Getting Accepted into EmergeNM

The first time I learned about EmergeNM, I was at some sort of gala/fundraiser/banquet/awards ceremony as my husband’s plus-one for his job as a Union representative. I don’t remember what event it was; I just remember it was at the New Mexico Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque, and several prominent local politicians, business leaders, and philanthropists were there. My husband introduced me to someone- again, I don’t remember who- and as we began conversing, she asked me about my hobbies and activities aside from being a mom. I mentioned that I had been a Girl Scout leader for several years, but because I was blessed with boys, I was becoming involved in Cub Scouts. And, that’s when she first told me about EmergeNM and suggested I apply.

At the time, I wasn’t ready to apply for the program. I was building a business, raising my family, and helping to care for my grandmother who was in the early stages of dementia (she has since passed on). But, I stored the information away in my brain in case I ever found myself in need of this resource. And then, a few years later, I found myself running for the Los Lunas School Board.

EmergeNM is part of a larger nonprofit organization called Emerge, that focuses on educating, training, and supporting women and non-binary individuals who are interested in running for political office- no matter the level of government. The program only accepts about 20 individuals per year, so the application process is stringent- there’s an online application that requires a minimum of two references, and an interview process. It was made clear that they are looking for individuals who already have leadership experience, as well as public speaking skills because this program is designed to prepare an individual for the next level.

The program boasts graduates such as Deb Haaland, Melanie Stansbury, Teresa Smith de Cherif, and many, many more. The list is incredible, and reaches all levels of government, from local school boards, town and city councils, our state House and Senate, clear to the House of Representatives in Washington, D. C..

I am incredibly honored and excited to announce that I have been accepted as a member of the Class of 2026! I hope to use this training- and the resources, network, and experience that I will gain from it- to help support our school district, and our community. The 2025 election cycle was most definitely a learning experience, but when I run for the School Board again next year, I want to be prepared, and I want to be the best representative I can be for this community. Which is why I applied for this program in the first place.