A love of travel, languages, gender studies, and the desert brought Delaney to NM by way of Oregon, Chile, and Morocco. Now at the NMILC Delaney is finding volunteers and donors to support the many programs they offer. NMILC provides free legal services to low-income immigrants statewide focusing on humanitarian and asylum relief. Her volunteer program has a robust screening and onboarding program for everyone who comes through so they can focus on the quality of services. Please be in touch with Delaney if you would like to support this work financially or with your acute legal counsel, and Spanish-speaking talents.

With their 15th anniversary coming up, Delaney and their team have a lot of celebrating ahead! Throughout her work it’s evident that she centers community need, access to justice, and intentional partnerships. Here she also takes time to highlight the work to build the Family Preparedness program and how it fits the needs of NM and indeed assists folks in preparing for the worst case: a deportation scenario.

Listening to Delaney chat about what has influenced her politics and worldly perspective is a reminder of how connected we all are – and that one can find a meaningful place in work and life by paying attention to the humanity of others.

Register for the April 8 NMILC Fundraiser at the Albuquerque Museum: https://www.nmilc.org/upcoming-events/albuquerque-museum-nmilc-fundraising-night

NMILC resources, including the Family Preparedness Toolkit: https://www.nmilc.org/toolkit

ABQ Museum exhibit: https://www.cabq.gov/artsculture/albuquerque-museum/exhibitions-1/exhibitions

Additional notes about agencies Delaney volunteers with:
- ABQ Mutual Aid: http://www.ffol.org/ 

• The Honor Native Land Tax – Delaney helped launch HNLT in 2020 with Albuquerque Showing up for Racial Justice (ABQ SURJ), and continues to do organizing work with them https://www.abqsurj.org/about-the-hnlt
  HNLT fundraises to support Indigenous organizations on Tiwa Land – the Pueblo Action Alliance and The Red Nation. By redistributing resources the HNLT offers a chance for settlers to make an ongoing contribution to Indigenous movements for land, water, and futures. This is a cross-class project that allows people to contribute financially on a sliding scale basis.  

Corrections per Delaney:
The NM Habeas Project is in collaboration with the ACLU NM and other partners like Innovation Law Lab and Vecina, along with others.
The Albuquerque Museum's "Detention Nation" exhibit is a “multi-media” exhibit

Having worked at Roadrunner over 12 years, Katy Anderson has been a part of many innovative and important systems change around food access and security. She’s a big part of our state and national advocacy platforms and does the deep work to address the needs of marginalized populations.

Katy and her team utilize data and relationships, research from the social vulnerability index among others, and coalition-building strategies to determine how well needs are being met. Yup, it’s a lot of great work. Check out this episodes to learn more about how Katy is telling the story about need, bringing advocates together, and how RFB has a “culture that helps staff share the load.”

In Katy’s words, it’s important to “find a place for your heart to rest in seasons like this.” It may not be quiet in her house or among her community choir performances, but her heart and perspective is one you should know more about.

ABQ CoroLux https://abqcorolux.org/

Roadrunner Food Bank of NM https://www.rrfb.org/

Phia so elegantly brings both the “head and the heart” to her work and has a genuine presence that encourages the belief that she is capable of truly big things. As she spoke about her trajectory into this ED position, “Tia Phia: relays her deep faith in how building relationships is the core of it all – both her emotional, very lively human experience with others, and her work of uplifting young athletes. But – it’s not actually about sport, as you’ll hear. The Academy under the Foundation is the only fully scholarshiped program in the USL(!) and seeks to provide the best path forward for those players, never loosing sight of the possibilities that mentorship and emotional intelligence can bring forth in young folks. Phia is that person that centers their needs and the needs of the larger community. She amplifies the work of other organizations, coordinates unique Academy events (see: TOPSoccer), and represents the Somos Unidos spirit in a powerful, hopeful way. Learn more about where Vintage United comes in, why experimentation in the nonprofit sector is important, and why Phia “moves for joy” across New Mexico and wants others to join her. 

Marisa brings more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector to this sweet, inspiring conversation. Two weeks into her new role as CEO, she reflected on her personal search for purpose and how she hopes to carry what she has discovered forward with local and state-wide community.

Marisa’s sense of possibility and hope for lasting impact perfectly compliment the vision of the Foundation she now leads, and in this episode you’ll hear how these are truly powering their work in community and with partners. You’ll also see the importance of community voice in the evolution of philanthropy, why Marisa believes in philanthropy so deeply, and how she renews her gratitude and presence.  Enjoy learning more about Marisa’s growth into leadership, the role of romanticism in her creativity, and why you shouldn’t ignore that feeling of “knowing.”

ACF: https://abqcf.org/

Poem: To Be of Use by Marge Piercy

If you every wonder who is behind the climate “action” plans, look to Alice Main for your local data and… actions. Alice discusses here how climate pollution reduction can be better understood and the plans that CABQ and surrounding groups are making. Alice is part of the CABQ Office of Sustainability and is managing the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant. Through that work Alice has worked diligently with Justice40 and a community task force to receive input toward the Comprehensive Climate Pollution Reduction Plan (which they recently submitted to the EPA as part of the Grant requirement). Environmental advocacy is strong in NM and Alice fits right in with a background in family farming and doing direct work to connect the pieces between food systems, environmental justice, climate solutions, and community voice. Check out this episode to learn more about the Plan and how Alice takes a zoomed-out perspective to recognize her agency – and yours – to make positive change. 

  The Office of Civic Engagement hosted the 2nd Volunteer Fest at the ABQ Museum on October 24. As part of that event we hosted a live recording of the podcast which was a panel discussion on Volunteer Connections. Here you’ll hear from three outstanding, local volunteer coordinators who have a deep understanding of their volunteers and share more about the work itself. Check out this special episode for a conversation among passionate individuals; we cover everything from favorite volunteer stories to the power of volunteers in community. As the host, I hope this episode increases our understanding of the pivotal role that volunteer coordinators themselves play. They are a critical part of our larger community resiliency. 

Jeff Holland, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, doesn’t need someone to give him a runway – he is always thinking ahead and working as a leader in the NM recovery community.

Two weeks into the opening of the Bernalillo County Recovery Support Center (BCRSC) on the EPC campus, Jeff welcomed our team to come in for our first on-site podcast recording. Thank you, Jeff!  *This is why you might hear motorcycles or airplanes in the background.

Jeff and his staff design programming around this driving force: EPC is the go-to for people to have a safe place to exhale and reshape their lives.

Jeff has been a part of the growth of the organization for 16 years and working in recovery for over 20. Even so, he says the work is not about him but about staff and residents.

In this convo, Jeff highlights that it’s more important to do [the work] right, than be in a rush. And through this perspective, EPC is still action-driven toward positive community impact and breaking down of walls and misunderstandings. EPC has a lot on the horizon – microenterprises, growth in programming and partnerships, residential space etc. It can be seen as an incubator, a microcosm of the real world where, as Jeff says about life, “you don’t ever arrive, you just evolve.”

This episode reflects how generous Jeff is in sharing his personal story and takes every advantage to lift up others. Check it out to learn more about how he accidentally get into cycling, how your organization might partner with EPC, and why lime green is the new IT color.

Check out the open house on Friday, September 26th 10-4PM.

@endorphinpowercompany

EndorphinPower.org

 As a young mom, Rebecca Sisneros focused on leveling up her skills and then sharing her insights with others. She’s researched the ins and outs of health care access, career readiness, and knows it’s important to be an advocate alongside others. Her favorite thing to do is connect people and resources, and it shows. Rebecca constantly shows up for others and works hard to lift up the voice of youth - she builds relationships around NM all so these folks can level up as well. Rebecca talks a bit about the new Teen Center, Youth of the Year leadership program, and the B&GC’s own podcast! She also gives us a beautiful perspective on how young folks can face challenges as well as how her own kids have helped in her success. Listen in to understand ~ why do something even if you feel silly, the value in challenging yourself, and why Rebecca celebrates the wins and does what she can to return the good she’s been given. https://www.bgccnm.org/ The Club Chat Podcast: https://clubcast.us/clubs/bgccnm North Valley Ditches: @n.v.d.505 

Aly Sanchez, Director of Strategy and Organizational Development

Tara Gohr and Aly Sanchez are part of the crew at the forefront of the grant writing world. They have about 50 years of experience between them in addition to the other 19 folks at The Grant Plant.

Tara and her sister, Erin O’Keefe Hielkema, started TGP in 2003 and since then it has been a central node of nonprofit and agency development across NM, having secured almost $4000 million for their clients!

Aly is a talented strategist and problem solver and has a knack for helping clients make cases and tell stories that only a seasoned grant writer-researcher-editor can.

This episode covered SO much about their incredible work on behalf of NM organizations - trainings, reports, innovations etc. You’ll see why these incredible women, at the end of the day, are standing up for their clients and encouraging folks to “plug into what you care about.”

You will also learn what the Mom Edit is, and, you have to know that they call a submitted grant “Planted.” On-point branding.

Highly encourage you to check out their website and subscribe to their very informative blog and grant opps: www.thegrantplantnm.com

Be sure to look at their upcoming trainings and take advantage of the Job Training ABQ: https://jobtrainingabq.org/

Report: Federal Funding Freeze on New Mexico’s Nonprofits and Philanthropic Sector: https://www.santafecf.org/news-stories/new-report-federal-funding-nm

Link to NYT article: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/06/us/new-mexico-federal-budget-cuts.html

Jean Block has 55 years of experience in leadership and training within the national nonprofit sector.

What’s more – she’s been FUNdraising since she was 13, has published nine books and manuals, and doesn’t walk away from challenging work. Jean’s career has largely focused on supporting nonprofits through transition, be it evolving into social ventures to ensure their independence, or developing boards into high-functioning teams.

Though recently retired and tending to a robust garden, Jean continues to volunteer and support her greater community, inspiring many people to continue moving toward their purpose. In this episode, Jean shares about why we should be putting our energy where our hearts are, how nonprofits have an opportunity to change the game, and, I think, why we should be following her lead.

Check Amazon for her publications:

The Nonprofit Guide to Social Enterprise: Show Me The (Unrestricted) Money!

The Invisible Yellow Line: Clarifying Board and Staff Roles

FUNdraising!! 180+ Great Ideas to Raise More Money

Given her broad range of experience, Linley knows to look at the larger systems and how utilizing the genius in the room, influencing women to stand up, and empowering nonprofits to use their voices can better address our societal challenges. Linley is a big believer in dialogue and the cumulative effect of small actions done in collaboration. Check out this episode to learn more about her relentless optimism and how she grounds herself to her purpose in ABQ and abroad.

Highly recommend reading her blogs at https://dalyconsulting.org/

Benjamin Tobais has not only found community in ABQ but continuously works to build connections to support community. It’s something that comes easy to him – the compassionate and grateful Dad, the lifelong learner, the personable, kind leader. Ben understands the needs of students within the CNM community because he takes time to get to know them as he walks through campus or supports the weekly food pantries, where over 300+ folks visit across CNM campuses. A proud first gen student, Ben reminds us that representation matters, that advocating for what you are passionate about can create growth for your community, and that understanding someone’s unique story can provide a sense of belonging at the most important moments. In this episode you will find a new volunteer opportunity, learn more about food insecurity in community (58% of state-wide survey participants are food insecure combined with housing challenges), and discover why you need a recipe for chayote. 

Contact Ben: btobias@cnm.edu 
Harwood Surface opening: https://www.harwoodartcenter.org/exhibitions/upcoming-exhibitions/ 
CNM food pantry distribution, wish list etc: https://www.cnm.edu/depts/dean-of-students/wellness-cnm 
Basic Needs Consortium data: https://basicneeds.unm.edu/ 

If you need a woman of deep compassion and wisdom, Tsiporah Nephesh is the friend to know. Tsiporah centers her work on relationships, on listening to the needs and goals of the NM nonprofit sector so she can both advocate for them and support them via education, resources, and connections. She created NM Thrives to uplift the vital work of nonprofits and did so in a way that also informs the larger community about how impactful these agencies are. We originally met to share her efforts at the 2025 legislative session and naturally ended up chatting about how we’re in the midst of societal change and how taking action, however small, is empowering. Check out this convo to learn more about resources available to nonprofits at NM Thrives, where to share your own stories of the impact from federal challenges, and why it’s important to be conscious of the expectations you put on yourself.

https://www.nmthrives.org/

https://nmdoj.gov/get-help/federal-disruptions/

https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/insights-analysis

Spelling: Tikkun Olam

Dr. Farmer’s CV is extensive, and her passion for education and community run deep. In this episode Dr. Farmer shares how she came to be at the helm of several great programs here in Albuquerque, and what keeps her motivated to continuously look for collaborators in this good work. “Education is in my soul,” Dr. Farmer says, and you can see this in so many of the details of her life. Her dissertation research became a full-fledged 501c3, Running 505; her gym offers multi-faceted wellness programming to all ages and abilities; her consulting collective seeks to support adults in their personal and professional growth. Dr. Farmer’s perspectives on how individual wellness is integral to the well-being of the larger community, how “together, we can go so much further,” and why doing the Bataan Memorial Death March each year sends a powerful message of community support are each something we can learn from. If you missed the Speakeasy-themed gala for Running 505, you can learn more about all of Dr. Farmer’s work at running505.com You may even catch me at Bfit505 one day!

@running505 @bfit505

Have you ever considered how transparency comes into effect in real life? Ethan Watson says that “transparency is an ecosystem,” and through this conversation I came to understand that he is absolutely correct – it takes multiple players, on the same beam, if you will, of access to information to ensure transparency comes to fruition in both state and federal systems.

Albuquerque’s City Clerk is the chief records custodian for the state’s largest public records program, and does so with the understanding that the system needs to continuously evolve to meet the needs of the public while adhering to national best practices. Ethan and his growing staff have implemented systems that streamline the process for records management and response to requests – requests that have tripled since Covid.

Check out this conversation to better understand the purpose of the Clerk’s Office, and to understand why March 17-21 is called Sunshine Week – a celebration of our national transparency laws. Ethan and his staff work diligently to improve processes, something that you can easily recognize in the latest Inspection of Public Records Act report, link below.

• How the office is reducing backlog: https://www.cabq.gov/clerk/news/fy-2025-second-quarter-ipra-backlog-report
• Sunshine Week info https://sunshineweek.org/

When you think of healthcare, do you think of hope? Liam Westgate believes not only in the power of hope, but creating mechanisms for healthcare workers to utilize optimism in their caregiving and relationships. As the Director of the central delivery system for Linkages, Liam guides his colleagues with the perspective that “there’s always something we can do” and that their work can be more effective when using curiosity and building bridges.

What this conversation revealed is that health providers like community health and peer support workers offer is so much more than one-off patient engagements – they are “points of light” among a network of folks endeavoring to care for community needs and create opportunities for healing at every interaction. Liam is a force behind these efforts, taking time to be grateful for his life-affirming patient engagements and “being open to where he is being called to be useful.”

Check out this episode to learn what a pracademic is, consider why the approach to healthcare is irrational, and where the Linkages programs can be of assistance to you.

Book rec: Hope in the Dark, Rebecca Solnit

Community and Clinical Linkages https://www.phs.org/community/committed-to-community-health/programs

Brianna is a long-time employee of the City of Albuquerque and would love for young folks to follow her lead.

This conversation focuses on her deep understanding of the YFS community centers and their offerings, but even between the lines you can hear her passion for mentorship and collaboration.

Firmly connected to her purpose, Brianna makes a concerted effort to empower youth whether it’s in YFS programs or leadership in younger colleagues. She recognizes the importance of “doing it right” when working closely with community members and knows that a good mentor can “pull the light out” of a young person to help them see their own capabilities.

Check out this episode to learn more about the life of a Public Information Officer, finding impactful job opportunities for youth within the City, and YFS community center programs.

Jobs and Mentorship: https://www.cabq.gov/family/our-department/employment-opportunities/jobs-internships

Community Centers: https://www.cabq.gov/family/crei

@yfsqbq

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A natural investigator that he is, I discovered that it’s very worth asking Peter what is on his mind. His inspiring approach to modern journalism embraces a deep understanding of important historical events and current affairs. Peter is the Editor of the DAN and, along with his contributors, gathers a wonderful array of articles reflecting downtown life and events, honing in on the unique culture of this area within 16 neighborhoods.

Our conversation ranged from why folks should subscribe to the DAN even if you don’t live downtown to the history of NY state to curry recipes. I found Peter to be a fascinating writer, locavore, author, and conversationalist. For these reasons and because I encourage you to learn more about local tax programs, sleeper headlines, and cycling in New Mexico, check out this episode. It might be the “balanced meal” of news you need.

https://downtownalbuquerquenews.com/

Hot tip of the day: Read: The Powerbroker by Robert Caro https://www.amazon.com/Power-Broker-Robert-Moses-Fall/dp/0394720245

Starting as an intern at 15, Megan has worked in City government for quite some time, and she brings a genuine concern for community to her work every day. Between interests in sustainability and communications, her work is wide-reaching and reflects her creative abilities as well as her deep understanding of government resources. Megan and her team are trying to accomplish a number of goals through the revamped Keep Albuquerque Beautiful program, both educational and logistical in people’s day-to-day lives. As big fans of the Oneabqvolunteers.com website, she and her staff utilize this to engage the community in addition to her specialty designing wider communication strategies. I was excited to learn that tours of the recycling facility are offered and not surprised that Megan is so passionate about supporting SW staff. Did you know we have 250 SW drivers working across the city, or that you can get a Recycle Coach?!

Much to learn and so much to appreciate about Megan and her unique role in our City in this episode. I’m so grateful for her and her work. Enjoy!

Keepabqbeautiful@gmail.com

https://www.cabq.gov/solidwaste/keep-albuquerque-beautiful

I have to say, I was smiling as I re-listened to this for notes.
Rachael has built a career around her heart and highest skills, and I truly enjoyed chatting with her about her trajectory and recognizing the value of her “older sister vibe.” We reflected on that moment where she got her start in community engagement, how her familial traditions influenced her volunteerism, and how she hopes to enhance the quality of life for her fellow citizens.
As the first Volunteer Coordinator for the Health, Housing, and Homelessness Department at CABQ, Rachael developed and managed impactful volunteer programs and generated significant relationships needed to get the work done. Her current focus is enhancing volunteer opportunities, increasing civic participation, and fostering stronger connections between City departments and citizens. She has a special way of bringing joy to others and supporting the greater community.

*When Mariah said Intel, she meant to say Sandia National Labs.

https://www.oneabqvolunteers.com/
https://www.cabq.gov/abq-volunteers/volunteer-of-the-month-nominations

Leading with dedication, integrity, and a sense of humor, Madam Secretary has seen it all.

She has been overseeing election administration statewide since 2016 and deeply understands the importance of being an engaged citizen.

Reaching multiple generations of voters requires a range of outreach initiatives, for which she partners with 33 County Clerks across NM.

The recent MIT Election Performance Index reports that NM currently holds the best election policies (nationwide!) for secure, accessible, efficient, and informative processes. Secretary Toulouse Oliver says, “this is like winning an Oscar… and there’s always more work to do to continue honing it in.”

Our conversation ranged from the fact that early voting is already seeing a record turnout, to understanding what it takes to emphasize voter experience as a priority, to the lengths NM officials will go to ensure that victims of domestic violence can safely participate in our democratic processes (see Safe at Home).

Madam Secretary took the time to give credit where it is due her colleagues, and highlights election officials in Roswell in particular, a city which is dealing with a recent flood but keeping the voting locations open. She also reminds us that polling volunteers are an all-parties set of folks, taking time to ensure voter experience in NM continues to be top tier.

She shared that age-old election myths are debunked via Trusted Information 2024, and also that citizens can utilize our County Clerk’s office if we have questions about the process.

Madam Secretary wants voters to take time to look at your sample ballot and make a plan to vote early (anywhere  in your county) - avoid the lines. Election day is the last chance to vote! She also reminds us to believe in the power of our vote! It is no simple thing.

You can still register to vote at any polling location in your county.

November 5th is around the corner!

Sos.nm.gov is an “encyclopedia” and worth the look.

Nmvote.org – voter information portal

MIT report: https://elections.mit.edu/#/data/rank

In a the lively pro-democracy elections conversations, Sila Avcil is a stand-out. Her unique background and deep knowledge of the topic are reflected by her beautiful articulation and sense of positivity. Our time together brought out some of the most important pieces of election processes as a whole, and the importance of every-day citizens taking part in these activities – elections lead to real impacts in people’s lives. In her role to foster better representation, Sila is working to educate both electeds and community members about the benefits of open primaries, ensuring that more eligible voters take part in elections and are knowledgeable about how to otherwise get involved. Check out this interview to learn more about Sila’s long-term vision, why NM is part of a historic moment in election history, and how YOU can advocate for causes close to your heart. Afterall, it’s YOUR voice that needs to be heard.

Nmvotersfirst.org

Nmopenelections.org

https://www.nmlegis.gov/

https://www.sos.nm.gov/

Lindsey Kay is someone we’d all want in our corner, and not just because she’s incredibly hard working. Lindsey is rooted in her values. As newly-minted VP of Client Services at WESST, Lindsey takes the time to get to know business owners and consultants alike; she knows the importance of understanding their stories and backgrounds. These are likely the kind of reasons as to why she’s been recognized so many times for her unique innovations and leadership in her previous role as founder and ED of Paws and Stripes. The internationally-known organization she started in 2010 arose out of her recognition of a distinct need in the veteran and caregiving worlds. Under her leadership of 14 years, Paws evolved from knowing first and foremost that “a dog can help” to providing holistic and trauma-informed relationship building between human and dog, organization and survivor community - the ones “who get it.” Currently Lindsey is processing this big life change with deep gratitude, and welcoming new challenges and small wins. Check out this conversation to learn more about her and WESST’s creative responses to the needs of businesses and community, and to hear Lindsey’s guidance for others who are seeking to problem solve in their own arenas. 

https://www.wesst.org/

https://www.pawsandstripes.org/

Coming up among a family mixed with corporate work and musicians, one might better understand where the breadth of Matt’s talents come from.

He’s honed his talents through hard work, deep creativity, and on the ground relationships in the arts community.

As a glass blower and ceramicist, Matt understands the creatives he works with both within museum settings and out in the very public wilds.

With an office directly behind the new Gallery One at City Hall, Matt curates through partnership and vision. He manages the care of over 1800 objects in the CABQ Public Art collection an supports several boards plus Public Art projects. He’s seen it all – and is asking big questions.

What is Public Art in our county and how can we ensure equity in incorporation of the wider art collection?

How can his work help emerging artists get their art/vision viewed through bureaucratic systems?

Check out Matt’s interview to learn more about how you can get involved in the arts programs, how time outdoors helps him recharge, and what helmet confessions are.
What you’ll find is that kindness goes a long way.

https://www.cabq.gov/artsculture/public-art/public-art

https://www.cabq.gov/artsculture/public-art/podcast

With a bit of curiosity, a commitment to a vision, and being true to yourself, you can get a lot of work done. Tina Garcia-Shams is an excellent example of a local who pairs her love of community with hard work; she understands what it takes to build a start up with a unique vision into a sustainable organization. As ED of the Street Food Institute (SFI), Tina takes joy in seeing the success of her students, and now gets to enjoy the expansion of the SFI. Check out this conversation to learn more about the work that is going into the coming Barelas Community Kitchen, how Tina believes food is “the equalizer,” and how you might also enjoy collaborating with Tina and her crew.

https://streetfoodinstitute.org/

A compassionate advocate for community-based solutions, Kristi is a joy to chat with. She smiles through her stories and encourages us to reimagine the power of coming together under shared purpose.

Understanding Kristi is to realize a multidisciplinary framework for approaching leadership and advocacy. She believes we can and should show up as we are to use our personal strengths toward a greater community purpose.

Kristi and her staff are working to de-silo the work within our state’s social sector in a way that builds sustainable collaborations and utilizes all resources at hand.

Check out this conversation to learn more about Kristi’s systems approach, upcoming conference info, and how you/r organization can benefit from partaking in the spaces Groundworks is providing.

Also, this is a friendly reminder to trust in community vision… and visit your local library.

https://www.groundworksnm.org/

https://www.visittrinity.ie/book-of-kells-experience/

https://artesianm.gov/146/Library

ED, Barelas Community Coalition & Mainstreet Program

Cristina is a worldly, entrepreneurial-minded Creative at heart. While she now focuses her energy on Barelas, a community at “the forefront of change,” she herself is a front runner in the creative world. Her background in historic preservation and community development, casting, and large-scale facilitation has enabled her to see the future, if you will. Cristina understands what is ahead of her community, and works to leverage the power of culture and creativity to enable those around her to realize stability and flourish. Yes, she’s that wonderful. Check out this conversation for more insight on her perspective… and how silk pillow cases played a role in her trajectory.

For info on activities in the Barelas community or to reach out directly: info@barelas.net

Why should community service be a joyful experience? Stephanie Becker shares her thoughts on how and why we can be more engaged in our community, starting with the fact that service is integral to personal introspection (and a priceless experience for youth at Amy Biehl High). As ED and Superintendent of ABH going on 15 years, Stephanie provides opportunities for students to academically reengage in non-traditional, long-lasting ways while also taking part in  and encouraging deliberate organizing for a more vibrant Downtown ABQ. In this convo she shares why working at ABH was meant to be, and how deep and abiding relationships lead not only to richer lives, but impactful work in our greater community.

How does one know they are on the right path? In speaking with Ramiro, we come to find our purpose when we witness the positive outcomes of trust-based relationships… he sees the power of honoring his lived experience to support others in their personal journeys. The Violence Intervention Program out of the ABQ Community Safety department is built toward prevention and public health; the Peer Support Specialists approach the work with the understanding that peers with similar lived experience can relate more deeply and quickly to another’s situation. As a Peer Support Specialist, Ramiro and his colleagues reach out directly to youth and those who are at risk of or have experienced gun violence. He meets people in the middle of traumatic experiences and first and foremost, recognizes the value in their humanity. Ramiro’s passion for planting the seed of possibility and opportunity in others is driving his impact, and he believes in using the tools at hand to create positive messaging. Check out this wonderful convo to learn more. And, if you can, call your mom. Learn more here: https://www.cabq.gov/acs/violence-prevention-and-intervention/vip 

*Celestite stone on loan from The Bloomstone.

*Please note that this episode briefly mentions domestic violence and trauma

“Even the smallest moments have great impact.” For entrepreneurs, Jake and Savannah, community needs are at the heart of their “work” together. Our conversation highlighted their dynamic teamwork and delved into everything from the creation of the Galactic Ambassadors, economic equity, and authorship of the heart. This couple is a powerhouse that doesn’t shy away from calling out big issues at the same time they are tying to create for themselves and others a balance for the pace of life. Check out this episode to learn more about how these sweethearts are trying to inspire caring for the environment, support new business owners, and incorporate artistic outlets into their adventures together. Check out the Youtube to more fully enjoy the interaction.

@galactic-amb @motherroadmakers @seekees.co 

Monet Silva is a force. In her 16 years working with health-based and social justice nonprofits, her experience runs the gamut. While at one point she was providing health care in rural Honduras, these days she is focusing her energy on running the NM Coalition to End Homelessness and supporting its partners. The coalition – 70 organizations across the state – recognizes that homelessness is a public health crisis, and in working toward solutions, they are providing a continuum of care, meeting people experiencing homelessness where they are in that moment of need. Monet’s leadership is visibly elevating advocacy toward good policy. She know that good policy work lays a better foundation for generations to come and that the outcomes of this work are personal to folks navigating the system. It’s personal to her to stick up for others. It’s personal to her to build better systems and be cognizant of how she approaches this important work. In this convo Monet also shares why she loves traveling and building her personal library of educational and joyful books. She’ll also remind us that taking rest seriously allows us to do good work. Indeed, we agree.

Learn more about the NMCEH here: https://www.nmceh.org/

Jennifer Burke has a passion for helping young people and you can see her love in action at every turn of her hard work. As ED of Healing Addiction in our Community, Jenn, and her devoted husband, run an inpatient treatment center and do their best to prevent addiction via awareness and increasing treatment resources. Here you’ll hear how Jenn honors her son’s voice by sharing real stories of the opioid epidemic and leads the way in creating powerful connections statewide to address the issue.

Check out our conversation to learn more about how you can get involved… or ask for help.

On a personal note, addiction is part of my own family experience, so I could not be more grateful for folks like Jenn ~ let’s keep talking about this and offering one another any resources we can.

Shana Baker asks the important questions. Like, “why not?!” With a legal background, extensive knowledge of political and nonprofit sectors, Shana puts her skills to work every day making a direct impact on our city. Her belief that we can use both our love of ABQ and our connections to move the work forward is… contagious… and she loves that. And, her incredible efforts behind the scenes may, in fact, have already supported YOU. Join us to understand more about why Shana works to break down barriers in order for others to find a way to serve their community.

https://www.melorapalmer.com/

The pod will be a bi-weekly release, and we'd love to hear your suggestions for community members to highlight: mariah@cabq.gov.

Episode #2: Jodie Jepson, Albuquerque Community Safety Homeless Liaison Administrator
Jodie Jepson changes lives, simple as that. Her belief in the power of connection and presence influences her work to be personal and heavy on the systems change. In this convo Jodie blasts a few myths, and shares how carrying a voice for the most vulnerable folks directly impacts innovations in care and advocacy, improving the lives of everyone involved. 

The podcast will be a bi-weekly release, and we'd love to hear your suggestions for community members to highlight: mariah@cabq.gov.

Episode #1: Doug Small, Director of Public Relations, CABQ
Doug Small puts his heart into his work every day. He takes on the role of ambassador, communicator, motivator and more and makes it look easy. Here he shares why he got involved in this work and why he thinks people should get engaged in their own community.