We're ProgressNow New Mexico. ProgressNow New Mexico is the premier communications hub for the progressive movement in New Mexico. We fill a unique and critical role in the progressive infrastructure by working year-round with coalitions to promote progressive ideas and causes with creative, earned media strategies, digital organizing, and cutting-edge new media. We work to create an ongoing issue advocacy culture in New Mexico by focusing on amplifying the voices of those systemically excluded, ultimately giving communities the tools they need to shape their own future.
Alissa Barnes is Executive Director at ProgessNow New Mexico where she leads a team that works on message development, issue and voter education, and amplification of progressive messages and values. She leads the organization in strategy development, fundraising, and organizational growth and sustainability. Alissa started with ProgressNow New Mexico in March 2020.
Alissa’s background includes nearly 20 years in the non-profit sector. That includes 12 years at Roadrunner Food Bank where Alissa led the development and creation of multiple programs that are now national models, invested in community building and collaborations, and worked closely with elected officials, educating about hunger policies. She has a BA from the University of New Mexico and various non-profit certifications.
In the Event of a Zombie Apocalypse
Alissa would grab her coffee and her arch supports. You can’t outrun zombies if you’re tired or have achy feet.
Josette Arvizu is the Deputy Director at ProgressNow New Mexico. In addition to digital campaign strategy and analysis, she oversees the development and implementation of systems that improve the external and internal communications of the organization.
Josette's background in marketing includes copywriting, paid media, SEO and content strategy for businesses and nonprofits, including convention and visitor bureaus from Bermuda to Anaheim. She began her career teaching writing to college students while in New Mexico State University’s creative writing MFA program. Her previous work promoting diversity and inclusion includes coordination of writing and traditional arts workshops for Native American youth at the Tucson Indian Center.
In the Event of a Zombie Apocalypse
Josette would always double tap.
Valerie Torrez, CPA, is the Finance Director at ProgressNow New Mexico where she oversees the day-to-day financial systems, payroll, AP/AR, budgeting, reporting and internal controls of the organization.
Valerie worked in the non-profit sector for over 10 years before receiving a dual MACCT and MBA, with distinction, from the University of New Mexico. Valerie then specialized in non-profit auditing for 6 years before joining ProgressNow New Mexico. Valerie is a CPA licensed in the state of New Mexico and a member of both the NMSCPA and the AICPA.
In the Event of a Zombie Apocalypse
Valerie would bring her spreadsheets.
Lucas Herndon is Energy Policy Director at ProgessNow New Mexico where he oversees PNNM’s work on climate equity, directly working on accountability of the oil and gas industry, and managing other work on all things related to climate and environmental policy. He also assists on disinformation defense work especially related to online hate speech.
Lucas has lived in Doña Ana County his entire life, first in Hatch and mostly in Las Cruces. He brings a background in history, public land use, and energy policy. He served as board president for the Las Cruces Green Chamber of Commerce and District/Ward Director for the Democratic Party of DAC.
In the event of a Zombie Apocalypse
Lucas would be well armed but also grab his machete and phone charger.
Melissa Cervantes is Energy & Environmental Communications Manager at ProgessNow New Mexico. Her ability to effectively communicate and engage with primarily Spanish-speaking communities has been vital in advocating and raising awareness about critical environmental issues, the state’s renewable energy efforts, and mobilizing communities to take action.
Melissa Cervantes was born and raised in the rural communities of Doña Ana County. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, where she grew a deeper understanding of community health and welfare. Her commitment to fostering positive change led her to embrace a career in the nonprofit sector, where she has been making a significant impact for over five years.
In the event of a Zombie Apocalypse
Melissa would grab her shovel and a backpack filled with XXtra Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. (For a quick snack on the go.)
Jackie Aguirre is the Reproductive Justice Manager at ProgressNow New Mexico. She works on campaigns and projects focusing on reproductive rights, health, and justice issues that affect all New Mexicans.
Jackie’s background includes creative design communications, organizing, and advocacy work in the reproductive health, rights, and justice space with a focus on Latine communities.
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In the Event of a Zombie Apocalypse
Jackie would opt out of survival. A zombie apocalypse is just not her vibe.
Charlotte Madueño is the Social Media Manager at ProgessNow New Mexico where her primary responsibilities include the generation of social media content, development and management of PNNM’s social media schedule, staying aware of current political and social media platform news and trends, and overseeing the distribution and production of the weekly email newsletter.
Charlotte specializes in social media engagement, audience growth, and development. She graduated from NMSU with a BASc in Criminal Justice and later from UNM with an Executive MBA. Charlotte has spent the last six years developing digital presences by supporting community engagement and progressive efforts.
In the Event of a Zombie Apocalypse
Charlotte would grab her flint starter and would rely on her hunting and survival skills.
Natalie Wilkins is the Communications Specialist at ProgressNow New Mexico where she supports organizational efforts with the team through message development and by designing creative digital and print content for social media, email, websites, toolkits, mailers, one sheets, and outdoor ads.
Natalie Wilkins has been based out of Otero County, New Mexico for seven years. In that time, she’s gained experience in community building and organizing. Natalie was previously President of a community relations and volunteer activist group located in Otero County.
In the event of a Zombie Apocalypse
Natalie should not be the getaway driver. She'll crash the car, probably immediately.