Mary and Analicia: These two women have taught me everything. I admire them—through all their personal adversities, they are truly an embodiment of courage and profound love for their community.
Deb Haaland is an American politician who served as the 54th United States Secretary of the Interior from 2021-2025. She was born in Winslow, Navajo County, Arizona in 1960.
Ophelia Cornet is a force of creativity, empowerment, and kindness. In her roles as an artist, art teacher, and my mama she continues to inspire!
La Chicanita: One of the youngest members in the acclaimed musical Martinez family. A star of the unique Nuevo Mexico sound, she recorded the hit “Una Pobre Tambien” at the age of 12. After losing her hearing in her 20’s, she became a lawyer for immigrants.
Florence Miller Pierce was a modernist artist and member of the Transcendental Painting Group. In addition to painting, she also worked as a sculptor and was known for layered resin forms.
Cheryl: Missionary’s daughter, babysitter, cashier, waitress, bartender, cook, nurse, librarian, artist and crafts-person, vice-president/secretary/treasurer of Albuquerque United Artists, professor, Albuquerque lawyer for the people for 30 years.
Valerie Roybal (1969-2018) was a collage and mixed media artist who was wildly prolific and an inspiration to so many artists in our community and beyond. She existed in a state of artistic flow, constantly creating, sharing, collaborating. Her work is in the collection at the National Hispanic Cultural Center.
Mela Sedillo Brewster Koeker, born 1903, was UNM’s first dance teacher. She was dedicated to preserving and teaching dance, folk art, and the Spanish language.
Helen Lucero: Scholar, artist, author, curator, director, supporter and promoter of Hispanic arts and culture. With 30 years of museum work, Lucero wrote the first book about Northern New Mexico, Chimayo Weaving. In 2017 she was awarded the Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts.
Concha Ortiz y Pino (1910-1996) was known as the “grande dame” or the “doyenne.” Raised in a a large ranch in Galisteo, she was very proud of her noble Spanish ancestry dating back to 1692 where her great-great-grandfather served on Spain’s ruling body, the Cortes, in 1810. She served as the nation’s first female minority whip in the New Mexico State Legislature in the 1930s. She was an activist, educator, politician, and cultural ambassador forever advocating for the disabled and poor.
Sofia embodies kindness and beauty. Her thoughtfulness and positive outlook put us at ease. I love my daughter! I belong to her, she to me.
Of Powdrell’s Barbeque fame, Rita Powdrell co-founded the Griot Society and later the African American Museum and Cultural Center of New Mexico. She was the Executive Director and the center exhibited the wealth of Afro-American history in New Mexico.
Pilar Westell is the founder and owner of Zendo, a coffee shop in downtown Albuquerque that serves as a hub for community, connection, art, and friendship. She balances leadership with motherhood, sisterhood, and vibrant humility.
Demi Lovato is a singer, songwriter and actress. She appeared on Barney & Friends from 2002-2004 and then played Mitchie Torres in the 2008 musical television film, Camp Rock. Her music has topped major music charts around the world.
Dolores Elizabeth “Lola” Chávez de Armijo was appointed State Librarian in 1909. In 1912 the Governor of NM tried to replace her with a man, saying women were unqualified. She took him to court and won the right for all women to hold appointed positions.
Beth is a public-school teacher—middle school language arts. She plays matchmaker between her students (sometimes reluctant readers) and books. She inspires many to become avid readers. Education is power!
My mom, pictured here, is the most amazing woman I know. I hope I’ve inherited her strength!
Elsa Smith Thompson (Mrs. T) was head librarian in 1946 for the Albuquerque Public Library. She started the book mobile, and young adult sections. President of the NM Library Association.
Ruth: My mother who raised 5 kids and lived to be 105.
Gabby: A very strong supportive independent woman.
Ré: Self-portrait, Southwest advocate, lobbyist, neighborhood association president, founder of graffiti-removal services for City of Albuquerque.
Founder of Art Buddies, Kirsten is a local artist who hosts a drawing group that meets twice a week. She allows other artists to use her studio for their classes and for “Friday Night Faces.” The most generous of people.
Alyssa is kind, smart and inventive. She is always striving to learn and grow. Her spirit is gentle and fierce.
Mona: Thoughtful and dedicated, she is a staff member at South Valley Multi-Purpose Center.
Julianna Gutierrez Hubbell, granted a New Mexico Historical marker for installation at the Hubbell House.
Alida: My beloved wife.
Strike! One of the women picketing at the Empire Zinc Mine Strike in 1951 near Silver City, New Mexico.
My daughter Cindy who is a caring person, loves people, children always willing to help everyone.
Reducinda Blasita Lucia Maria Elena Avila de Larrannaga Hz Kochotl is a local healer, social worker, and professor.
Dorothy Purley was a woman who advocated against uranium mining in New Mexico and in her community.
Helen Levine devoted 50 years to continuing the adobe tradition in New Mexico, not only making adobe, but engaging the community by teaching others how to make and build with it. She is a founding member of the Earth Builder’s Guild.
I decided to portray Helen Hardin, who is an inspiring artist from Santa Ana Pueblo and has inspired my own work.
Mom and Me: My mother and I when I was a toddler. She had always told me to follow my wishes and dreams. I took that with me as I started to grow older.
Mary C. Wheelwright championed the Navajo Culture as an admirer, collector and supporter. As a supporter of Indigenous culture, she leaves a legacy at the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian. Her home, Los Luceros, is recognized as a historic New Mexico site.
Belle was the first black graduate at the University of New Mexico. In 2005, New Mexico State renamed the English Department Hall the Clara Bell Williams Hall.
Adele is a true queen in every sense of the word; she had a sparkling personality with a fiery passionate spirit and smile that inflated everyone she encountered. I am certain she is soaring high in the heavens, sending soft landings to her balloon family on earth.
Jean: Resilience reflected through the ability to show up with love, compassion and kindness. Roles encompassed include therapist, chef, juggler of all things, entertainment director, chauffeur and good Samaritan.
Prudenciana Rosemary Mondragon was born in 1939 and was raised on a farm in Valencia County.
Blooming Women of New Mexico: The flowers represent all the beautiful, strong, blooming women of New Mexico.
Judith Phillips has spent over 30 years designing and educating Albuquerque and surrounds on native plantings, water harvesting, etc.
Ally: This woman is a beautiful light in a sometimes-dark world. She gives so much of herself to others without ever asking for anything in return. Many are lucky to call her a friend, sister and teacher.
Maxine Thevenot is an organist, composer, and choir director. She travels all around the world and brings people together to make beautiful music.
When Melanie Stansbury ran for office, she made promises like all politicians do. The difference is she’s keeping them. Unlike most of her male colleagues, she speaks up against the wrongdoings and corruption. This is dangerous in this administration, but Melanie hasn’t blinked and continues to work on behalf of her constituents. Her courage should be appreciated and praised.