March 20, 2026
11:30-1:30
National Hispanic Cultural Center
1701 4th Street SW, Albuquerque

Join us on March 20, 2026, for Encuentro’s third annual Tree of Life Honoree Luncheon, celebrating seven leaders who have made a significant impact on our Latinx immigrant community.

This event honors those who plant seeds of hope, nurture growth, and demonstrate transformative leadership, collaboration, and advocacy. Each Tree of Life award recognizes the vital role honorees have played in fostering community vitality!

Sponsorship Opportunities Await!

Each year, Encuentro’s Tree of Life Honoree Luncheon uplifts champions whose leadership, generosity, and advocacy strengthen the Latinx immigrant community across New Mexico.

For the 2026 Tree of Life Awards, 23 nominations were submitted by members of the community. Nominations were reviewed by a five-member selection committee using clearly defined criteria aligned with each award category.

Selected honorees were notified in December and will be formally recognized at the Tree of Life Honoree Luncheon on March 20. Together, they represent the strength, vision, and collective care that allow our community—and Encuentro—to continue to grow and flourish.

Roots of Resilience Honoree
Recognizing exceptional leadership.

Ted Martinez
Retired Community Leader

Ted Martinez, son of a Mexican immigrant, has dedicated his life to improving opportunities for Latinos and immigrants. In 1986, he became president of TVI (now CNM), expanding programs for immigrants. From Albuquerque’s first Hispano school board member in 1968 to volunteering with Tucson Samaritans, he has championed bilingual education, access, and humanitarian aid throughout his life.

Leaves of Service Honoree
Recognizing individual contributions

Pauline Lucero
CEO of Corazón Training & Consulting

Pauline is a bilingual mental health therapist and nationally recognized trainer who empowers professionals and communities addressing complex child abuse and trauma. She brings decades of expertise working with Native American communities and individuals with disabilities, fostering culturally responsive, trauma-informed care. Her dedication to education, advocacy, and wellness has shaped countless professionals and strengthened vulnerable populations.

Branches of Unity Honoree
Recognizing collaboration

Sara Yvonne
“Bonnie” Escobar

Enlace Comunitario‘s Executive Director

Bonnie is Executive Director of Enlace Comunitario, where she advances wellness, cultural pride, and healing while leading programs that have served over 15,000 clients. A passionate advocate for women, Latinos, and survivors of domestic violence, she brings decades of leadership in nonprofit strategy, community engagement, and systemic change, transforming vision into action across New Mexico and the border region.

Seeds of Change Honoree
Recognizing advocacy, policy, and civic action

Elsa López
Program Manager of NewMexicoWomen.org

Elsa is an immigrant justice leader driven by racial and economic justice. She has spent decades organizing in New Mexico, winning college access and driver’s licenses for undocumented immigrants, advancing worker protections, and limiting law-enforcement collaboration. Inspired by New Mexican families, she supports and empowers grassroots movements.

Blossoms of Innovation Honoree
Recognizing innovation

Ana López

Promotora Program Manager of
Enlace Comunitario

Ana López is a prevention professional specializing in domestic violence and sexual assault education. She leads Enlace Comunitario’s Promotora Program, Promotoras de Bienestar Familiar, and Voces Unidas, designing culturally responsive, trauma-informed programs that empower Latina immigrant women, strengthen families, and foster community well-being. Ana combines program leadership, mentorship, and evidence-based prevention education to promote healing, inclusion, and long-term social change.

Fruits of Generosity Honoree
Recognizing organizational contributions

Founded in 1930 by Will Keith Kellogg, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation is a major U.S. philanthropy dedicated to ensuring all children can thrive. It partners with communities in the U.S., tribal nations, and abroad, focusing on high-poverty regions including Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico, New Orleans, Mexico, and Haiti, worldwide impact.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Gerald “Jerry” Ortiz Y Pino
Retired Senator

Senator Gerald “Jerry” Ortiz y Pino dedicated decades to public service and advocacy for New Mexico’s Latinx and immigrant communities. From his early work in child welfare and social services to 20 years in the State Senate, he championed health, education, and community development. Jerry’s leadership created opportunities, promoted equity, and strengthened the well-being of families across New Mexico.

Limited Sponsorship available!

Are you ready to honor these CHAMPIONS?

Confirm sponsorship by February 16, 2026 to guarantee benefits.

CLICK HERE FOR SPONSORHIPS OPPORTUNITIES

Individual Tickets sales will open on February 16, 2026

For more information contact Julia Cusatis

at julia@encuentronm.org

or call (505) 247-2920

Each sponsorship funds Encuentro’s programs and initiatives to uplift our Latinx immigrant community and provide essential resources for education, community engagement and advocacy.

The post Cultivate Growth: Be a Tree of Life Sponsor! appeared first on Encuentro Nuevo Mexico.

En un esfuerzo por resaltar las voces y recursos que fortalecen a nuestra comunidad, el equipo de periodismo comunitario TVD tuvo el honor de conversar con el equipo de Hipocampo, una organización con sede en Albuquerque dedicada a ofrecer servicios de salud mental accesibles y culturalmente sensibles a nuestras comunidades inmigrantes y latinas.

Durante la entrevista, representantes de Hipocampo compartieron su compromiso profundo con el bienestar emocional de las personas a las que sirven. En un clima político donde muchas de nuestras familias enfrentan incertidumbre, discriminación y miedo, cuidar nuestra salud mental no es un lujo—es una necesidad urgente. Hipocampo entiende que el estrés constante, la ansiedad y los traumas no resueltos afectan profundamente nuestra calidad de vida y nuestras relaciones familiares, laborales y comunitarias.

A través de terapia individual, grupos de apoyo, talleres y espacios seguros para conversar, Hipocampo se ha convertido en un recurso vital para quienes muchas veces no encuentran servicios accesibles ni en su idioma ni en su cultura. Su enfoque integrador reconoce la complejidad de las experiencias migratorias y busca sanar desde la raíz, con empatía y respeto.

Esta entrevista no solo dio visibilidad al trabajo esencial de Hipocampo, sino que también reafirmó la importancia de hablar abiertamente sobre la salud mental. En tiempos difíciles, reconocer nuestras emociones, buscar ayuda y apoyarnos como comunidad es un acto de resistencia y cuidado colectivo.

As part of our commitment to uplifting community voices and highlighting vital local resources, the TVD community journalism team had the honor of sitting down with the team from Hipocampo, a mental health organization based in Albuquerque that offers low-cost, culturally responsive services to immigrant and Latinx communities.

During the interview, Hipocampo staff shared their deep dedication to supporting the emotional well-being of those they serve. In today’s political climate—where many families live with fear, discrimination, and uncertainty—taking care of our mental health is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Chronic stress, anxiety, and unresolved trauma have a profound impact on our lives, affecting everything from our family relationships to our work and sense of belonging.

Through individual therapy, support groups, workshops, and safe community spaces, Hipocampo has become a vital source of care for people who often struggle to find accessible, culturally and linguistically appropriate mental health services. Their holistic approach recognizes the layered experiences of migration and aims to foster healing from the root, with empathy and cultural understanding.

This interview not only shed light on the essential work Hipocampo is doing, but also reminded us of how critical it is to talk openly about mental health. In challenging times, acknowledging our emotions, reaching out for help, and caring for one another as a community are powerful acts of resistance and collective healing.

The post Hablemos sobre Salud Mental con Hipocampo appeared first on Encuentro Nuevo Mexico.

Esta muestra bilingüe, que estará disponible hasta el 4 de mayo de 2025, presenta las obras de estudiantes de Sandia Preparatory School que, guiados por el maestro Claudio Pérez, han transformado puertas en poderosas piezas visuales que narran historias reales de inmigración, resistencia y esperanza.

En este video, escucharán directamente de quienes han hecho posible esta exposición: su visión, su motivación, y cómo el arte puede ser una herramienta poderosa para derribar prejuicios, abrir conversaciones y construir empatía.

Puertas fronterizas nos invita a ver más allá de los muros y a escuchar las historias que cruzan fronteras.

¡No te lo pierdas!

From the heart of art and education, our community journalism group had the opportunity to interview the organizers of a deeply moving exhibition currently on view at the Albuquerque Museum: Puertas fronterizas / Border Doors.

This bilingual exhibition, open through May 4, 2025, features artwork by students from Sandia Preparatory School who, guided by teacher Claudio Pérez, have transformed doors into powerful visual pieces that tell real stories of immigration, resilience, and hope.

In this video, you’ll hear directly from the people who made this exhibition possible—their vision, their motivation, and how art can serve as a powerful tool to break down prejudice, spark conversation, and build empathy.

Border Doors invites us to look beyond walls and listen to the stories that cross borders.

Don’t miss it!

#TuVozDigital #CommunityJournalism #PuertasFronterizas #BorderDoors #ArtAndJustice #TransformativeEducation #AlbuquerqueMuseu

The post Segmento Radial “Nuestra Voz” presenta: La Exposición “Puertas Fronterizas” por TVD y Colectivo Raíces de KUNM appeared first on Encuentro Nuevo Mexico.

Desde Tu Voz Digital, nuestro grupo de periodistas comunitarios inmigrantes, tuvimos el honor de conversar en vivo con Beatriz Valencia, la encargada de liderar la Oficina de Asuntos de Inmigrantes y Refugiados de Albuquerque (OIRA, por sus siglas en inglés).

Durante la transmisión, exploramos cómo esta oficina, fundada en 2016 con el apoyo de la Fundación W.K. Kellogg, trabaja incansablemente para mejorar la vida de todas las personas inmigrantes y refugiadas que han hecho de Albuquerque su hogar.

Beatriz compartió cómo la oficina ha logrado unir a diversas organizaciones comunitarias que atienden a nuestras comunidades, y cómo a través de un estudio profundo realizado en 2017, identificaron la necesidad urgente de mejorar el acceso a servicios en otros idiomas, así como de fortalecer la seguridad, inclusión y participación cívica de los inmigrantes y refugiados en la ciudad.

Fue una charla poderosa, informativa y profundamente inspiradora. ¡Gracias a Beatriz Valencia por su liderazgo y compromiso con nuestras comunidades!

#TuVozDigital #PeriodismoComunitario #Inmigrantes #Refugiados #Albuquerque #OIRA #EntrevistaEnVivo #PeriodismoDesdeLaComunidad #AccesoALosServicios #InmigraciónConDignidad

???? Facebook Live Interview with Beatriz Valencia, Director of the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA) in Albuquerque ????????

As part of our project, Tu Voz Digital, a community journalism group led by immigrant adults, we had the great honor of speaking live with Beatriz Valencia, who heads the City of Albuquerque’s Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA).

In this insightful conversation, Beatriz shared how OIRA, established in 2016 with support from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, works to improve the lives of all immigrants and resettled refugees living in Albuquerque.

We learned how the office brings together a wide range of community-based organizations to coordinate efforts that support immigrant and refugee communities. Beatriz also discussed the importance of a citywide evaluation completed in 2017, which highlighted urgent needs such as language access, outreach, and inclusive policies to ensure immigrants and refugees can fully participate in civic life and access city services safely and equitably.

This was an inspiring and educational conversation that uplifted voices from our communities. We’re grateful to Beatriz Valencia for her leadership and her deep commitment to inclusion, safety, and opportunity for all.

The post Hablemos sobre la Oficina de Inmigrantes y Refugiados de Albuquerque appeared first on Encuentro Nuevo Mexico.

Tickets for our Tree of Life Honoree Luncheon are NOW on sale!April 4, 2025

11:30-1:30
At the National Hispanic Cultural Center
1701 4th Street SW, Albuquerque, NM

These transformative leaders were selected after a rigorous nomination process and are being recognized for the significant impacts that they have made in the lives of immigrants by advancing social and economic justice.

Maria Martinez Sanchez ACLU NM, Legal Director Seeds of Change Award

Maria is a committed attorney and social worker from Albuquerque, New Mexico, currently serving as the Legal Director for the ACLU of New Mexico. She is known for her impactful legal work improving conditions for agricultural workers and advocating for civil rights. Maria is currently on the Board of the Center of Southwest Culture and is a former ten-year member and past president of Encuentro’s Board of Directors

Patricia Bonilla Former teacher & Current volunteer at Encuentro Branches of Unity Award

Pat Bonilla is a dedicated advocate for immigrant rights and education with over 50 years of impactful service in the Albuquerque community. Pat is known for her compassion, fierce advocacy, and organizing tutoring for immigrants seeking citizenship. Beyond teaching, she volunteers with various organizations to support immigrants upon their arrival, and her commitment to fostering educational and career opportunities contributed to the founding of Encuentro.

Claudia Medina Community Advocate Roots of Resilience

Claudia Medina is a dedicated advocate for immigrant rights and the founder of Enlace Comunitario, where she has served for over 25 years. Her leadership has established vital support for Albuquerque’s immigrant community and contributed to the creation of organizations like El Centro de Igualdad y Derechos and Encuentro. Currently, Claudia serves on the boards of both Encuentro and Enlace. She is recognized for her resilience and compassion, championing essential rights for immigrants and inspiring future leaders through development programs.

Rachel LaZar Director of El Centro de Igualdad y Derechos Blossoms of Innovation Award

Rachel Lazar is the co-founder and leader of El CENTRO de Igualdad y Derechos in New Mexico, advocating for immigrant rights and worker justice. Under her leadership, the organization has achieved significant milestones, including economic relief during the pandemic, paid sick leave for over 300,000 workers, and a $12 state minimum wage. A native New Mexican, Rachel is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities and has also founded other organizations like Enlace Comunitario and El CENTRO Poder y Acción.

Juan Abeyta Community Advocate Leaves of Service Award

Juan Abeyta is a social justice advocate who has spent his career promoting the rights and interests of underrepresented communities in New Mexico. He has played a key role in establishing and supporting various organizations and initiatives, including the United Mexican American Students organization at UNM and the Center of Southwest Culture.

Fruits of Generosity Award/Equity and Inclusion at Encuentro-

Comcast is a global media and technology company providing Xfinity services to over 668,000 homes and businesses in New Mexico, with significant investments aimed at improving technology and community support. Their initiatives, including the Internet Essentials program and Lift Zones, focus on bridging the digital divide and enhancing economic mobility for low-income New Mexicans.

Fruits of Generosity Award/Capacity Building at Encuentro

The Anderson Foundation has been a vital supporter of Encuentro, providing leadership development, capacity building, and resources for staff and program growth. They sponsored our HHA classroom and supportthe HHA Internship program through a challenge grant that ensures that low-income elders can access subsidized in-home care while ensuring fair wages for caregivers.

Let’s celebrate our vibrant community and recognized
those who have supported us along the way!
Seating is limited—buy yours now!

INDIVIDUAL TICKET: $100
Includes lunch and champagne toast.
TABLE SPONSORSHIP: $1,000Reserved table for 8 with lunch, champagne toast & a framed acknowledgement.

Each sponsorship funds Encuentro’s programs and initiatives to uplift our Latinx immigrant community and provide essential resources for education, community engagement and advocacy.

For more information contact Joseline Mendoza
at joseline@encuentronm.org
or call (505) 247-2920

The post Meet our 2025 honorees: Tickets for our Tree of Life Honoree Luncheon are now on sale! appeared first on Encuentro Nuevo Mexico.

Cientos de estudiantes inmigrantes adultos se congregan para conmemorar este hito significativo, reflejando con orgullo el arduo trabajo y la dedicación que han invertido. Equilibrar múltiples empleos, responsabilidades familiares y otros compromisos puede ser una tarea abrumadora, pero nuestros estudiantes enfrentan este desafío con valentía, abordando su educación con una notable determinación y una resiliencia admirable.

Este momento de celebración está impregnado de risas, aromas de exquisitas comidas y recuerdos entrañables, que se entrelazan en los viajes colectivos hacia futuros más prometedores.

¡Cada celebración de clase es un testimonio de la iniciativa y las infinitas posibilidades que nos esperan!

In December, Encuentro transforms into a vibrant celebration of achievement and perseverance. When the semester draws to a close, our one-semester courses hold their graduations, and all of the other courses gather together to acknowledge the achievements of the fall semester.

Hundreds of adult immigrant students come together to mark this special milestone, proudly showcasing their hard work and dedication. Balancing multiple jobs, family obligations, and other commitments is no easy task, yet our students rise to meet the challenge, embracing their education with determination and remarkable resilience.

This joyous time is filled with laughter, the aromas of delicious foods, and cherished memories reflected through collective journeys toward brighter futures.

Each class celebration is a testament to the initiative and boundless possibilities ahead!

Ho Ho Ho Highlights!/ Momentos destacados del fin de semestre

Alma Alvarado se graduó  de nuestra clase de Periodismo Comunitario y presentó su impactante proyecto final sobre la importancia de transformar las narrativas comunitarias. Este momento fue significativo para Alma, ya que fue tanto su primera experiencia en hablar en público como un desafío que mostró su talento como una emergente periodista comunitaria.

Alma Alvarado proudly graduated from our Community Journalism class. She presented her impactful final project on the importance of transforming community narratives. This moment was significant for Alma, as it was both her first public speaking experience and a challenge that showcased her talents as a rising community journalist.

“Esta capacitación me ha dado el valor no solo para hablar frente a las personas, sino que también me ha ayudado a mejorar mis relaciones interpersonales a través de una comunicación efectiva,” comentó Alma.

“This training has given me the courage not only to speak in front of people but has also supported me in improving my interpersonal relationships through effective communication,” said Alma.

Momento de orgullo: Nuestras clases de pequeños negocios asi como de finanzas recibieron sus certificaods de fin de curso con gran orgullo y emoción!/ Proud Moment: Our small business and financial literacy students received their end-of-course certificates with great pride!

Aplaudiendo logros: Nuestros estudiantes aplaudian y celebraban a cada compañero que recibia su certificado, compartiendo asi la alegria del aprendizaje colectivo// Applauding Accomplishments: Our students enthusiastically encourage their classmates, sharing the joy of celebrating significant milestones.

Una imagen dice mas que mil palabras: El orgulloso esposo de nuestro estudiantes Angelica Gonzalez, orgulloso grabó la presentación del proyecto final de sus esposa quien compartio su reportaje en derechos laborales / Images speak louder than words: A proud husband records his wife’s first public presentation. Angelica Gonzalez’s spoke about labor rights and the importance of self- advocacy.

Sabores que conectan: Comida y comunidad son elementos centrales de las celebraciones de fin de semestre. En cada convivio podemos saborear una variedade de deliciosos platillos caseros de diferentes lugares resaltando la diversidad de nuestros estudiantes// Flavor and Connection: Food and community are central to Encuentro’s celebrations. Each potluck features an array of delicious homemade dishes that highlight the amazing diversity of our community.

El Poder de los Aliados y la Comunidad: Aliados angloparlantes  y estudiantes inmigrantes latinx se unen, generando conexiones, compartiendo crecimiento y el poder transformador del idioma y la comunidad. Juntos, reuniones como esta, son vitales para desmantelar narrativas falsas sobre nuestra comunidad inmigrante y reemplazar estereotipos con relaciones auténticas y relatos de resiliencia, fortaleza y unidad// The Power of Allies and Community: English-speaking allies and Latinx immigrant students unite, sparking connections, sharing growth, and the transformative power of language and community. Together gatherings such as this, are vital for breaking down false narratives about our immigrant community and replacing stereotypes with authentic relationships and stories of resilience, strength, and unity.

The post It’s a Wrap . . . Celebrating the end of Semester!/ iCelebrando el fin de semestre! appeared first on Encuentro Nuevo Mexico.

Recientemente, Tu voz digital tuvo la oportunidad de entrevistar a Beatriz Valencia, miembro del Cómite de la Herencia Hispana, en el marco de las celebraciones del Mes de la Hispanidad. Durante la conversación, Beatriz compartió su perspectiva sobre la relevancia de este mes, el objetivo del comité y la importancia de reconocer las contribuciones de la comunidad hispana en Nuevo México y más allá.

El Mes de la Hispanidad, que se celebra del 15 de septiembre al 15 de octubre, es un período significativo que honra la rica herencia cultural, histórica y social de los pueblos hispanos. Beatriz explicó que la celebración se origina en la conmemoración de la independencia de varios países latinoamericanos y es una oportunidad para reflexionar sobre las raíces y el legado que estos pueblos han dejado en Estados Unidos.

El Cómite de la Herencia Hispana tiene como principal objetivo promover y preservar las tradiciones y la cultura hispana en Nuevo México. Beatriz enfatizó que el comité trabaja para asegurar que las voces y las historias de la comunidad hispana sean reconocidas y valoradas en la narrativa más amplia de la historia de los Estados Unidos. A través de diferentes iniciativas y eventos, buscan educar a la comunidad en general sobre las contribuciones significativas de los hispanos en diversos campos, desde la educación y las artes hasta la política y la economía. iDisfruta de esta enriquecedora conversación!

Durante la entrevista, Beatriz destacó la importancia de celebrar las contribuciones hispanas no solo durante el mes de la Hispanidad, sino a lo largo del año. “Es vital que las generaciones futuras conozcan su historia y el impacto positivo que nuestras culturas han tenido en la sociedad”, agregó. Subrayó que esta celebración no solo es un reconocimiento de los logros alcanzados, sino también un llamado a la acción para seguir apoyando y fomentando el crecimiento de la comunidad hispana.

La conversación con Beatriz fue enriquecedora y reveladora, y nos recordó a todos la importancia de celebrar nuestra diversidad cultural. El trabajo del NM Heritage Committee es esencial para recordar y honrar las raíces de nuestra comunidad, y esperamos que esta entrevista inspire a más personas a participar y celebrar el Mes de la Hispanidad con entusiasmo y orgullo.

Esta entrevista representa solo una parte de los esfuerzos del Cómite de la Herencia Hispana para hacer visible la historia y las contribuciones de la comunidad hispana en Nuevo México. Alentamos a todos a celebrar y participar en las actividades previstas durante este mes y a aprender más sobre la rica herencia que todos compartimos.

Recently,  our community journalist group, Tu voz digital,  had the opportunity to interview Beatriz Valencia,  member of the New Mexico Hispanic Heritage Committee, as part of the celebrations for Hispanic Heritage Month. During the conversation, Beatriz shared her insights on the significance of this month, the committee’s objectives, and the importance of recognizing the contributions of the Hispanic community in New Mexico and beyond.

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 to October 15 and honors the rich cultural, historical, and social heritage of Hispanic peoples. Beatriz explained that the celebration originated from commemorating the independence of several Latin American countries and serves as an opportunity to reflect on the roots and legacy these peoples have left in the United States.

The New Mexico Hispanic Heritage Committee’s main objective is to promote and preserve Hispanic traditions and culture in New Mexico. Beatriz emphasized that the committee works to ensure that the voices and stories of the Hispanic community are recognized and valued within the broader narrative of U.S. history. Through various initiatives and events, they aim to educate the general community about the significant contributions of Hispanics in several fields, from education and the arts to politics and the economy.

During the interview, Beatriz highlighted the importance of celebrating Hispanic contributions not only during Hispanic Heritage Month but throughout the year. She added, “It is vital for future generations to know their history and the positive impact our cultures have had on society.” She underscored that this celebration serves not only as recognition of achievements but also as a call to action to continue supporting and promoting the growth of the Hispanic community.

The conversation with Beatriz was enriching and revealing, reminding us all of the importance of celebrating our cultural diversity. The work of the NM Heritage Committee is crucial for remembering and honoring the roots of our community, and we hope this interview inspires more people to participate and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with enthusiasm and pride.

This interview represents just a part of the NM Heritage Committee’s efforts to make the history and contributions of the Hispanic community in New Mexico visible. We encourage everyone to celebrate and engage in the activities planned during this month and to learn more about the rich heritage we all share.

The post Hablemos sobre El Mes de la Herencia Hispana con El Cómite de la Herencia Hispana appeared first on Encuentro Nuevo Mexico.

Born from a profound desire to elevate the spirit of humanity, the NMHA aims to shed light on the incredible contributions made by individuals, organizations, and businesses dedicated to humanitarian goals. Every year, this distinguished recognition program highlights those who have embodied an outstanding spirit of humanity on local, national, and international stages, reminding us all of the power of compassion and dedication.

On Thursday, August 15th, 2024, Encuentro witnessed a moment of profound significance at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Albuquerque presenting the 2024 NMHA at Casino Sandia, where our very own board president, **Sandra Ortsman**, was honored for her exceptional contributions to social justice and the advancement of racial and gender equity. With immense joy and pride, we celebrate Sandra’s achievement, not just as a personal victory but as a testament to the values we hold dear as an organization.

### A Champion for Social Justice: About Ortsman

Sandra Ortsman is a seasoned community planner and passionate advocate for social justice. Sandra has dedicated herself to advancing racial and gender equity through strategic planning, organizational development, fundraising, and access to capital initiatives. Her work spans a broad spectrum including foundations, educational institutions, grassroots organizations, and state entities.
Sandra holds dual Master’s degrees in Community and Regional Planning and Latin American Studies from the University of New Mexico (UNM). Her academic achievements, coupled with her bilingual abilities in English and Spanish, have enabled her to connect deeply with diverse communities and foster collaborative relationships across cultural boundaries.

Sandra also serves as an adjunct instructor at the UNM School of Architecture and Planning, where she educates future leaders on community-based practice. Each fall, she shares her expertise and passion, teaching students skills to engage and uplift marginalized communities.
Since 2015 Sandra has been an instrumental member of Encuentro’s board and has led as its President since 2018. Encuentro is a nonprofit dedicated to social justice, immigrant rights education a

(L-R) Board Member Claudia Medina, Encuentro’s Development Director Julia Cusatis, Board Member Patricia Telles, Board President Sandra Ortsman, Communications Manager Ilse Grijalva, Coordinador of Economic Opportunities Rosalina Lopez, HHA Director Leah Steimel & CHW Norma Casasnd career development. Her commitment transcends the typical board member’s role, dedicating countless hours to the role. Sandra has been pivotal in guiding strategic planning, broadening the organization’s support network, and offering insightful mentorship to leadership.

Her dedication to community service is further evidenced by her involvement on various boards and committees dedicated to civil rights, anti-racism, and community health. From 2006 to early 2015, Sandra was the Associate Director at Enlace Comunitario, an immigrant rights organization working to eliminate domestic violence. In that role, she served as a member of Albuquerque’s Violence Prevention Task Force. In 2015, she founded a consulting firm to build capacity and financial resources for social justice nonprofits and like-minded foundations. In that role, she supports vital organizations like Centro Savila, the New Mexico Immigrant Law Center and the Southwest Women’s Law Center. She also works with Nusenda Credit Union, Roanhorse Consulting and other CDFIs to develop loan programs that have provided millions in loan funding to Native American and immigrant entrepreneurs. Her influence extends through her roles on the New Mexico Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights and as a fellow of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation Community Leadership Class II Network, amongst other notable positions.

Encuentro’s family supporting Sandra on her Special Day

Congratulations and thank you, Sandra! Your instrumental role in the growth of Encuentro has been invaluable. Your expertise, enthusiasm, and commitment are vital to our success, and we deeply appreciate your leadership and the meaningful work you continue to do. ????

Learn more about this recognition

The post Encuentro’s board president honored with the NM Humanitarian Award appeared first on Encuentro Nuevo Mexico.

When we attend a conference, we embark on a transformative journey. We dive into the latest knowledge, ideas, and perspectives, and build connections with fellow leaders. This sparks new possibilities and fosters collaborations that amplify our impact and drive meaningful change.

With each conference we nurture both personal and professional growth!

Explore some of the recent conferences attended by Encuentro leaders in the past weeks:

UnidosUS Annual Conference:

Normas Casas, Encuentro’s Community Health Worker and Veronica Salazar, Digital Equity Manager, joined 2024 UnidosUs Annual Conference “Our Time is Now” Conference

UnidosUS, the nation’s largest Latino-centered civil rights organization in the USA, kicked off its annual convention on Las Vegas Nevada on Monday, July 15. Gathering more of 1,500 Latinos leaders, advocates and allies, UnidosUS Annual Conference: “Our Time is now! centered around November’s elections and the crucial Latino vote that could swing them.

HIP Conference 2024,
Corazon y Poder: Unleashing our Power:

Held on June 20-21 at Chicago, Illinios, this years Hispanics in the Philanthropy  conference was designed to amplify the collective spirit of our community by fostering connections among leaders from foundations, corporations, and nonprofits. By intersecting collective liberation, leadership, storytelling, music and art, they aim to inspire transformative relationships that drive meaningful change.

The two-day sessions focused on showcasing the initiatives and approaches of a growing network of leaders, organizations, and allies dedicated to collective learning and collaboration. Encuentro’s leaders delved into meaningful discussions about how organizations are mobilizing resources to amplify grassroots innovation and drive towards social justice, as well as identifying opportunities for strategic impact investing. The conversations also explored critical topics such as fueling social movements, advancing Latinx representation, and re framing the Latinx narrative.

Ilse Grijalva, Encuentro’s Communications Manager, attended the 2024 HIP Conference, participating in sessions that explored reframing the Latinx narrative and promoting positive representation.

Julia Cusatis, Director of Development, and Teresa Guevara, Director of Educational Programs, represented Encuentro at the 2024 HIP Conference, participating in a range of sessions focused on fundraising strategies and the power of education.

2024 Elevate Initiative National Convening

On June 4th, the 2024 Elevate Initiative National Convention took place in Atlanta, GA. Encuentro’s Home Health Aide program leaders, Brook Bernini, Rosalina Lopez, and Executive Director Dalia Medina,  participated in educational sessions focused on advancing racial and economic justice, gaining valuable knowledge and insights.

During the convention, they also took part in city tours to learn more about innovative initiatives and grassroots efforts being undertaken by other organizations and individuals. This immersive experience provided them with unique perspectives and insights to inform their work and potentially inspire future collaborations.

Encuentro’s Home Health Aide team, connecting with leaders from all over the nation during the 2024 Elevate Initiative National Convening in Atlanta, GA.

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