Gabrielle joined NM Voices as Executive Director in 2024. She is a seasoned social sector leader with over a decade of experience in organizational leadership, partnership development, program design, and racial equity. She served as a program officer at Asset Funders Network, advancing national and regional initiatives in racial and economic justice in philanthropy. Previously, she was co-director of the U.S. Department of Arts & Culture, executive director of Working Classroom, and chairperson of the city of Albuquerque’s Urban Enhancement Trust Fund. Gabrielle advises national and local foundations on racial equity, youth development, economic justice, and arts and activism. She currently serves on the boards of the national ACLU and the ACLU of New Mexico. Gabrielle holds a BA from Pomona College and a certificate in Nonprofit Executive Leadership from Stanford School of Business. Born and raised in New Mexico, she resides in Albuquerque with her husband, three Chinese-Chicanx children, and many plants and pets.

Jacob joined NM Voices in 2018 to focus on anti-poverty initiatives, including economic security, safety net, and early care and education policies, which he’s done through research and statewide outreach and advocacy. He was promoted to Deputy Policy Director in 2023, and to Chief Legislative Officer in 2025. Prior to joining NM Voices, Jacob worked in advocacy and coalition building in Illinois and California on early childhood and children’s health issues. He also worked as a government relations representative advocating for quality subsidized child care in several Western states. Before entering public policy, Jacob was a social worker and educator. Jacob holds a BA in Latin American History from Pomona College in Claremont, CA, and a Master’s in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago.

Kufre joined NM Voices for Children in 2024. Growing up in Albuquerque, Kufre developed an interest in understanding and addressing the root causes of poverty and inequality. He studied economics at the University of New Mexico and has previously worked at the Supportive Housing Coalition in Albuquerque as well as The Institute for Policy Studies in Washington, D.C. While there he studied inequality policy, doing data analysis for the Executive Excess Report, as well as budget and military spending policy research with the National Priorities Project, helping them produce their annual tax receipt.

Jonathan joined NM Voices in 2024, focusing on criminal justice, workforce development and immigration policy. As a strategist, community organizer, researcher, and advocate, Jonathan is passionate about youth advocacy, organizational strategy, creating systems change, and advancing racial and gender justice. Before joining NM Voices, Jonathan partnered with nonprofits, philanthropies, and corporations to develop DEI strategies and transform organizational cultures. He also led a statewide New York campaign to support children affected by parental arrest. Growing up in Albuquerque, he has worked on local issues in New Mexico including youth civic engagement, immigration, public benefits, and transit, racial and gender equity. Jonathan received a BA from Yale University and a Master of Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Mónica joined NM Voices in 2024, focusing on health research and policy analysis. Mónica was born and raised in Albuquerque where she earned her BS in Psychology at UNM. In 2023 she received her Master of Social Work and Public Health Graduate Certificate from NMSU. Prior to joining NM Voices, she advanced her research and outreach skills at the NMHU Center for Excellence in Social Work. As a public health social worker, researcher, and advocate, working through an anti-racist/anti-oppressive lens, Mónica is passionate about health equity, social justice, and the well-being of New Mexico communities. Deeply connected to her roots, Mónica is committed to uplifting the unique culture and diverse communities of New Mexico. She is driven by her love for the land and its people and strives to make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of future generations across the state.

Alex joined NM Voices in 2021 as the Graphics and Social Media Manager, and was promoted to Communications Manager in 2025. Alex works with the Chief Communications Officer to execute NM Voices’ communications campaigns and strategies, and he directly oversees all digital communications. Alex was born and raised in California and moved to Albuquerque in 2019 to complete his BA in English and Journalism at the University of New Mexico. Previously he served as the editor in chief of the Daily Lobo, UNM’s independent student newspaper, and as a freelance photographer at the Deli LA, a Los Angeles-based music magazine.

Chris joined New Mexico Voices in 2025 to help manage its foundation grants program and development office functions after relocating to New Mexico from the San Francisco Bay Area, where he served the nonprofit community in a variety of capacities for more than twenty years. Before joining New Mexico Voices, Chris worked as a consultant for Colorado’s Center for Developmental Disabilities. Prior to that he served as Director of Development and Alum Relations at the Graduate Theological Union, an interreligious graduate school in Berkeley, CA, managing foundation grants, annual giving, database operations and alumni events. He enjoys working with donors, executive leadership, program staff, and other key stakeholders to ensure the effective management of revenue producing activities from foundations, organizations and individuals. Chris received a BA in Anthropology from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and is excited to be living in New Mexico and working for its diverse and resilient communities.

Brian wears a number of hats at NM Voices – from managing the office to overseeing the donor database, helping coordinate and run our events, with a little graphic design thrown in. Brian first came to NM Voices as part of our Youth Link program, which trained middle- and high-school youths in the art of advocacy using tobacco prevention as a tangible issue. His bachelor’s degree is from the University of New Mexico.

Barbara joined NM Voices in 2017 after living in Kansas for many years. While in Kansas she was an administrative clerk for Westar Energy, assistant to the treasurer of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, and was a physical science technician and a natural resources administrative assistant for the Environmental Science program at Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, which is also where Barbara earned her bachelor’s degree.

Maez brings more than 20 years of experience in government relations, public policy, fund development, and strategic communications across the nonprofit, public, and private sectors. She has built a career advancing systemic change and helping organizations achieve lasting impact. Maez has held leadership roles as Executive Director of ProgressNow New Mexico, CEO of the Center for Civic Policy, Senior Fellow at the Topos Partnership, and served in former New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson’s administration. As a state legislator, she championed innovative, community-driven policies that advanced equity and opportunity.

Most recently, as Executive Director of the Outdoor Foundation, she spearheaded grant-making and fund development initiatives that expanded equitable access to the outdoors. Through its Thrive Outside partnerships, her work supported youth and families from historically underrepresented communities, driving measurable improvements in health, safety, and environmental stewardship.

Today, as an independent consultant, Maez advises businesses, philanthropists, universities, and nonprofits on government relations, communications, and organizational development. Known for her strong work ethic, integrity, and people-centered leadership, she approaches every partnership as a strategic thinker who believes that relationships and community are at the heart of lasting change.

Robby is a philanthropy and nonprofit advisor and provides consulting services related to strategy and executive coaching. He started his career as a community organizer, working to ensure rights for workers, voters, and immigrant and Indigenous communities, as well as youth development, corporate accountability, and environmental justice. During his six years as the Executive Director of the SouthWest Organizing Project (SWOP), Robby helped achieve key policy changes related to economic development and environmental protection. He represented the U.S. at the U.N. World Conference Against Racism in Durban, South Africa, where he documented and testified on issues of racial discrimination in the U.S. and abroad. Robby has worked at two of the nation’s largest private foundations and was part of the teams responsible for stewarding nearly 200 million in philanthropic dollars to help low-income and communities of color build power, equity and justice. Robby holds an MBA from UNM.

Since starting his career in medicine, Javier has been interested in developing programs for and providing direct services to populations experiencing challenges in accessing health care. Additionally, he has focused on the development, sustainability, and expansion of community-based pediatric programs from a public health perspective. Javier served as medical director of the Young Children’s Health Center from 1999 to 2016, and has been involved in improving the health of families living in the southeast heights of Albuquerque. In 2012, he was named executive medical director of Pediatric Ambulatory Services for the Children’s Hospital. His interest in family health comes from a sense of shared responsibility to improve the level of access and quality of health care services in the community and the overall health of a diverse pediatric population. Through these efforts and interests he hopes to have a positive impact on improving the health of two communities: persons with disabilities and chronic conditions and the underinsured and uninsured living in the southeast heights of Albuquerque.

Robert Chávez is the Chief Executive Officer of Youth Development, Inc. (YDI), one of New Mexico’s largest and most impactful nonprofits serving children, youth, and families. Before being named CEO in 2022, Robert served as YDI’s Chief Operations Officer and Chief Financial Officer. His career also includes senior leadership roles with the New Mexico Human Services Department, the Board of Nursing, and the Behavioral Health Services Division, and Intel Corporation. Robert currently serves on the Early Childhood Education and Care Advisory Council, the New Mexico Workforce Connection Board, the New Mexico Counseling and Therapy Practice Board, and the Senate Memorial 5 Child Welfare Task Force. He contributes to the New Mexico Supreme Court Commission on Mental Health and Competency and the Hispanic Education Advisory Council. Robert graduated from the University of Phoenix with a Master’s in Organizational Management and a Bachelor’s in Business Management and has furthered his executive education at Harvard University, UCLA’s Head Start Management Fellowship, and the University of New Mexico’s Anderson School of Management.

Marsha has been working in communications and civic engagement in New Mexico for over a decade. She currently works as a strategic communications advisor and thought partner with several nonprofit organizations that focus on reproductive justice in the state. Marsha also specializes in crisis communications strategy and management, as well as spokesperson and media response training. She has worked with the New Mexico Speaker of the House of Representatives and the New Mexico House Democratic Caucus as their communications director, and has also worked on multiple successful local ballot initiatives and congressional campaigns. Outside of her work, Marsha serves on the board of directors of Crossroads for Women, an organization that empowers local women to break the cycle of incarceration and addiction, and volunteers as a trainer in media relations and communications for Emerge New Mexico.

Danielle is a faculty member in Early Childhood Education at the Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute (SIPI). Prior to her current role, Dr. Lansing taught for 15 years in Bureau of Indian Education and tribally controlled schools in New Mexico and Arizona. Dr. Lansing’s extensive experience in tribal communities has greatly shaped her career and research interests. Her love for the profession moved her to enter higher education as a teacher educator and researcher. Knowing first-hand how important teachers are to tribal communities, Dr. Lansing has dedicated her work to developing the next cadre of Native teachers. She is the 2022 recipient of the Department of Interior’s Distinguished Service Award for her contributions to Indigenous teacher education.

A 12th generation New Mexican with a deep commitment to serving the state, Brandon has spent his career working as a communications and political strategist. Currently, Brandon is a managing partner for Roadrunner Strategies, a political and strategic communication firm. His passion for creating positive change has led him to work for distinguished elected officials like Rep. Deb Haaland, Rep. Melanie Stansbury, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, and other local officials. Beyond his professional achievements, Brandon is a devoted community member, advocate, and philanthropist. Collaborating with individuals, communities, and nonprofits, he actively contributes to transformative initiatives on local, regional, and national scales. Brandon’s passion lies in harnessing positive change and creating thriving communities. With his infectious energy, unwavering dedication to community upliftment, and unparalleled expertise, Brandon is dedicated to empowering purpose-driven leaders to unlock their potential, optimize their productivity, and create lasting impact.

Newton, who retired from Intel’s Human Resources Department in 2013, still serves as the program manager and president of its Community Mentor Network (CMN). A program Newton founded in 2009, CMN mentors students at Cibola High School and UNM. Prior to his 18-year career at Intel, Newton worked for 18 years at IBM. He earned a BA in Psychology from the State University of New York at New Paltz, completed the Human Resource Management Certificate Program from the Anderson School of Management at UNM, and is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Newton currently serves on the Deacon Board at Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, and is part of the International Mission Team that traveled to Santa Dominica, Hong Kong, Belize, Guyana, Kenya, and Jamaica.