Eduardo Martinez

Eduardo Martinez is an accomplished facilitator, trainer, and organizationaldevelopment expert with more than 30 years’ experience in research, analysis, and planning initiatives. He has been an independent consultant in New Mexico since 1997 and currently operates Meridian Strategies LLC, a consultancy that provides technical assistance in areas of nonprofit development, strategic planning, quality improvement, and change management.

Prior to moving to New Mexico, Eduardo worked as a research scientist and dataanalyst where he co-authored fourteen publications in scientific journals, served as co-coordinator of joint US-Mexico research initiatives, and assisted with the initial deployment of the Malcolm Baldridge Quality Standards.

Since 2000, Eduardo has supported the work of hundreds of community-based organizations across a diverse range of issues including: youth development, education, behavioral and public health, violence prevention, environmental conservation, community economic development and the rights of immigrants and those formerly incarcerated.

Eduardo has served on the Board of Directors for numerous charitable organizations and currently serves as the President for La Plaza de Encuentro in Albuquerque, and as Vice-Chair for Hartford-based Everyday Democracy, an organization devoted to building capacity to strengthen local democracies via dialogue and action through a lens of racial equity.

Eduardo is a two-time recipient of the Victor J. Chavez Award for Community Service awarded by the Amy Biehl Foundation, and received the Community Hero Award by the New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Joy Barrett

Joy Barrett is the Senior Vice President with WaFd Bank in New Mexico’s Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, and Northern New Mexico markets. Barrett continues to oversee the 10 branches and their employees who report to her while growing the WaFd brand. Joy has more than 19 years of banking and mortgage lending experience in New Mexico and previously served as Vice President and Division Manager for WaFd Bank.

Joy has been recognized for her commitment to the Women United Council at United Way of Central New Mexico, Women’s Housing Coalition, Placitas Elementary Parent Teacher Organization, Silver City Habitat for Humanity, and Leadership Albuquerque.  Joy Barrett is an Albuquerque Business First 2021 Women of Influence honoree and was the 2019 United Way WaFd Bank Campaign Chair.

Joy works to understand the needs of TenderLove and the homeless community.  She supports our efforts by keeping in mind Debbie Johnson and TenderLove’s mission to serve the community.

Outside of work, Joy enjoys playing with her two boys on the golf course and hiking trails while enjoying New Mexico’s beautiful weather.

Maria Peña-Pinedo

Maria Peña-Pinedo is a Latina higher education professional and graduate student at Southern New Hampshire University. As a Transfer Credit Evaluation Specialist, Maria is a part of the team that develops training and standards for operating procedures regarding SNHU transfer guidelines, Joint Services Transcript evaluation, accreditation, institutional compliance, data analytics, and CRM and SIS use for the Division of Enrollment Support Services.

Maria has worked in Human Resources for a private institution in Virginia and as a Civilian for the Naval Reserves Surface Warfare School Command as the Command Pay and Personnel Specialist.

Maria holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History from Midwestern State University and will receive her Master of Science in Higher Education Administration in August 2025.

Maria volunteered to help her dear friend and mentor, Julianne Flores, to fundraise for TenderLove’s Gala last year and appreciates the opportunity to do so remotely from Virginia. Aside from her professional and graduate work, Maria enjoys spending time with her husband and their two dogs, tending to their collection of indoor plants, arts and crafts, and is currently training for her first Half Marathon in March.

Nikki Mitchell

Nikki serves as the Market Executive within the Local Markets Organization for Bank of America, serving the state of New Mexico. In this role, she is responsible for business integration, strategic planning and coordinating and leveraging the bank’s local philanthropic contributions. She manages internal and external events and sponsorships along with facilitating relationships with community and opinion leaders.

Nikki has been with the bank 25 years and is involved with several community organizations and sits on the board of the Boys and Girls Club of Central New Mexico. She is the advisor of the Bank of America New Mexico Community Volunteer team, the advisor for ECEC (employee community engagement council) and the sponsor for the LGBTQ+ New Mexico Pride Network. Nikki is passionate for the employee experience and leads the local emerging leaders’ program for the New Mexico market.

Nikki has two children Taylor & Chase and loves to travel in her spare time.

She has been a great supporter of TenderLove Community Center, bringing food and presents for Thanksgiving and Christmas, volunteering with our new “Kindness in Action” initiative that was introduced this summer to help provide clothing, water, shade for unhoused people, while also signing them up for access to housing. She’s ready to jump in and help whenever and wherever she is needed.

Sara Keller

Sara Keller is the Senior Vice President of Community Engagement at Nusenda Credit Union and the Executive Director of the Nusenda Foundation. She moved to New Mexico in 2010, following her passion for community work into a career in fundraising and development.

She has served as the Executive Director of the Nusenda Foundation since 2021. Sara oversees community development needs for the underbanked and underserved, philanthropic investment strategies, financial capabilities education, employee volunteerism efforts, and business development at Nusenda Credit Union.

Deeply committed to her community, Sara serves on various boards, acting as Board President for NMCAN, Co-chair for the New Mexico Asset Funders Network, and member of the National Assets Funders Board of Directors. She also serves on the Central New Mexico Foundation Board and works with the New Mexico Funders Collaborative. Sara was recognized as one of Albuquerque Business First’s 40 under 40 award recipients in 2021. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Bowling Green State University, is Credit Union Development Education certified, and is a Community Development Financial Institution Practitioner through the University of New Hampshire. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and exploring New Mexico and the Southwest with her husband and daughter.

Pamela Accetta Smith
With a true desire to help the community in which she serves, prior to starting Sky Valley Comm, Pamela worked in marketing and communications, creating content and strategy for local small businesses and nonprofit organizations. A journalist by trade, with over 20 years in the
field, she is a writer, editor, and marketer, specializing in content development, project management, and brand awareness. Pamela learned about Tenderlove Community Center through another true community hero, Erica Barreiro.

Marisa Magallanez
As a native New Mexican, Marisa has been working in the nonprofit sector for over 18 years, establishing her career at the National Institute of Flamenco, and starting at the Albuquerque
Community Foundation in 2019. In July 2023, Marisa was promoted to Chief Operating Officer. Marisa is the first woman of color in executive leadership at Albuquerque Community
Foundation, and the first person to hold the title of COO and
responsibilities, in the history of the organization.
Marisa holds an MBA with a focus in Policy and Planning from the
University of New Mexico. In her free time, she enjoys horseback
riding, hot yoga, and spending time with her dog.

Renée Grout
Albuquerque City Councilor Renée Grout is a wife, mother, grandmother, small business owner and community volunteer. Born and raised in Albuquerque, Councilor Grout has lived in District 9 for more than 46 years. Councilor Grout’s City
Council committee assignments include the Land Use, Planning, and Zoning Committee, the MRCOG Board of Directors and the Metropolitan Transportation Board, the Albuquerque Bernalillo
County Government Commission, the Homeless Coordinating
Council, the Explora Board of Directors, and the Visit Albuquerque
Executive Committee. Councilor Grout is committed to supporting
law enforcement, fighting crime, combatting homelessness, and
revitalizing District 9.
Councilor Grout and her husband, Jim, own and operate The Auto
Clinic, a small business started by her grandfather in 1954

Andrew Faber
Andrew was raised in Santa Fe and graduated with a BA in Psychology from the University of New Mexico. His 20+ year career in advertising and marketing includes experience with
advertising agencies, TV media, sales and management. For the
last 5 years he has worked in the non-profit sector and currently
works in Community Engagement at the Albuquerque Sign
Language Academy, where his daughter attends school. Andrew
has a passion for helping people and local businesses to succeed.
Andrew has volunteered for TenderLove Community Center’s
Together in Love in person galas and Bloom with a Purpose,
virtual galas for the past several years, spearheading publicity
and promotion.

Mariela Ruiz-Angel
Mariela Ruiz-Angel brings her experience from both the mental
and behavioral health industry and local government to the role
of Director of the Albuquerque Community Safety Department.
Ruiz-Angel has anextensive background in social work, program
development, and corporate customer relations and
managementRuiz-Angel has served two Albuquerque Mayors in
multiple start up programs including AmeriCorps and youth
workforce development. She spent 5 years creating and
managing the Office of Immigrant and
Refugee Affairs before becoming the founding Director of the
Community Safety Department in June 2020.
Ruiz-Angel holds a Master of Social Work in Leadership and
Administration, and a Master of Business Administration in Human
Resources from New Mexico Highlands University.

KHIA GRIFFIS

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Khia joined the Albuquerque Community Foundation team in June 2019 after completing her graduate internship at Con Alma Health Foundation, where she was drawn to the world of grantmaking. Khia earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of New Mexico and her Master of Social Work from New Mexico Highland University.

Philanthropy & Strategic Grantmaking at Albuquerque Community Foundation have been a welcome application of her passion for improving the lives of others. Khia was born and raised in New Mexico and currently resides in Corrales, while also spending time in the East Mountains with family. In her free time, Khia enjoys playing soccer and running in the Bosque with her dogs, Pepper & Buffy.

TRISH PRIEN

CEO-PRIEN REALTY ADVISORS

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Trish is a native of Albuquerque, after being away from Albuquerque for 14 years, she and her family moved back to Albuquerque in 1999. Trish has been a Realtor in Albuquerque for 19 years and has been active in the community, including volunteering at CareNet Pregnancy Center and serving at church in the Children’s Ministry. Trish has also served as a Corporate Board member with the New Mexico YMCA. Trish is passionate about serving her community and volunteering at her children’s school. Not only does she donate her time and talent to the community, but she also gives back through financial resources. She is a firm believer that gratitude enhances the multitude for God’s kingdom and a faithful supporter of TenderLove Community Center in seeing lives changed. Trish has also assisted TenderLove Community Center in the purchase of their first home providing housing to the women and children.

JULIANNE (JULES) FLORES

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Jules obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre and Dance with an Emphasis in Drama Education from the University of New Mexico and a Certificate in Film Tech from the Central New Mexico Community College. She completed her Master of Education in Higher Education from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

She has worked in Higher Education for five years, supporting first-generation and minority students. Currently, she works at Central New Mexico Community College, where she works closely with students. Her past experiences include leadership development and inclusion programming for college students and Student Affairs professionals.

Jules values service and strives to make a difference in her community. She served as the professional development chair for the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas (HWNT) El Paso Chapter and on the LGBTQ+ Round Table with the El Paso Community Foundation.

Jules has volunteered for Tenderlove since 2014, when she assisted with the planning and coordinating of our first fashion show, and recently served on the planning committee for our first-ever Virtual Gala.

NINA MARTINEZ

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Experienced Inside Sales Representative with a demonstrated history of working in the information technology and services industry. Skilled in Managed Services, Enterprise Software, Partner Management, Storage, and Customer Relationship Management (CRM). Strong sales professional with a Bachelor of Science focused in Psychology from The University of New Mexico. She is Hispanic American.

MICHAEL MARTINEZ

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Michael is a native New Mexican and natural leader who has joined TenderLove to help champion its vision and growth to new levels. Michael is an entrepreneur with a background in construction. He exhibits strong organizational and logistical skills which reinforce his exceptional problem-solving abilities. He is forward-thinking and action-driven.

Michael is interested in helping TenderLove bring awareness to the issue of homelessness because they have a program that addresses the root causes of the issue and is making a tangible difference

Diale Penda Fomukong

Diale’s passion for learning began at Government Primary School, Ekona Yard.  The educational adventure took her through Government Grammar School Mundemba, where she was the Girls Senior Prefect from 1980 to 1982 and that experience nurtured in her a sense of leadership.  The educational journey continues through Government Bilingual High School in Yaoundé, and on to the United Kingdom where she received a Bachelor’s of Arts in Information and Library Studies from the University of Northumbria (formerly Polytechnic of Newcastle upon Tyne), and a Master of Science degree in Tourism Management from the University of Surrey.

She is a founding member of MUGSOSA (Mundemba Grammar School Old Students Association) where she assumed different roles including, serving on the Constitution Committee, the MUGSOSA Government as Secretary for Information and Media, and the Scholarship Committee.

She has served on the New Mexico Board of Nursing as a Public Member and currently, she is the Financial Secretary of Oroko Cultural Association, Secretary of Batanga\\Canada\\USA, and recently elected as the Chairwoman of the Affirmative Action Committee of the New Mexico Democratic Party.

Her passion for Community Development, Economic Development, and planning has led her to her current career as a Senior Planner with the City of Albuquerque government.

Harold Pope, Jr.

Harold Pope Jr. serves as the newly elected Senator from District 23. He initially enlisted and later commissioned serving honorably as an Acquisitions Officer (Program Manager) and Chemist, working on satellite programs, weapon systems, and nuclear deterrence, and as a Security Cooperation Officer. His career in the Air Force culminated with his retirement at Kirtland, AFB in 2018 with more than 20 years of honorable service. He serves as Co-Chair of the Military & Veteran’s Affairs Committee, Vice Chair of the Senate Education Committee, and as a member of the Senate Conservation Committee.

Hena Torres

Hena Torres is no stranger to the TenderLove Community. Over the years, she has provided Financial Empowerment Education coupled with access to affordable financial resource options and supported the Sew4Real program.  After a workshop on budgeting and savings, the women at TenderLove paid it forward. They taught Hena how to sew aprons with pockets for her seven sisters and mend a family keepsake blanket.

Hena discovered her calling in Membership-Development/Community engagement during her 25+ year career at another local credit union. She joined Rio Grande Credit Union (RGCU) in 2019 as their Membership Development Manager. As a representative of RGCU, she continues to strive to uphold the credit union motto of not-for-profit, not for charity, but for service.  Her commitment to pursuing opportunities to build community partnerships which bridge financial capability and access gaps, has led many individuals – like the women of TenderLove – to realize their financial dreams.

She continues to be the point of contact for RGCU and TenderLove’s financial education partnership. With the support of RGCU Business Services, our partnership has grown to include ongoing support of the annual gala, the V.I.B.E. program, Financial Empowerment Education, financial capability support and employee volunteer opportunities.

Jane Bickelman

Co-founder of Pursonalities Plus ABQ, Jane Bickelman loves our community and has close ties to it because of her longtime participation with a variety of nonprofit boards.

As a business banker for more than 30 years, Jane was often charged with representing the bank at various public events or for volunteer opportunities.

In 2016, Jane, along with Sara Sanchez, combined their talents and contacts to start  Pursonalities Plus ABQ.  They started with 3 organizations – A Peaceful Habitation, Barrett House and Women’s Housing Coalition – and delivered beautiful filled purses for Christmas.  In 2021, in spite of Covid and cofounder Sara’s move to Florida, Pursonalities Plus ABQ delivered 1,858 purses to 25 deserving organizations.  This, of course, included TenderLove Community Center.

 Kathleen Jackson

Kathleen A. Jackson, a native of Illinois, graduated from Millikin University and received her master’s degree from Michigan State University.

At the University of New Mexico, she served first as Assistant Dean of Students, next as a therapist for women struggling with addiction, as a counselor for staff in UNM’s Counseling Assistance and Referral Services, and then as a mediator, trainer, and facilitator in the Office of Dispute Resolution.

She is co-author of Practical Psychology for Pastors first published in 1985 and still in print.

She is an ordained elder in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and mother of three adopted children.  She enjoys international travel, singing, and volunteering time with various nonprofit organizations in Albuquerque.

Patrick Dee

Pat is a native of Denver, Colorado and attended the University of Denver where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting.  He worked as a CPA in Colorado for a few years and then started a 40 years career in banking.  He has been married to Debi for nearly 35 years and has been blessed with three children and two grandchildren, and claims an additional daughter, three grandchildren and two great grandchildren (it’s a long and wonderful story).

He has served on numerous non-profit boards over the years, including the New Mexico Museum of Natural History Foundation, ACCION New Mexico (now Dreamspring), the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce (including the Albuquerque Reads Committee), the University of New Mexico Lobo Club and the Better Business Bureau serving New Mexico and Southern Colorado.

His favorite activities in retirement are golfing, fishing, camping, photography and spending time with his family.  His most treasured titles are “Papa” and “Grandpa.”

Debi Dee

Debi is one of those people who never seems to stop moving.  She worked in various jobs over the years, including several years in banking, as an assistant manager of a grocery store bakery and as a substitute teacher. She was an active volunteer for numerous activities in schools that her children attended, such as the school libraries and support for teachers. She has volunteered since 2005 as a tutor in the Albuquerque Reads Program for kindergarten students in the Albuquerque Public Schools. She has also been a Governing Board Member for Digital Arts and Technology Academy, an APS charter high school, since 2011. She has enjoyed supporting the Tenderlove Community Center in a variety of ways for many years, including serving on the board of directors.

Other community volunteer activities include:  Three years on the Planning Committee for the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science Chocolate Fantasy Fundraising Event;  six years with the Assistance League of Albuquerque, Esprit de Corp Auxiliary –performing outreach work for the Albuquerque Rape Crisis Center and the pediatric ward at UNM Hospital, and three years in the Parent Support for the March of Dimes at the Lovelace Women’s Hospital neo-natal intensive care unit.

A mother of three, Debi loves taking care of her granddaughter Clara one day a week and is looking forward to another grandbaby who is now on the way. She enjoys reading, camping in her RV and engaging in various arts and crafts activities.

Joy Barrett

Joy L. Barrett, serves as the Vice President and Retail Division Banking Manager, for WaFd Bank.  In the past several years, Money Magazine, has awarded WaFd Bank in New Mexico as Best Bank.  As senior leadership for the bank in New Mexico, Joy is compelled to serve and listen to the needs of others. Joy gets to love what she does and make a difference. For over 14 years, Joy has helped New Mexico communities with Banking, Home Ownership, and through Volunteering.  You may know her from my work with Women’s Housing Coalition, Central New Mexico United Way: Women United, Los Ojos De Familia Holiday event, MDO, and Habitat for Humanity. Developing strong relationships is the foundation of everything she does, both professionally and personally. When not keeping busy you can find her out at the mountainous hiking trails with her two boys.

Trudy Jones

Councilor Trudy Jones is the Albuquerque City Councilor for District 8 in Northeast Albuquerque. She was first elected in 2007, and has been re-elected three times in 2011, 2015, and 2019.  Councilor Jones has been a resident of District 8 since moving to Albuquerque and has been active in the community since the early 1980’s. She was a CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member) and received the prestigious Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR) designation. She was a leading Real Estate Advisor at Grubb & Ellis|New Mexico in 1999 and 2000 and qualified for the National Circle of Excellence for Grubb & Ellis in 2000. The Commercial Association of Realtors New Mexico (CARNM) also named Councilor Jones Realtor of the Year in 2000. Selection of Realtor of the Year is based on community involvement, volunteerism in real estate organizations, and significant impact in the real estate community.

Also in 2000 the New Mexico Chapter of the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties honored Councilor Jones as Real Estate Professional of the Year in recognition of her community volunteer work and achievements in commercial real estate. Councilor Jones was a member of several other real estate organizations, including National Association of Realtors (NAR), Realtors Association of New Mexico (RANM) and, Leasing Information Network (LIN), which she helped establish. She has served as President of CARNM, LIN, and the local CCIM chapter. Councilor Jones retired in December 2010 after a 30 year career as a Commercial Real Estate Broker and a Director at Maestas & Ward Commercial Real Estate.

Laurie Roach

Laurie Roach is the Executive Director of the PNM Resources Foundation and Manager of Public Affairs for PNM. She began her career with Apple, and then served in various positions at New Mexico Gas and PNM including Senior Program Developer and Marketing Manager for DNV, a clean energy company. She was the owner of a small business for 15 years, Turn of Events, a corporate meeting and event planning business for clients such as international solar associations and several non-profits such as Albuquerque Healthcare for the Homeless.

Ms. Roach is a co-founder of Cancer Services of New Mexico (CSNM)which is best known for their free three-day family cancer retreats.  Shecontinues to serve on the board of the CSNM Foundation. In 2020, she was recognized with the Woman of Influence Award by Albuquerque Business First.  She is currently responsible for approximately $17 million in community support over the past five years through the PNMR Foundation and PNM Corporate Social Responsibility programs.

She is passionate about energizing and strengthening communities through strategic action.  You can find her volunteering for Catholic Charities or running in an event to benefit a nonprofit. Some of Laurie’s favorite things are being outdoors or enjoying New Mexico’s beauty with her husband and kids. She will find something positive in any situation and in all people.

Richard Gonzalez

Richard Gonzales calls Albuquerque, New Mexico home and has spent most of his adult life volunteering for multiple agencies. Whether a religious organization, The City of Albuquerque, The Ronald McDonald house or his favorite, TenderLove Community Center. In his letter accepting the Hero award, he wrote, “My heart for giving came at an early age when I learned about giving back to my community from my father Richard Gonzales Sr.”
Respectfully,
Richard Gonzales
Special Assistant To The Attorney General
New Mexico Office of the Attorney General
201 3rd Street NW Suite #300
Albuquerque, NM 87102