A native New Mexican, Anita was born in Las Vegas, NM to both the Lopez Family of Villanueva, NM and the Gallegos Family of Las Vegas, NM. Anita grew up in a hard-working and middle-class family which she credits for her work ethic today. She is the proud mother to Curtis Gonzales and is the daughter of Lucille and Ross White and Clarence Gallegos and Anna Vigil. She is the grand-daughter of Rudolpho and Bersabe Lopez, Arturo R. and Cecelia Gallegos, and Jack and Betty White. A middle child, Anita has lived throughout New Mexico — moving between Las Vegas and Albuquerque as a child. After completing the majority of her degree at Texas A&M University, she returned home to Las Vegas to complete her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at New Mexico Highlands University.
Anita has worked at New Mexico Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (NM MESA), Inc for over 19 years and is the current Deputy Director. NM MESA is a statewide pre-college program which empowers and motivates New Mexico’s culturally diverse students with science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) enrichment. Besides STEM Enrichment, NM MESA provides teacher training and support, leadership development, community support, secondary education preparation, and works to develop the future workforce of STEM leaders. Her work with NM MESA has given her a diverse educational background working with STEM leaders, students, teachers, administrators, public school, and higher education institutions. It has also allowed her to network with partners, industry leaders, and contacts from across the state.
A champion for the people in District 70, she has a passion for youth and eldercare programs. She is active in many community programs and continues to give back to the community that she loves. Anita has always worked in service to her community and has dedicated her professional career to working in the nonprofit sector and ethical leadership.
“My family has left a legacy of strength and service that I am honored to help preserve. As a mother, I am fiercely determined to protect what is special about northern New Mexico, while bringing positive changes to our families and communities.”
– Anita Gonzales
Education
New Mexico Highlands University; Las Vegas, NM
Masters in Business Administration. Concentration in Sports Administration
Bachelor of Arts: Human Performance & Sport, Leisure Services. Minor in Business Management.
Texas A&M University; College Station, TX
College of Agriculture. Recreation, Park, and Tourism Sciences
West Mesa High School; Albuquerque, NM
Work Experience
NM MESA, Inc. (Mathematics, Engineering, Science, Achievement); Las Vegas, NM, 2003-Present
City of Las Vegas, Recreation Department; Las Vegas, NM, 2002-2005
Association of Trial Lawyers of America; Washington, DC. Summer 2001, 2002
National Institute for Professional Development – Project Uplift; Albuquerque, NM, 1989-1996
Community Organizations, Achievements, and Certifications
Emerge New Mexico Leadership Training Program Graduate; 2021 Cohort
Commissioner, Acequia de los Madres Vigiles; 2015-present
Commissioner, Grzelachowski Ditch; 2015-present
Volunteer, Meadow City Havoc – Northern New Mexico Children’s Football League; 2017-present
STEM and Parent Volunteer, West Las Vegas Elementaries; 2018-present
United World College Getaway Family; 2021-present
San Miguel County Federation of Democratic Women, Member; 2020-present
- San Miguel County Precinct Delegate; 2021-present
Las Vegas Rotary Club, Member; 2021-present
- Board Member; 2021-present
Rio Grande Chapter, Sierra Club Northern Group, Member; 2020-present
- State Chapter Executive Committee; 2021-present
Volunteer, Samaritan House; 2020-2021
New Mexico Acequia Association, Member; 2020-present
Candidate, New Mexico House of Representatives District 70; 2020
Professional Organizations, Achievements, and Certifications
MESA USA National Engineering Design Committee (NEDC); NM Delegate, 2007-present
- NEDC Chair; 2020-present
New Mexico Hispanic Youth Symposium/Institute; Regional Manager, 2007-2013
NM PED Math & Science Bureau; Community Collaboration Committee, 2006-2010
Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce; Public Service Honoree, October 2014
President’s Volunteer Service Award; June 2009
Professional Convention Management Association, Former Member
Meeting Professionals International, Former Member
National Science Teachers Association, Member
New Mexico STEAM Partnership, Member
Recent Professional Program Cohort Completion; STEAM ECHO, UNM Evaluation Lab, LANL Education Enrichment Grantee
Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) Licensure
State of New Mexico Substitute Licensure
