New Mexico State Treasurer Laura M. Montoya celebrating 2026 National Intern Day with this year’s interns Anabel Varela, Alyssa Sandoval, Hailey Hardman and Talon Watchman. Courtesy/NMSTO

State Treasurer Laura M. Montoya and other officials speaking with this year’s interns. Courtesy/NMSTO

State Treasurer’s Office News: 

SANTA FE — In recognition of 2026 National Intern Day, the New Mexico State Treasurer’s Office is celebrating the talented interns and early-career professionals whose dedication, curiosity, and ambition are helping shape their careers and the future of public finance in New Mexico.

This week, interns from the New Mexico State Treasurer’s Office (STO) and the New Mexico State Investment Council (NMSIC) joined Treasurer Laura M. Montoya and members of the New Mexico Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) Board of Trustees during the Board’s annual retreat in Taos.

Throughout the retreat, the students had the opportunity to engage directly with investment consultants, institutional asset managers, and public finance professionals while learning about asset classes, investment strategy, and people-driven investment management.

“Investing in young people is one of the most important investments we can make,” Treasurer Montoya said. “These talented students are gaining real-world experience alongside some of the brightest minds in public finance, and I have no doubt they will become the next generation of leaders helping manage and safeguard New Mexico’s financial future with love for the public. We are proud to support their growth and grateful for the energy, talent, and fresh perspectives they bring to public service.”

The State Treasurer’s Office is proud to recognize this year’s interns and young professionals:

• Anabel Varela recently joined STO after connecting with Treasurer Montoya at the State Treasurer’s ‘Cultivating the Next Wave of New Mexico’s Financial Leaders’ event. She serves on Treasurer Montoya’s staff as an Executive Assistant to Treasurer Montoya and will graduate from New Mexico State University (NMSU) with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in finance tomorrow. Anabel is a first-generation college student from New Mexico.
• Alyssa Sandoval, a Santa Fe native, is an incoming senior at NMSU pursuing degrees in accounting and finance. She is interning with the STO’s Budget and Finance Division, where she is gaining firsthand experience in public fiscal management.
• Hailey Hardman is a high school student in Santa Fe interning with the STO’s Communications Director. Hailey’s internship, facilitated by the State Personnel Office (SPO), will conclude this Friday after contributing to the office’s public outreach and communications efforts.
• Emily Kim, of Colorado, is a first-generation college student entering her third year at Barnard College of Columbia University in New York studying urban studies and economics. Emily is a Girls Who Invest Scholar interning with the STO’s Investment Division and plans to pursue a career in investment management and consulting.
• Talon Watchman, of Arizona, is a rising junior at Stanford University studying Management Science and Engineering with a minor in art history. Also a Girls Who Invest Scholar, Talon is interning with the State Investment Council this summer and aspires to build a career in asset management. Talon is the granddaughter of former New Mexico State Rep. Leo C. Watchman, Navajo, who served from 1969-1979 and 1983-1993.

The State Treasurer’s Office remains committed to expanding educational and professional opportunities through internships, professional development, and extra-governmental partnerships that inspire and motivate students to pursue careers in public finance, investing, and service, especially in New Mexico. By facilitating networks with experienced professionals and real-world experiences, the office is cultivating the next wave of New Mexico’s financial leaders.