I was born and raised in a union family in Bayard, New Mexico. My father, a diesel mechanic, fiercely advocated for fair wages and safe working conditions. My mother, a homemaker, has always fought for what is right. No question their lives’ work has shaped my own.
I was born and raised in a union family in Bayard, New Mexico. My father, a diesel mechanic, fiercely advocated for fair wages and safe working conditions. My mother, a homemaker, has always fought for what is right. No question their lives’ work has shaped my own.
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Although I first came to Las Cruces for my undergraduate and graduate degrees in Social Work, I made it my home for the generous wisdom of its children, families, artists, and entrepreneurs. This is where I learned to think big while sweating the small stuff. To lead with my heart. To fight for what is right.
Following my election to City Council for District 1 in 2015, I retired from the State of New Mexico after nearly three decades of service within the Departments of Health, as well as Children, Youth and Families. Additionally, I held the following social work roles:
In 2019, I embarked on a journey to share my professional expertise on ACE’s (Adverse Childhood Experiences) with Las Cruces’ robust community of social safety net providers. We had two Great Conversations where the Resilience Leaders Program was developed. We provided online training on Continuous Quality Improvement to executive directors and formed task forces to encompass the 10 survival and thriving services. Most importantly, I helped develop legislation to form the Anna Age Eight Institute and fund it with 1.5 million dollars. This institute now serves Las Cruces as a hub for ACE’s-related data and evidence-based programming.
I am very proud to share my life with my son Bryan, a US Navy Veteran and entrepreneur, my daughter Elena, graduate of UNM Medical School, residency at University of Colorado & beginning a Fellowship at Northwestern University (both graduates of the Las Cruces Public Schools), son-in-law Curtis Sanders, Community Planner, and my husband, New Mexico State Senator Bill Soules.
Only 3 weeks until the November election. The patriarchy has been in charge for far too long. It’s time for women to lead. #WomenHavethePower
