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