A Strong Record 

Veronica has dedicated her life to one mission: protecting our children, young people, and families. Serving as a career advocate since 2018, Veronica has established herself as an unwavering and fierce voice in local, state, and national child welfare policy. Her background in advocacy has provided her with essential experience in leading community-based efforts, working respectfully across the aisle, and centering those most directly impacted. Below are key roles Veronica has held in the community!

  • Leadership Analyst, Office of the House Majority Leadership, NM House of Representatives, 2023 - Present

    Mentorship, Advocacy, and Peer Support Coordinator, CASA First, 2018 - 2023

    Lead Tribal Youth Programming Community Facilitator, Tewa Women United, 2018 - 2022

    Data Use & Capacity Workgroup Consultant, Casey Family Programs, 2020 - 2021

  • Board of Directors Vice President, CASA First, 2023 - Present

    Training Team Co-Chair, New Mexico Partners, 2021 - Present

    Strengthening and Protecting Tribal Families Policy Lead, Child Welfare and Racial Equity Collaborative, 2021 - Present

    New Mexico Delegate, Congressional Leadership Academy, National Foster Youth Institute, 2024 - Present

    Decriminalize Being in Foster Care Policy Lead, National Foster Youth and Alumni Policy Council, 2020 - 2023

    Enhancing Delivery of Services Steering Committee, New Mexico Children Youth, and Families Department, 2022 - 2022

    ALL-IN Youth Engagement Team, Administration for Children and Families, 2020 - 2021

    Reunification Subcommittee Co-Chair, House Joint Memorial 10 Executive Task Force, 2019 - 2020

    Youth Action Board & Internal Review Board, Northern New Mexico Youth Homelessness Demonstration Project, 2018 - 2019

  • United States Delegate, International Foster Care Alliance Summit, Tokyo 2025

    Graduate, Advance Native Political Leadership, 2023

    Building Indigenous Communities of Hope Fellow, Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute, 2022

    Graduate, Leadership Santa Fe, 2021

  • Casey Excellence for Children Alumni Award, Casey Family Programs, 2024

    Child Welfare & Juvenile Justice Hope in Action Excellence Award, New Mexico Children’s Law Institute, 2024

    Local Hero Honoree, Performance Santa Fe, 2023

    Changemaker of 2022, United Way of Northern New Mexico, 2022

    Outstanding Young Leader Award, FosterClub, 2019

  • Bachelor of Arts Degree, Public Health, Fort Lewis College, Graduated 2017