New Mexico Asset Funders Network hosted a discussion on how opportunities that increase ones wealth also improve the health and well-being of children, families, and communities in New Mexico. Examples of strategies and projects from the field were discussed in this one-hour webinar sponsored by New Mexico Asset Funders Network and hosted by Con Alma Health Foundation.
The following speakers were featured during this presentation:
Heather Balas, President & Executive Director, New Mexico First: A fifth-generation New Mexican, Heather Balas brings over 20 years’ experience in public policy, including citizen outreach, voter education, coalition-building, and policy research. She worked in Washington, DC and San Francisco before returning to her home state. Previous employers include the Commission on Presidential Debates, the California Center for Civic Participation, the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, and the National Network for Youth.
NM First’s economic policy work includes the financial needs of individuals and families (including strategies to reduce poverty and increase monetary well-being), including recommendations from its 2016 economy town hall on CLIFF EFFECTS, related to how families transition from poverty.
Rex Davidson, Executive Director, Las Cumbres Community Services: Rex Davidson joined Las Cumbres Community Services as Executive Director in January, 2010. Prior to this position, Rex served as President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey for 30 years. Under his direction, Goodwill became the largest provider of workforce development services to New York City and New York State. The agency’s socially responsible business ventures employed more than 1,200 people with disabilities or other barriers to employment.
One of Las Cumbres’ projects is Housing Crisis outreach to increase participation in policies that address barriers to safe and affordable housing for pregnant women, children, and families in northern New Mexico (Taos, Rio Arriba & Santa Fe County).
Moderator: Dolores E. Roybal, PhD, MSW, Executive Director, Con Alma Health Foundation: Dolores has been at Con Alma since June 2006. A native New Mexican, she has more than 35 years of experience in nonprofit and philanthropy work including her prior positon as program director at the Santa Fe Community Foundation. Former board service includes Grantmakers In Health, Hispanics in Philanthropy, and the New Mexico Association of Grantmakers. She is a charter member of the New Mexico Asset Funders Network Steering Committee.
