Seven exceptional leaders will also receive Encuentro’s Tree of Life Award—a meaningful recognition that honors individuals whose leadership plants seeds of transformation, nurtures growth, and is deeply rooted in the vitality and futureof our community. Together, they represent the interconnected strength that sustains Encuentro’s mission and the Latinx immigrant community.

Join us for this special celebration!

More details about our honorees and sponsorship opportunities will be shared soon. The RSVP site will open in early February.

The post Mark Your Calendar: Tree of Life Honoree Luncheon 2026 appeared first on Encuentro Nuevo Mexico.

En Encuentro, nuestro compromiso con la comunidad, la dignidad y la oportunidad guía todo lo que hacemos—especialmente en tiempos de crisis.

En este momento, las comunidades inmigrantes en Nuevo México y más allá enfrentan miedo e inestabilidad. El clima político actual tiene impactos reales y dañinos en los adultos estudiantes y las familias a las que servimos.

En respuesta a esta realidad, Encuentro está transicionando todas nuestras clases y programas al formato en línea, con efecto inmediato. Esta decisión no se tomó a la ligera, y sabemos que es la correcta para proteger a nuestros estudiantes, familias, educadores y personal, mientras continuamos brindando educación y apoyo.

Ahora más que nunca, necesitamos tu apoyo. Cuando apoyas a Encuentro, ayudas a personas inmigrantes adultas a:

• Acceder a una educación de alta calidad para desarrollar habilidades en el idioma, la lectura y el trabajo
• Recibir servicios integrales que fortalecen a familias enteras
• Pertenecer a una comunidad que las recibe, valora y comprende

Tu donación nos ayuda a enfrentar este momento con fortaleza y solidaridad.

???? Dona ahora para apoyar esta transición y mantener vivo este trabajo tan vital.

Ante el miedo, elegimos la esperanza, la acción y la solidaridad.
Gracias por ser parte de este movimiento con nosotros.

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At Encuentro, our commitment to community, dignity, and opportunity guides everything we do—especially in times of crisis.

Right now, immigrant communities in New Mexico and beyond are facing fear and instability. The current political climate has real and harmful impacts on the adult learners and families we serve.

In response to this reality, Encuentro is transitioning all our classes and programming online, effective immediately. This decision was not made lightly, and we know it’s the right one to protect our students, families, educators, and staff while continuing to provide education and support.

Now more than ever, we need your partnership. When you support Encuentro, you help immigrant adults:

• Access high-quality education to build language, literacy, and job skills
• Receive wraparound services that uplift entire families
• Belong to a community that welcomes, values, and understands them

Your gift helps us meet this moment with strength and solidarity.

???? Donate Now to support our transition and sustain this vital work.

In the face of fear, we choose hope, action, and solidarity. Thank you for being part of this movement with us.

The post Standing Strong Together — Importat Message 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.