New Mexico became a national leader in providing equitable opportunity to experience the outdoors when the New Mexico Outdoor Equity Fund was created in 2019. Now, more than five years later, the impact this program has provided to communities across New Mexico is undeniable. Listen in as Jesse Deubel speaks with Karina Armijo, the director of New Mexico's Outdoor Recreation Division. Karina Armijo has 27 years of experience supporting small businesses and events in Northern New Mexico in both the public and private sectors. After receiving a B.S. in Design from the University of Cincinnati, Karina spent time at Los Alamos National Laboratory working in the communications department. She later continued her career in the private sector providing creative and web design services for the tourism and outdoor recreation-related industries. Most recently, she spent eight years with the Town of Taos as the first Director of Marketing and Tourism, developing and managing local and regional programs to support businesses and events throughout the Enchanted Circle. 

Also joining the discussion are Sarah Candelaria and Matthew Monjaras. Matthew is the founder of Impact Outdoors and is no stranger to the Ahi Va Podcast. As a regular guest of the show Matt is always eager to share the work of Impact Outdoors. Their mission is to impact communities through education, conservation, and meaningful outdoor opportunities. In this conversation Matt explains how the NM Outdoor Equity Fund has helped him and Impact Outdoors achieve this mission. 

Sarah Candelaria is the founder and executive director of Nature Ninos New Mexico. Nature Niños' mission is to expand access to the outdoors, share all it has to offer, and invite youth and families who might not readily access the outdoors into a safe, and welcoming community where they build skills and grow the next generation of conservationists, land stewards, and recreationalists. They provide an entry point to the outdoors for all who find themselves with any form of "nature nerves." They provide safe, and welcoming spaces to invite youth and families to make their own connections and memories with nature. Their goal is to introduce and encourage all New Mexicans, of all ages, to explore and enjoy our lands and waters safely and freely. They invest time introducing youth to their eco-identity through the visual arts, music, theater, spoken word and other mediums while encouraging their creativity and personal expression. Nature Ninos expands access to the outdoors, shares all it has to offer, and builds skills to grow the next generation of conservationists, land stewards, and recreationalists. Sarah and Nature Ninos have also received support from the NM Outdoor Equity fund. Tune in to learn how those resources have helped improve the lives of young people from communities all across New Mexico. Enjoy the listen!

For more info: 
New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division
Nature Ninos New Mexico
Impact Outdoors
NMWF