By DIEGO ESPINOZA
President
Leadership New Mexico

Leadership New Mexico is launching the 2025 Connect New Mexico cohort this week in Los Alamos, bringing together a talented group of emerging leaders from across the state for the program’s opening session.

Connect New Mexico is a statewide, five-month leadership development program designed for professionals aged 25 to 40. Through immersive, place-based learning and hands-on sessions, participants gain a deeper understanding of the systems shaping New Mexico—while building leadership skills and long-lasting relationships that strengthen communities and careers.

“We’re thrilled to welcome this exceptional cohort to Los Alamos,” said Leadership New Mexico President Diego Espinoza. “These young professionals represent the future of our state, and this program equips them with the tools, network, and perspective to lead with impact.”

Over the next several months, the 2025 cohort will meet in key regions across New Mexico— including Las Cruces and Roswell—to explore issues such as economic development, education, healthcare, and public policy. Participants will hear from top experts, visit critical institutions, and collaborate with peers to tackle real-world challenges.

Leadership New Mexico has engaged more than 3,000 leaders statewide since its founding in 1995. Connect New Mexico alumni represent nearly 40 communities and a wide range of sectors—building a stronger, more connected New Mexico.

Connect New Mexico Class of 2025:

• David Almond, Interim Dean – Arts & Sciences, Eastern New Mexico University – Roswell (Roswell)
• Ruth Aragon, Information Technology Manager, Sandia National Laboratories (Albuquerque)
• Jennifer “Jenny” Baker, Director of Marketing & Business Development, DRB Electric (Albuquerque)
• Anabel Barraza, Chief Financial Officer, Chaves County (Dexter)
• Brandan Bornfield, Manager of Financial Planning & Analysis, New Mexico Gas Company (Albuquerque)
• Brandi Candelaria, Retail Banking Manager, Pioneer Bank (Roswell)
• Eric Chavez, Senior Communications Representative, PNM (Albuquerque)
• Brandon Coppedge, Vice President of Engineering, Promus Energy (Las Cruces)
• Quay Dominguez, IPRA Specialist, City of Carlsbad (Carlsbad)
• Natasha Gacinski, Chief Executive Officer, Catholic Charities (Albuquerque)
• Audra Gallegos, Public Infrastructure Lead – Southwest Region, Wilson & Company Inc. (Corrales)
• Trent Gonzales, Group Leader, Los Alamos National Laboratory (Santa Fe)
• Justina Grant, Director of Marketing & Community Relations, Holmans USA (Albuquerque)
• Reina Gutierrez, Manager – Corporate Budget, PNM (Albuquerque)
• Matthew “Matt” Houston, SVP – Commercial Banking, Capra Bank (Albuquerque)
• Lucas Jaramillo, Vice President & Senior Project Manager, Bradbury Stamm Construction (Tijeras)
• Katharine Jennings, Laboratory Manager, TriCore Reference Laboratory (Alamogordo)
• Minerva Jurado-Perea, Destination Director, Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of
• Commerce (Albuquerque)
• Mikela Kull, President, New Mexico Boys and Girls Ranches (Belen)
• A. Dominic Longoria, Associate Broker, Century 21 Associated Professionals, Inc. (Carlsbad)
• Megan “Meg” Maestas, Managing Partner, Maestas & Gould Consulting (Corrales)
• Monica McCaslin, Client Relations Officer, B:Side Capital & B:Side Fund (Albuquerque)
• Bryan Myers, Chief Deputy Treasurer, San Juan County (Farmington)
• Valeria Olave, Regional Director, WESST Corp. (Albuquerque)
• Jesus Ortiz, Director of Pre-Construction & IPD Services, Jaynes Corporation (Chilili)
• Jason Plake, Business Manager, Sandia National Laboratories (Albuquerque)
• Destiny Rojo, Program Officer, PY Foundation (Artesia)
• Isabella Sharpe, Program Coordinator II, State of New Mexico (Rio Rancho)
• David Tetrault, Commercial Relationship Manager, Century Bank (Albuquerque)
• Esmeralda “Esmi” Vela, Deputy Chief of Protocol, U.S. Air Force / Department of Defense (Albuquerque)
• Ashley Wagner, Vice President of Government Affairs, New Mexico Oil & Gas Association (Belen)