Alissa Jennifer Wolfe - Roadrunner Food Bank
Alissa has devoted her professional life to the support of New Mexicans who are struggling to survive and thrive in difficult economic and familial circumstances. Since 2008, she has developed and managed Roadrunner Food Bank’s Mobile Pantry Program and, in the process, overseen the delivery of 2.25 million pounds of food to over 47,000 families. Prior to joining Roadrunner, Alissa worked as a Partnership Specialist for Big Brothers/Big Sisters where she served as a liaison between the organization and the business community as well as represented BBBS on the United Way Speaker’s Bureau and other marketing venues. As Program Director at Jewish Family Services, she ran both the Professional Nannies of New Mexico and the Senior Utility Programs. She holds a Bachelors of Arts Degree from the University of New Mexico.
Ben Lewinger – Albuquerque Reads
Ben returned to his native New Mexico in July 2010, following a long hiatus with extended stays in Massachusetts, Hawaii, and Taiwan, ROC. A Religion teacher by training, his nonprofit experience includes managing a vintage clothing store in Cambridge that shipped clothing to and supported HIV awareness in Africa, coordinating programs for a Japanese Buddhist Temple, and as Dean at a Catholic School in Honolulu. Currently he’s at the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce acting as Vice President of their Reads and Leadership Albuquerque programs. Ben has a BA from Tufts University and an MA from the University of Hawaii, both in Religion. He enjoys spending time behind his camera, and helping young people to find their voice.
Ian Esquibel
Ian is a native New Mexican who attended school in Arizona, specializing in Communication and Non-Profit Leadership and Management. He worked in early childhood development for three years before returning home. He had the good fortune of working for the Albuquerque Community Foundation and Center for Philanthropic Partnerships before becoming an independent contractor. He’s honored to be working currently on projects for the Native American Community Academy. Ian has served on the YNPN Board since early 2008.
Kerrie Copelin – ALS Association
Kerrie has lived in New Mexico for over 23 years and received both her masters and undergraduate degrees from the University of New Mexico. Her career in Non-profit began working as the Marketing Director for Big Brothers Big Sisters, where she was able to increase the visibility of that organization in the community. She is currently working for The ALS Association New Mexico Chapter as the Executive Director and is responsible for increasing awareness and fund raising for the chapter.
Ramon “Ray” Macias IV – American Cancer Society
After completing his undergraduate degree at Boston University, Ray relocated to New Mexico from his native El Paso, Texas where he has enjoyed working with the many communities celebrated in the Southwest. Having served in the non-profit sector over the past five years, Ray currently manages eight Relay For Life events in New Mexico as a Community Relationship Manager for the American Cancer Society. By emphasizing leadership development, community engagement, social networking, and storytelling as mission and income development tools, Ray seeks to achieve long-term sustainability for non-profits through his work. In addition to being a non-profit professional, Ray is an accomplished musician and has performed with artists including Greg Mayo, John Pousette-Dart, and Ian Axel at Rockwood Music Hall, the Knitting Factory, and the Bitter End in Greenwich Village, New York City. He continues to perform locally in both Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
Robert Nelson – Metropolitan Homelessness Project
Robert is the Executive Assistant for Metropolitan Homelessness Project; he serves as the office administrator – managing human resources and grants. He is strong supporter to end homelessness in Albuquerque,NM. Previously, he’d worked for KASA FOX 2, a local television station,as an advertiser – marketing and developing small, local business. He also serves on the Board for New Mexico Solar Energy Association, whose mission is to provide education and empowerment for a sustainable future. In his spare time, Robert is an avid runner and reader, and plays in a local band called Atomic Jellyfish.
Sarah Newman – New Mexico Collaboration to End HungerSarah is a native of Albuquerque. She holds a Bachelors of Science from the University of Arizona. After completing college, she worked as a buyer for large national retailers. She returned to New Mexico in 2006, and was the buyer and assistant store manger for a locally owned speciality goods store. In 2008 she began consulting for local nonprofits where she served as an Executive Recruiter, and ran mentorship and training programs. In 2009 Sarah became the Manager of the New Mexico Collaboration to End Hunger. She is an active member of multiple community engagement groups in Albuquerque including the Junior League and boards like Playworks New Mexico.
Wendy Traylor – Samaritan Counseling Center
Wendy moved to New Mexico in 2007 after living in California, Oklahoma, Texas, Connecticut, Colorado, and Texas (again). She has worked for nonprofit organizations in some of the aforementioned states and is truly passionate about improving the community in which she lives. She attended the University of Colorado and has degrees in both English and French, and she is working towards getting an MBA from UNM, taking one class a semester until the end of time. Wendy currently works in Resource Development at Samaritan Counseling Center, where she writes grants, plans special events such as the NM Ethics in Business Awards Dinner, does graphic and web design, and writes about herself in the third person.
Laura is thrilled to be working for Citizen Schools in New Mexico as the Director of Development and Civic Engagement. Fueled by the desire to give voice to those who need it, Laura has devoted her professional career to fundraising and community outreach in underserved communities. After attending Arizona State University, she remained in Phoenix and began her work in development for The Centers for Habilitation, working with individuals with disabilities. She has also worked as Development Manager for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona, creating an individual giving plan as well as a major gifts program for the organization. She then served as the Executive Director for Girls For A Change, encouraging high school girls to become socially active in their community. She is currently loving Albuquerque, and remains devoted to her work with Citizen Schools and education reform through running the volunteer program as well as serving as the chief fundraiser for the state chapter.
Contact the YNPN Board at ynpnnm@gmail.com.
Past YNPN Board Members:
Dawne Bell (founding board member)
Celestina Garcia
Krista Gomez Kelley (founding board member)
Jessica Meyer (founding board member)
Matthew Roberts
Margaret Ambler Salamon (founding board member)
Katie Sonnen
Valerie Torrez
Eileen Terrien
