Photo Gallery

Bill Jordan and DOI Secretary Deb Haaland at the Pride Parade in Albuquerque in June 20232023 Pride Parade

Bill Jordan (right), NMVC Government Relations Officer, poses with Department of the Interior Secretary Deb Haaland (left) in Albuquerque during the annual Pride Parade on Central Avenue in Nob Hill. (June 2023)

On KNME’s In Focus

KNME TV Senior Producer Lou DiVizio (far left) speaks with Amber Wallin, executive director, NM Voices, Oriandi Mellas, early childhood teacher, UNM Children’s Campus, and Wilhelmina Yazzie (far right), plaintiff, Yazzie Martinez lawsuit, for the public affairs show In Focus. The group discussed the upcoming vote on constitutional amendment 1 to draw money from the Land Grant Permanent Fund to expand early childhood care and education services. Watch the episode here. (September 2022)

A visit with Energy Secretary Granholm

Attendees pause for a photo after a gathering in Albuquerque to discuss how the state’s transition to a green economy can be racially and ethnically equitable. Pictured are (l to r): Celerah Hewes, NM State Field Organizer for Mom’s Clean Airforce; U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury, NM CD 1; Marcela Diaz, Executive Director of Somos Un Pueblo Unido; Oriana Sandoval, Executive Director of the Center for Civic Policy; Regis Pecos, Executive Director of the Santa Fe Indian School Leadership Institute; U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich; Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, DOE; and Amber Wallin, Deputy Director, and James Jimenez,  Executive Director, both of NMVC. (August 2021)

Tax justice tee-shirts

NMVC staff members (clockwise from top left) Bill Jordan, Amber Wallin, James Jimenez, and Paige Knight take a shot from a Zoom meeting proudly displaying their new “Tax Justice is Racial Justice” tee-shirts courtesy of our friends over at the DC Fiscal Policy Institute. (March 2021)

A staff welcome lunch

NMVC staff members relax after enjoying lunch at Sumo Sushi, an Albuquerque dim sum restaurant. The lunch was to welcome brand-new staff member Emily Wildau (second from the right), the most recent addition to the policy team. (March 2020)

Advocating for professional licensure for all

NMVC Research and Policy Analyst Jacob Vigil (far left) pauses with members of the New Mexico DREAM Team during their visit to the Roundhouse in Santa Fe to advocate that the state allow immigrants with DACA status (so-called ‘dreams’) apply for professional licensure in their given professions. (Feb. 2020)

Talking about taxes

NMVC Research and Policy Analyst Paige Knight gives a presentation on how tax policy can be a tool to improve child and family well-being at a convening during the legislative session held by Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM. (Feb. 2020)

2019 State Impact conference

Several NMVC staff and board members gather to mark their attendance at the annual State Impact conference, convened by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities in Washington, D.C. This year, several of our staff members also made presentations at the conference. (Dec. 2019)

Community Catalyst’s dental therapy convening

NMVC Policy and Research Analyst Jacob Vigil (left) and NMVC Communications Associate Marie-Pier Frigon (right) learn strategies that will help them fight for better oral health access in New Mexico at a convening on dental therapy held in Portland by Community Catalyst. (Nov. 2019)

Santa Fe Community Foundation’s 2019 Piñon Awards

Several NMVC staff members pose with several Santa Fe Community Foundation staff after accepting the first-ever Policy Champion Award (being held by NMVC Executive Director James Jimenez, seated center) at their annual Piñon Awards celebration. (Oct. 2019)

Learning about our national network

NMVC Research and Policy Analysts Javier Rojo (left) and Derek Lin (right) take a break from a conference on the ins and outs of one of the national networks we belong to. The State Priorities Partnership, a program of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities and based in Washington, D.C., is comprised of state-based organizations like ours that work on state taxation and budget issues. (Sept. 2019)

Press conference on paid time off

Bill Jordan, NMVC senior policy advisor and government relations officer, speaks in favor of mandating that all employers provide paid time off at this press conference organized by OLÉ to highlight how significant this policy is to survivors of domestic violence. (Aug. 2019)

Congressional testimony

NMVC executive director James Jimenez (second from right) testifies to the U.S. House of Representatives’ Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources during a field hearing in Santa Fe. James spoke about how much money the state is losing in royalties by allowing oil and gas producers to vent or flare methane instead of capturing it, as is required by other states. (April 2019)

Getting outdoors with Smokey

Paige Knight (far left), NMVC research and policy analyst, and Bill Jordan (far right), senior policy advisor and government relations officer, pose for a photo with Smokey Bear after a bill signing at Hyde Memorial State Park east of Santa Fe. Governor Lujan Grisham had just signed SB 462, which creates an outdoor recreation division and establishes a new outdoor equity grant. (April 2019)

Legislative tax summit

NMVC staffers Jacob Vigil (far left) and Stela Vasquez Guzman (both research and policy analysts) pose with Michael Mazerov (senior fellow with the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities’ State Fiscal Project), Bill Jordan (NMVC senior policy advisor and government relations officer) and Richard Anklam (far right), who organized the Summit for legislators. Michael gave a presentation at the summit on one of the tax policy issues on our agenda. (July 2018)

Immigrant rights rally

NMVC staffers Sarah Hyde (policy analyst; far left), Marie-Pier Frigon (communications assistant), James Jimenez (executive director), and Bill Jordan (senior policy advisor and government relations officer; far right) join between two and three thousand people at a rally at Albuquerque Civic Plaza to call for the end of family separation and child detention at the U.S.-Mexico border. (June 2018)

2018 KIDS COUNT Conference & Spirit of Hope Awards

Roberta Rael (behind the podium) accepts the Spirit of Hope Direct Service Award for her work founding and directing Generation Justice, a youth-led radio show at KUNM. Roberta is surrounded by the Generation Justice youth who were attending the awards luncheon, which was part of our 2018 KIDS COUNT Conference. Find more photos from this event on our Flickr album. (June 2018)

Data to Action Workshop in San Juan County

NM Voices staffers Bill Jordan (senior policy advisor and government relations officer; far left), Armelle Casau, and Jacob Vigil (both policy analysts) pose for a quick pre-workshop photo with Amanda Evans (far right) of the San Juan County Partnership at San Juan Center for Independence. (April 2018)

Documentary film shoot

NMVC Executive Director James Jimenez (right) talks about how New Mexico could do a better job of fully funding its public education system for a documentary being made by independent film company CAVU. The film, Unearthed, explores how revenue from the state’s oil and gas industry impacts K-12 funding. Watch part one of the film Unearthed here. (Sept. 2017)

2017 KIDS COUNT Conference

NMVC Board of Directors members Antonio Granillo (far left) and Cindy Nava (far right) flank the four winners of the Amy Biehl Youth Spirit Award (left to right): Avery Aguilar, Natalie Chambers, Isabella Baker, and Janelle Astorga. The ceremony, which also included the Spirit of Hope Awards, was held during the 5th Annual KIDS COUNT Conference. Find more photos from this event on our Flickr album. (June 2017)

2016 Kids Count conference2016 KIDS COUNT Conference

New Mexico poet Jimmy Santiago Baca gives the keynote address at our 4th Annual KIDS COUNT conference, which also included AECF President and CEO Dr. Patrick McCarthy, WKKF Chief Policy Officer Dr. Barbara Ferrer, and a panel of local experts. The Amy Biehl Youth Spirit, Alice King Public Service, Legislative Advocacy, and Spirit of Hope Awards were also presented. Find more photos from this event on our Flickr album. (June 2016)

2016 Cesar Chavez March

U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (left) chats with NMVC Senior Policy Advisor and Government Relations Officer Bill Jordan (right) during a march to honor Cesar Chavez. The march, as part of the annual celebration of the labor rights leader, went through downtown Albuquerque. (March 26, 2016)

2015 Spirit of Hope Gala 1082015 Spirit of Hope Celebration

State Senator Michael Padilla displays the tablet he won during a live auction at this annual fundraiser. The Alice King Public Service, Patty Jennings & Polly Arango Citizen Advocacy, Legislative Advocacy, and Spirit of Hope Awards were also presented. Find more photos from this event on our Flickr album. (Nov. 2015)

Legislative hearing 9-21-15Legislative committee testimony

NMVC KIDS COUNT Director Amber Wallin (left) and NMVC Senior Policy Advisor and Government Relations Officer Bill Jordan (right) testify on the state of child well-being in New Mexico at a hearing of the Legislative Health and Human Services Committee. NMVC policy and research staff members often testify at legislative committee hearings to give state policymakers information relevant to a issue on which they are working. (Sept. 2015)

Medicaid’s 50th anniversary

NMVC Communications Director Sharon Kayne (left), NMVC Senior Policy Advisor and Government Relations Officer Bill Jordan (center), and NMVC KIDS COUNT Director Amber Wallin (right) enjoy a celebration of Medicaid at Explora in Albuquerque. The celebration, which was organized by a coalition of health care advocates, was held to mark the half-century that the health care program for low-income children, seniors, and the disabled had been in existence. (July 2015)

2015 KIDS COUNT Conference

Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II (center), founder of the Moral Monday movement, speaks with an attendee after giving the keynote address during lunch at our 3rd Annual KIDS COUNT conference. The event also featured U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich, who unveiled his two-generation economic empowerment legislation. Find more photos from this event on our Flickr album. (June 2015)

2015 Amy Biehl Youth Spirit Awards

Amy Biehl Youth Spirit Award honoree Ulysses Yarbrough (left), standing with New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas, holds his certificate, which was awarded for his work raising money for the Sky Velvet Vassar Music Foundation. Ulysses was one of twelve New Mexico youth to be honored for their community service or advocacy work. The awards were presented at our 2015 KIDS COUNT Conference. Find more photos from this event on our Flickr album. (June 2015)

Pew Charitable Trusts conference

NMVC KIDS COUNT Director Amber Wallin (left) and Bernalillo County Place Matters Coordinator Jacque Garcia (right) take a break at a conference on how to conduct a health impact assessment. The conference was held by the Pew Charitable Trusts in Washington, D.C. (June 2015)

Moral Monday

NMVC Senior Policy Advisor and Government Relations Officer Bill Jordan (right) chats with NMVC Board Member and former U.S. Senator Fred Harris (left) during a Moral Monday demonstration outside the state Capitol. Bill talked told those gathered that the state budget is a moral document because how we spend our public money shows us what our priorities are. (Feb. 2015)

2014 Spirit of Hope Celebration

NMVC Board of Directors member Diana Valdez (second from left) gathers with friends at this autumn awards presentation and fundraiser. The evening festivities included the presentation of the Alice King Public Service, Patty Jennings & Polly Arango Citizen Advocacy, and Spirit of Hope Awards. Find more photos from this event on Ray A. Mares’ online gallery. (Nov. 2014)

2014 KIDS COUNT Conference

Labor leader Dolores Huerta (center, in the blue dress), poses with several NMVC board members after giving the keynote address at our 2nd Annual KIDS COUNT conference, which also featured talks by AECF Associate Director of Policy Reform Dennis Campa and economist Art Rolnick, as well as presentations of the Amy Biehl Youth Spirit Awards. Find more photos from this event on our Flickr album. (July 2014)

Dolores Huerta Foundation reception

NMVC Executive Director Veronica C. García enjoys the reception with a fellow advocate. Held on the evening before our 2014 KIDS COUNT Conference, the reception was a benefit for the Delores Huerta Foundation. Ms. Huerta, who co-founded the United Farm Workers union with Cesar Chavez, was the keynote speaker at our conference. Find more photos from this event on our Flickr album. (June 2014)

2013 Spirit of Hope Celebration

Albuquerque City Councilor Brad Winters and guest enjoy after-dinner coffee at the annual event. The evening included poetry performances, live and silent auctions, and the presentation of the Alice King Public Service, Patty Jennings & Polly Arango Citizen Advocacy, and Spirit of Hope Awards. Find more photos from this event on our Flickr album. (Nov. 2013)

2013 KIDS COUNT Conference

State Representative Rick Miera is interviewed by KOB TV reporter Stuart Dyson during a break in our inaugural KIDS COUNT Conference in Albuquerque. Rep. Miera spoke at the conference along with Senator John Sapien, APS Superintendent Winston Brooks, entrepreneur Alan Webber, and AECF Senior VP Ralph Smith. The Amy Biehl Youth Spirit Awards were also presented. Find more photos from this event on our Flickr album. (July 2013)


Immigrant Rights Day rally

NMVC Senior Policy Advisor Bill Jordan (left) helps carry the NM Voices’ banner in a march for immigrant rights in Albuquerque. (May 2013)

2012 Spirit of Hope Celebration

Former NMVC Executive Directors (front row, left to right) Jerry Ortiz y Pino, Frances Varela, Ona Porter, and Eric Griego are honored for their contribution to NM Voices’ success during this 25th anniversary event in Albuquerque. They are flanked by several Board members (back row) and current Executive Director Veronica C. García (far right). Several other awards were presented. Find more photos from this event on our Flickr album. (Nov. 2012)

Clifford visits Santa Fe

Popular children’s book character Clifford the Big Red Dog poses with NMVC Policy Director Bill Jordan at the state Capitol. Clifford was in Santa Fe during the 2012 legislative session to impress upon lawmakers the importance of fully funding programs that help children learn to read. (Jan. 2012)

2011 Spirit of Hope Celebration2011 Spirit of Hope Celebration

Guests of our 2011 Spirit of Hope Celebration enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere at the Rio Grande Zoo. The event included presentation of the Amy Biehl Youth Spirit, Patty Jennings & Polly Arango Citizen Advocacy, and Alice King Public Service Awards. Find more photos from this event on our Flickr album. (Sept. 2011)

Presenting at a legislative committee meetingLegislative committee presentation

NMVC Policy Director Bill Jordan and Dr. Kelly O’Donnell present the findings of NM Voices’ report, “The Tax Revenue Benefits of Health Care Reform in New Mexico,” to the Revenue Stabilization and Tax Policy Committee. The report shows that expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act would bring in more new tax revenue than the program will cost the state. (Aug. 2011)

VAC ForumVoices for America’s Children forum

NMVC Executive Director Eric Griego is interviewed outside of the National Civil Rights Museum (the Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated) in Memphis, TN, during the Voices for America’s Children annual forum. Watch the video Building the Children’s Movement here. (June 2011)

Invest in Kids RallyInvest in Kids Now! rally

NMVC KIDS COUNT Program Manager Chris Hollis (left) and NMVC Communications Director Sharon Kayne (right) brave the snow on a chilly January day to take part in the Invest in Kids Now! rally outside the Roundhouse in Santa Fe. The rally marked the launch of this campaign to increase state spending for early childhood care and learning programs. (Jan. 2011)

Transforming Education convening panelistsTransforming Education: From Birth to Success convening

Jessie Rasmussen (Buffett Early Childhood Fund, Nebraska), Diana Ragbeer (The Children’s Trust, Florida), Duane Benson (Minnesota Early Learning Foundation), and Myra Segal (NMVC) pose with a large puzzle at our “Transforming Education” convening. The puzzle represents the many links between early care and education and the quality of life for all. Find more photos from this event on Ray A. Mares’ online gallery. (Dec. 2010)

Spirit of Hope 20102010 Spirit of Hope Celebration

Lovie McGee, a finalist for the Alice King Public Service Award, sits with her family before the start of the Spirit of Hope Celebration at the Albuquerque Museum. Lovie was nominated for an extraordinary body of public service work, including establishing the Martin Luther King State Commission. Find more photos from this event on Ray A. Mares’ online gallery. (Sept. 2010)

Bill Jordan in DCWashington, D.C. visit

NMVC Policy Director Bill Jordan poses for a pic in front of our nation’s Capitol in Washington, D.C. Bill visits D.C. on a regular basis to meet with New Mexico’s congressional delegation and their staff about issues that are are funded on the federal level and are critical to child well-being, such as Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP, and more. (2010)

Fame and Shame Awards 20102010 Fame & Shame Awards

A group of youth appear on stage dressed as the cast from the film Alice in Wonderland for this youth-driven event at the KiMo Theatre in Albuquerque. Part of our Youth Link program, this annual event shames Hollywood for its portrayal of smoking in youth-rated movies and showers fame on the winners of the Youth Advocate of the Year Awards. Find more photos from this event on Ray A. Mares’ online gallery. (May 2010)

2009 Spirit of Hope Celebration2009 Spirit of Hope Celebration

New Mexico Attorney General Gary King enjoys dinner conversation at this NM Voices fundraiser. This was the first year we gave an award in honor of Gary’s late mother, Alice King. Besides the Alice King Public Service Award, we also presented the Amy Biehl Youth Spirit and Patty Jennings Citizen Advocacy Awards. Find more photos from this event on Ray A. Mares’ online gallery. (Oct. 2009)

Bill Jordan and Fredrick IsasiNational health care reform

NMVC Policy Director Bill Jordan (left) thanks U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman’s staff member Frederick Isasi (right), for their good work on health-care reform at the Senator’s Washington, D.C., office. (Oct. 2009)

_DSC17262009 Fame & Shame Awards

Excited youths from across the state gather at the KiMo Theatre in Albuquerque for this annual event. Hollywood receives “shamie” awards for the portrayal of smoking in youth-rated movies and the Youth Advocate of the Year Awards are presented to New Mexico youth. Photo by Ray A. Mares (May 2009)

Amy Biehl Youth Spirit Award 2008 photos2008 Amy Biehl Youth Spirit Awards

Michael Lopez (center), surrounded by proud friends and family, poses with his award, which recognizes his work protecting native turtles in Costa Rica, and agricultural sustainability with the American Association for the Care of Children in Mexico, among other work. The annual awards event was held at the KiMo Theatre in Albuquerque. Photo by Ray A. Mares (Dec. 2008)

Childcare bill signingBill signing

Three early childhood advocates (left to right) Marg Elliston (far left), NMVC Policy Director Bill Jordan, and Ruth Hoffman (Lutheran Advocacy Ministry; far right) celebrate with Governor Bill Richardson at Precious Moments child care center on Albuquerque’s west side. The Governor had just signed legislation passed during a special session that restored child care eligibility to its previous levels, making it available to more low-income working families. (Aug. 2008)

Obama and GreigoBarack Obama campaign

Presidential candidate and Illinois U.S. Senator Barack Obama shakes hands with NMVC Executive Director Eric Griego at a campaign event in Albuquerque. (June 2008)

Fame and Shame 20082008 Fame & Shame Awards

Marge Simpson (or a very good look-alike) makes an appearance at this annual youth-driven event. Marge and her TV show The Simpsons were shamed for their portrayal of smoking in a show geared toward children and youth. Meanwhile, New Mexico teens were presented with Youth Advocate of the Year Awards. Find more photos from this event on Ray A. Mares’ online gallery. (June 2008)

Pride Parade 20082008 Pride Parade

State Representative Mimi Stewart rides on the Voices-mobile in the Albuquerque Pride Parade, while NMVC Policy Director Bill Jordan takes the wheel. Rep. Stewart was an honored guest for her work on domestic partnership legislation. (June 2008)

Roundhouse Comedy Revue2008 Roundhouse Comedy Revue

Youth performers from Albuquerque Public Schools and Working Classroom’s theater program lend their comic and vocal talents to our “Roundhouse Comedy Revue” (left to right): Esperanza Cervantes, Elora Daniels, Mikey Pruitt (in back), Mike Montoya (as the Fonz), James Camacho, Logan Mitchell, and Mia Daniels. The show, which poked fun at the annual political calisthenics at the state Captiol was held in Santa Fe at the start of the legislative session. (Jan. 2008)
Photo courtesy of the Daniels family

20th Anniversary Gala photos20th Anniversary Gala

NMVC Executive Director Eric Griego and state Senator Dede Feldman pose for a picture at our 20th anniversary as a child advocacy organization. Sen. Feldman was among the 20 legislators who were honored for their work on behalf of New Mexico’s children. Find more photos from this event on Ray A. Mares’ online gallery. (Nov. 2007)

20th Anniversary video shoot20th Anniversary Gala video shoot

Top photo: NMVC Executive Director Eric Griego (center) gets the group fired up for a video shoot about our hopes for New Mexico’s children.

20th Anniversary video shoot
Bottom photo: A group composed of NM Voices’ staff, honorees, kids, and community members pose after making a video to commemorate NM Voices’ 20th Anniversary. Watch the video here. Find more photos from the video shoot at Ray A. Mares’ online gallery. (Oct. 2007)

Fame and Shame Awards 20072007 Fame & Shame Awards

Youths from across the state gather for this annual event to shame Hollywood for the portrayal of smoking in youth-rated films and to present the Youth Advocate of the Year Awards to their peers working to curb youth smoking. Find more photos from this event on Ray A. Mares’ online gallery.

AmyBiehl Awards 20072007 Amy Biehl Youth Spirit Awards

A total of 44 teens and young adults were honored for their advocacy or community service at this annual event. The award is named for Amy Biehl, who lost her life during a race riot while conducting voter registration in South Africa for their first all-race election—the election that would end apartheid. Find more photos from this event on Ray A. Mares’ online gallery.

Harry BelefonteHarry Belefonte appearance

Singer/Actor/Social Activist Harry Belefonte (left), Charlotte Roybal (Health Care for All Campaign, center) and NMVC Policy Director Bill Jordan (right), pose for a picture after Mr. Belefonte spoke in Albuquerque about social and economic equality. (April 2007)

Ruth Hoffman, Diane Denish and Bill JordanBill signing

Ruth Hoffman (Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, left), Lt. Governor Diane Denish (center) and NMVC Policy Director Bill Jordan (right) share in a victory during a bill signing just after the legislative session. (2007)

2006 Amy Biehl Youth Spirit Awards

Amy Biehl Youth Spirit Award finalists (left to right) Erica Padilla, Antonia Clifford, and Destiny Swisher are among the 39 New Mexico teens and youth honored for their advocacy or community service work. The annual awards ceremony was held in Albuquerque. Find more photos from this event on Ray A. Mares’ online gallery. (April 2006)

Fame and Shame 2006 photos2006 Fame & Shame Awards

Youths from across the state — including Charlie’s Angels (shown here) — gather for this annual event to shame Hollywood for the portrayal of smoking in youth-rated films and to present the Youth Advocate of the Year Awards to their peers working to curb youth smoking. Find more photos from this event on Ray A. Mares’ online gallery.

2005 Amy Biehl Youth Spirit Awards

Co-founders of the Amy Biehl Youth Spirit Award Mary Stelletello (far left) and Deanna Sauceda (far right) flank Amy’s mother, Linda Biehl (center) at the annual event. Linda gave the keynote speech. Find more photos from this event on Ray A. Mares’ online gallery. (June 2005)