque, she earned degrees in Anthropology and Spanish from the University of New Mexico. Her passion for people and culture led her to her current role as Senior Director of the Meow Wolf Foundation.

Gabi has 13 years of experience in philanthropy. In 2019, she moved to Santa Fe to join the Santa Fe Community Foundation as Director of Development, later becoming Vice President of Advancement. During her time there, she oversaw development, donor relations, communications, and marketing, managing nearly $120 million in assets and helping distribute over $11 million annually across northern New Mexico. Before that, she worked with the Albuquerque Community Foundation.

Outside of work, Gabi enjoys exercising, traveling, reading, working on crossword puzzles, exploring nature, and discovering the culinary gems of Santa Fe.

Danielle Griego joined the Albuquerque Community Foundation as a full-time staff member in the winter of 2021, following a spring communications internship with the Foundation. She earned her Master’s degree in Museum Studies from the University of New Mexico, and words experience working at a local arts nonprofit. In her free time, Danielle enjoys reading fantasy and science fiction books, playing board games, and spending time with her family, friends, and dogs.

Dan Grassham is an Albuquerque native and currently works as the Director of Talent Acquisition for PNM. Dan has worked in corporate recruiting for more than 10 years. He was homeschooled for the majority of his K-12 educational experience and graduated at the top of his class. From there, Dan pursued higher education attending Technical Vocational Institute and ultimately graduated from the University of New Mexico’s Anderson School of Business with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration.

Trina Jellison is the CEO of Cuidando Los Niños, an organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of homelessness for families with children aged 5 years and under. With a focus on results that matter and a steadfast commitment to supporting those without a voice, Trina has dedicated her career and leadership to transforming the healthcare model from sick care to wellness. Her diverse experience in clinical, profit, and nonprofit organizations and healthcare systems across the country has laid the foundation for her ability to envision the future, improve processes, and innovate programs for women, children, and their families.

Kathleen is a native New Mexican and currently serves as the Vice President of Customer Operations at PNM, overseeing all customer touchpoints including the contact center, revenue operations, meter reading, customer interconnections (solar and new service), and grid modernization. Her career has focused on implementing structured improvement strategies for technical organizations.

She began her career as a nuclear and radiochemist at Sandia National Laboratories. After 12 years of managing labs and research programs, she moved to OsoBio Pharmaceuticals (now Curia), a contract sterile injectable pharmaceutical manufacturing company, where she served as the Director of Technical Operations and Director of Chemistry for three years.

Kathleen has been actively involved in the nonprofit community in New Mexico since her time as a Key Club member at La Cueva High School. She even met her husband, Steve, while volunteering for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central New Mexico. Kathleen currently serves on the board for the Explora Science Center and Children’s Museum, where she is the President-elect and Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee. She is also on the board of trustees for Manzano Day School and has endowed a scholarship for women pursuing STEM careers at her undergraduate alma mater, Western Washington University.

Ben Lewis is the Vice President of Learning and Innovation at Purpose Built Communities, a national organization that coordinates initiatives in housing, education, wellness, and economic vitality to transform neighborhoods.

Before joining Purpose Built Communities, Ben led a high school at Strive Preparatory Schools in Denver, CO, elevating the school by two tiers on the Colorado state assessment. He also served as an assistant principal at KIPP and Northeast High School in Philadelphia, where he launched a writing program and led a school culture initiative that increased on-time student attendance by 60%. Ben began his career as an English teacher at Freire Charter School, also in Philadelphia, where he coached the track and field team.

Ben’s accolades include the Penn Club of Philadelphia Social Impact Award, recognition as the Philadelphia regional representative for the Sue Lehmann Award for Teaching, and the Harvard Krinsky Entrepreneurship and Innovation Award. He also participates in advisory boards such as Partners in Democracy and is an Aspen Pahara Fellow.

Ben earned his doctorate in educational leadership from Harvard University. He holds a Master’s in Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies and Africana Studies, both from the University of Pennsylvania.

Joel Long is a distinguished leader with a diverse background in business technology, law enforcement, and organizational leadership. As a managing member of Rook Group and CEO of Rook Advisors, Joel has driven remarkable achievements, including a seven-year track record of 100% client retention—a notable milestone in the business technology sector.

With over 12 years in reserve law enforcement, Joel has risen from Deputy to Lieutenant, handling responsibilities ranging from patrol and investigations to tactical team operations and large event planning. He has also served as president or chairman on various boards, promoting impactful change. At Rook Advisors, Joel shifted the focus from macro to micro issues, changing a paradigm that boosted team efficiency. He led the development of a revolutionary software solution at traQR, transforming inventory management in the concrete coating industry.

Joel's leadership philosophy emphasizes a "people first" approach, ensuring that talent is aligned with roles to facilitate effective communication and execution. His recent accomplishments include earning a private pilot’s license and spearheading a pioneering initiative to combat human trafficking through a novel law enforcement-private industry partnership. Joel’s commitment to excellence and innovation continues to drive his professional journey as he builds on his accomplishments and pursues new challenges.

Larissa is a proud native New Mexican with deep roots extending throughout the Southwest. She is the Owner and Attorney of Lozano Law Firm, LLC, based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where her practice focuses on civil rights violations, representing survivors of sexual violence, wrongful death, and personal injury. Larissa’s work has included cases at the local, circuit, and United States Supreme Court levels.

In addition to providing legal services, Larissa is passionate about uplifting others in our community. She is the former Vice President of the New Mexico Hispanic Bar Association and a former board member of Cuidando Los Niños. Currently, she serves as a Commissioner for the Hispanic National Bar Association’s Latina Commission, where she chairs the Pearls of Wisdom Committee, which identifies and provides pipeline mentorship opportunities for young students pursuing professional pathways. She is also a sitting board member for the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty, the New Mexico Trial Lawyers, and a Governor for the American Association for Justice.

In 2021, Larissa was a recipient of the 40 Under Forty Award from Albuquerque Business First, and in 2023, she was honored by the University of New Mexico School of Law with the Alumni Promise Award.

Sean is a proud Native New Mexican. Growing up he attended public schools in Farmington and a private Catholic school for elementary education. Sean then attended New Mexico State University, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Management. He is a career-long commercial banker, currently serving as the lead for the New Mexico commercial bank at BMO.

Prior to Titan, he worked for CBRE, a Fortune 500 Company, as a commercial real estate broker specializing in office and healthcare leasing and sale transactions. Sal also has professional experience in urban planning and land entitlement. Sal holds two Bachelor’s degrees in Urban Studies and Business Administration-Finance from Trinity University in San Antonio, TX. He is a current NAIOP New Mexico board member and is a licensed New Mexico real estate broker. In 2021, Sal was awarded a 40 Under Forty Award by the Albuquerque Business First.

A native New Mexican and lifelong Lobo, Will Martinez has been the Publisher & President of Albuquerque Business First since 2023. Will earned an undergraduate degree in Political Science from the University of New Mexico, as well as a Master of Business Administration from UNM’s Anderson School of Management. He also currently serves on the Central New Mexico Community College Foundation Board of Directors, the Junior Achievement of New Mexico Board of Directors, and the UNM Anderson Alumni Council.

Marta holds a BA in Psychology and Spanish from the University of New Mexico and has completed an intensive Advanced Leadership Training with the Regional Institute for Health and Environmental Leadership (RIHEL).

Marcela is a proud alumna of the University of New Mexico, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Communications. She is an emerging community relations professional with a strong background in multi-sector engagement and strategic programming. Currently, Marcela is the Special Programs Coordinator at WESST, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 1988 that supports New Mexico’s economic growth through small business development. At WESST, Marcela plays a significant role in advancing state-wide programs aimed at fostering entrepreneurial success. Beyond her professional role, Marcela is deeply committed to civic engagement and ongoing personal and professional growth. She actively volunteers and mentors through various organizations, serving as a board member of Young Professionals of Albuquerque and MANA de Albuquerque, a Latina mentorship program.

Erin Muffoletto is the Government and Regulatory Affairs Manager for Comcast NBC Universal throughout New Mexico and Arizona. She oversees local government affairs and works on various external affairs projects with her team. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science/Sociology.

Erin grew up in Louisiana until she was 10 when her family moved to northern New Mexico. After graduating from Mesa Vista High School in 2003, she moved to Albuquerque for college. She is a proud New Mexican and can't imagine living anywhere else.

Erin has a consulting company where she focuses on her passion projects and work to help the community. She sits on the One Albuquerque Foundation board, National Hispanic Cultural Center Foundation board, CNM Foundation board, Kirtland Air Force Base Honorary Commanders, 2024 Leadership New Mexico Core Program graduate, and 2017 Presidio Institute Fellow. She was named a Women of Influence in 2015, Forty Under 40 Power Broker in 2011, and Top Lobbyist in New Mexico for several years by Albuquerque Business First.

Erin and her incredible partner, Joseph, have a one-year-old daughter they are proudly raising in New Mexico and love taking her on adventures across the state.

Alice has lived in Albuquerque since 2012. After graduating from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, she began her professional career with GMI, a marketing firm. While earning her Master of  Business Administration, also from Southern Methodist University, she served for several years as Executive Vice President of Bernardus Investments, a private equity firm, before marrying her husband, Jeff, and moving to his hometown in New Mexico. Once here, she served as Director of a local private foundation dedicated to meeting the greatest needs of New Mexican businesses through consulting and investment. After thriving in that role, Alice chose to forgo her position to fulfill her dream of raising a family. With children in the Albuquerque Public Schools system, she currently spends her time advocating for the needs of kids across the district.

Michael Nuttall currently serves as Director of Food and Nutrition Services at UNM Hospital, Lomas Campus. With three decades of experience in strategic planning, project management, and leadership/culture change, he has contributed to two Quality New Mexico Zia Award applications and a Baldrige application that resulted in a site visit while working for Lovelace Health System.

Michael uses evidence-based leadership tactics to train healthcare professionals. As a member of the UNM Health Science Center Inclusive Excellence Council, he identifies underrepresented groups and creates an environment where they feel safe and confident to participate in culture change.

He earned his Culinary Arts degree from the Art Institute of Atlanta in 1999, a Bachelor of Arts in Business from the University of Phoenix in 2005, and a Master of Science in Leadership with a focus on Organizational Leadership from Grand Canyon University in 2018. He has experience opening restaurants, bakeries, hotels, casinos, and healthcare facilities.

His community service efforts include career day cake decorating at the Santa Ana Pueblo, culinary internship work with Albuquerque High School, and judging culinary competitions with ProStart Invitational, where winners represent New Mexico high school culinary programs in Washington, DC. He has also been a preceptor for manager/leadership as part of the UNM Dietetic Program since 2008.

Sandra Ortsman is a seasoned community planner with expertise in program design, evaluation, and fund development. Her work focuses on enhancing immigrants' rights, women's rights, and access to safe and affordable capital for BIPOC entrepreneurs. Sandra served as the Associate Director of Enlace Comunitario from 2006 to 2015, where she advanced support for Latino immigrant domestic violence survivors. Since founding her consultancy in 2015, she has served a diverse array of clients, including private foundations and grassroots organizations.

Notably, Sandra has co-created and managed two relationship-based loan programs and has secured millions of dollars annually for organizations advancing equity. She is also an Adjunct Instructor at the UNM School of Architecture and Planning and serves on the Board of Directors of Encuentro, an immigrant rights adult education and workforce development nonprofit.

Sandra was a Class Two WKKF Community Leadership Network Fellow and is an appointed member of the NM Advisory Committee to the US Commission on Civil Rights. In 2024, she received the Encuentro Tree of Life Award and the New Mexico Humanitarian Award. In her free time, Sandra enjoys running, hosting dinner parties, garage sale-ing, and being a mom to Jonah and Lilliana.

Ryan Parks, AIA, is Deputy Director for the New Mexico Public School Facilities Authority. A native New Mexican, Ryan studied architecture at the University of New Mexico. He is a registered architect with over 20 years of experience in K-12 school design and construction, gained through his work with architectural firms, general contractors, and a local school district. Ryan is a father of three and enjoys all outdoor activities, particularly rock climbing and backpacking.

She has earned a BA ('13) in Health Promotion and Wellness, with a minor in Women's Studies, followed by an MA ('14) in Exercise Sport Science and an MBA ('18) in Marketing, all from New Mexico Highlands University.

Outside of her professional life, she cherishes moments spent with her family in northern New Mexico and exploring new adventures with her husband, Marcus, and their dog, Bradley.

DeAnn Sena OConnor is an expert in advertising and marketing. A graduate of New Mexico State University, she began her career as Lead Designer at Santa Fe Community College. She then served as the Art Director for Central New Mexico Community College before becoming the Creative Director and Owner of DSO Creative. During that time, DeAnn honed her skills in creative direction, videography, web design, and branding.

She has served as President and Executive Director of the American Advertising Federation New Mexico and has been on the Board of Directors for New Mexico Kids Matter and the YMCA of Central New Mexico. DeAnn is now the Executive Vice President of SUNNY505, where she provides direction and creative solutions for some of the agency’s biggest clients.

DeAnn has been named an Albuquerque Business First Woman of Influence, was featured as a “Person to Watch” in Graphic Design USA Magazine, and is the recipient of the American Advertising Federation New Mexico’s President’s Award. A native Santa Fean, she enjoys after-school sports and outdoor activities with her two daughters and husband when she’s not creating award-winning strategies.

Shaïna Saint-Lôt is an acting team lead with six years of procurement experience buying IT products and services for Sandia National Laboratories. She leads a team of 15 buyers in high-volume procurements covering a wide variety of items. Her recent experience includes leading complex, high-visibility projects with lab-wide impacts. Shaïna is motivated by the challenge of thinking creatively to meet customer needs in compliance-driven situations. Her goal is to leverage her expertise and collaborate with customers and peers to drive innovation, increase efficiency, and share knowledge. If she is challenged to learn and grow while having fun, she’s a happy camper. As she navigates work and life, Shaïna continuously draws on her values of community, honesty, and enjoyment. Family is at the core of her life, and she enjoys spending time with loved ones, playing sports, eating delicious food, traveling, and watching international TV shows and movies.

Noel Valencia is a veteran financial services professional with over 33 years of experience. She joined Sandia Laboratory Federal Credit Union as a Commercial Relationship Manager in October 2023. Noel is committed to supporting small businesses and cultivating relationships with both current and new business members to ensure they are aware of and fully utilize SLFCU's products and services. Her previous experience includes senior and business development roles at several local banks as well as the local branch of a national bank. Noel is a member of the Del Norte Rotary Club.

Ashley Wagner is the Vice President of Government Affairs for the New Mexico Oil & Gas Association. A native New Mexican, she grew up in Corrales and Los Lunas. New Mexico means a great deal to Ashley, and she is proud to live and work here. She joined the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association after working for ExxonMobil Corporation, where she served as the New Mexico Public and Government Affairs Advisor. Prior to her work at ExxonMobil, Ashley was the Vice President of Public Policy at the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce. Ashley holds a degree in Economics from the University of New Mexico and a Master of Public Policy from Duke University.

Chad Werenko is a proud native New Mexican, born and raised in Albuquerque. His work and passion for travel have taken him around the world, but he has always been happy to return home to the Land of Enchantment. He started and ran a construction company with his brother for nearly 10 years. When his children were born, he and his wife decided that he would stay home with them. Though it has its challenges, he feels it has been the most rewarding experience of his life. His children are both enrolled at Monte Vista Elementary, the same school his grandfather attended. Chad served there for the last two years as the PTA president. This experience piqued his interest in educational policy and increased his dedication to changing outcomes for New Mexico's schoolchildren.

Chad deeply loves New Mexico and Albuquerque and is a vocal cheerleader of both. He enjoys traveling with his family, believing that the perspective gained from travel is vital and hopes it helps shape his children's worldview. He hopes his unique perspective will be valuable in conversations around improving educational outcomes in this community.