2026 Conference Agenda

 

Groundworks is proud to share the agenda for our 4th Annual Social Sector Conference. We have the deepest gratitude to the many speakers, facilitators, panelists, and artists sharing their time and expertise for two days of learning and connection on April 8 & 9. This agenda is kept up to date with any changes leading up to the conference. 

Register now and join us! 

Wednesday, April 8

8:00

Registration

8:40

Welcome

  • Navajo Blessing
    • Students of Saad K’idilyé early childhood and Diné language program

9:05

Breakfast Plenary:

  • Building Tribally-Led Collaborative Capacity for Land Stewardship
    • Moderated by Lindsay Riggs, Coalitions & Collaboratives 
    • Michael Henio, Navajo Nation (Ramah)
    • Dwayne Lefthand, Pueblo of Taos
    • Henai Lucario, Pueblo of Acoma
    • Chris Tafoya, Pueblo of Tesuque

10:20

Break

10:30

Morning Breakouts:

  • Community Driven Leadership: Governance at the Crossroads
    • Patrick Salazar, Latinos LEAD

    Funding Collective Care in Times of Chaos**

    • Sarah Ghiorse & Carli Romero, New Mexico Women.Org
  • The New Mexico Housing Crisis: The Urgent Need for a Unified Statewide Housing Coalition
    • Moderated by Natalie Florence, Thornburg Foundation
    • Carlos Gemora, Sites Southwest
    • Jenn Lopez, Project Moxie
    • Daniel Werwath, Housing Policy Practitioner

11:30

Break

11:40

Lunch Plenary:

  • Dance Performance
    • National Institute of Flamenco
  • Groundworks New Mexico Membership Meeting & Updates
    • Groundworks Staff
  • Strengthening New Mexico’s Social Sector Through Capacity Building
    • Megan Elkins, W.K. Kellogg Foundation
    • Marisa Magallanez, New Mexico Community Trust
    • Brad Robb, Carl C. Anderson Sr. & Marie Jo Anderson Foundation
    • Julie Smith, San Juan County Partnership and Accessing Public Funds Project Cohort Member
    • Gerald Weseen, New Mexico Gas

1:10

Break

1:20

Afternoon Breakouts 1:

  • Compelling Storytelling for Good*
    • Dr. Shelly Gruening, R4 Creating
  • Indigenous Economies 101: Understanding Sovereignty, Systems, and Native Business Practices in NM**
    • Elizabeth Gamboa & Henry Jake Foreman, New Mexico Community Capital
  • Ready, Set, Fund! Assessing Readiness & Finding the Support You Need to Secure Federal Dollars*
    • Kim King, Jonathan Macias, Lauren McAllister, NM Department of Finance and Administration

2:20

Extended Networking / Snack Break

2:40

Afternoon Breakouts 2:

  • Data Storytelling*
    • Dr. Sara Ann Mason, Los Alamos National Labs
  • Logic Models: Program Design Workshop
    • Megan Elkins, W.K. Kellogg Foundation
  • Introducing New Mexico’s Local News Map**
    • Gwyneth Doland, UNM Dept of Communication & Journalism
    • Rashad Mahmood, NM Local News Foundation
    • Michael Marcotte, MVM Consulting

3:40

Break

3:50

Afternoon Plenary:

  • On the Ground with New Mexico Immigration Orgs
    • Moderated by Aurora Areola, NM Immigrant Law Center
    • Leonardo Castanada, NM Office of New Americans
    • Deshawnda Chaparro, Contigo Justice
    • Fernanda Banda Coronado, NM Dream Team
    • Danielle Parker, United Voices for Newcomer Rights

4:50

Reception

  • Hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals New Mexico Chapter
  • Music by Robb Janov, Rock & Rhythm Foundation

*Nonprofit Focus

**Funder Focus

 

 

Thursday, April 9

8:30

Welcome Back

  • Special musical performance

8:45

Breakfast Plenary:

  • Embracing Joy
    • Vu Le, Nonprofit AF, and Kristi Dorr, Groundworks

10:15

Break & Book Signing

10:45

Plenary:

  • What This Moment Demands of Us: A Conversation with Funders & Nonprofits
    • Britt Lake, Feedback Labs
    • Jill Dixon, The Food Depot
    • Henry Rael, McCune Charitable Foundation

11:45

Break

11:55

Lunch

  • Guided Table Conversations
  • Responsive Movement Break
    • Shira Greenberg, Keshet Dance Company & Center for the Arts

1:15

Break

1:25

Afternoon Breakouts 1:

  • Scenario Planning for Nonprofit Leaders: Building Resilience & Sustaining Impact*
    • Ben Hays & Miranda Jijana, Your Part-Time Controller
  • Better Together: Youth Services Coalition
    • Erin Hagenow, Junior Achievement New Mexico
    • Robert Aguirre, YMCA of Central New Mexico
    • Kristin Leigh, Explora
    • Robert Stokowy, Warehouse 505
    • Colby Wilson, Boys & Girls Club of Central New Mexico
  • Statewide Funder Meeting**
    • Updates from funder leaders from across the state

2:25

Snack Break

2:35

Afternoon Breakouts 2:

  • Moral Injury in Purpose-Driven Work
    • Perry Radford, Rad Consulting; Ellen Whitlock Baker
  • Leading with Guts & Grace: Emotional Intelligence for an Uncertain World
    • Linley Daly, Daly Impact
  • Focus on Federal Funding for a Funder’s Frame of Reference**
    • Aly Sanchez & Laurel Meister Schmuck, The Grant Plant

3:35

Break

3:45

Closing Plenary:

  • 2nd Annual GNM Hot Ones: Legislative Update
    • Moderated by Allan Oliver, Thornburg Foundation
    • Amanda Aragon, New Mexico Kids CAN
    • Mason Graham, Common Cause New Mexico
    • Serge Martinez, New Mexico Center for Housing Law
    • Jason Riggs, Roadrunner Food Bank

4:45

Closing Performance

  • Shield Chief Drum Group

*Nonprofit Focus

**Funder Focus

 

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