Dr. Shelly Gruenig is the Founder and Executive Director of R4 Creating, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of educators and students through STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. 

She is a speaker, author, STEM entrepreneur, award-winning robotics coach, and homeschool mother. Her passion is to help kids find their people and launch their lives. Her team, R4Robotics, is a 12-time state champion, 5-time regional champion, and has won the prestigious Google Community International Award with VEX robotics. 

Dr. Gruenig holds a Bachelor of Arts in Recreation and Park Administration from Western Illinois University, a Master of Education in College Student Personnel from Loyola University Chicago, and a PhD in Workforce Education from Southern Illinois University. 

In addition to her work with R4 Creating, Dr. Gruenig co-hosts the STEM Southwest Podcast and a STEM segment on CBS, KRQE. She has also worked with corporate clients, including the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, Sun Microsystems, and the Brunswick Corporation. In 1998-1999, she led the career centers to transition workers at Levi Strauss & Co into new careers and establish businesses leveraging private and public resources. 

Raphael Martinez is an Executive Director at Albuquerque Sign Language Academy based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Previously, Raphael was a Director of Student Support at ACE Leadership High School and also held positions at West Mesa High School. Raphael received a Master of Secondary Education and Teaching degree from The University of New Mexico.

Raphael “Rafe” Martinez is a 30-plus-year educator who has experienced a variety of leadership opportunities. As a former classroom English teacher, head coach of multiple sports teams, dean of students, and current head of school for the Albuquerque Sign Language Academy (ASLA), Rafe has grown to understand and embrace the importance of strong, effective leadership in pursuit of organizational excellence. 

Taking several profound lessons from his diverse leadership experiences, Rafe has led the ASLA to national acclaim. The ASLA is regarded as a national leader in deaf and special education reform. It is the only state-certified ASL-English Dual Language School in the United States, serving deaf and hearing students through a highly inclusive and supportive learning program.

Additionally, the ASLA works closely with several national post-secondary partners to continually develop its innovative program. Partners include Penn State University, the University of Minnesota, the University of Arizona, New Mexico Highlands University, McLean Hospital (Harvard), and, of course, the University of New Mexico.

Raphael Martinez is an Executive Director at Albuquerque Sign Language Academy based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Previously, Raphael was a Director of Student Support at ACE Leadership High School and also held positions at West Mesa High School. Raphael received a Master of Secondary Education and Teaching degree from The University of New Mexico.

Raphael “Rafe” Martinez is a 30-plus-year educator who has experienced a variety of leadership opportunities. As a former classroom English teacher, head coach of multiple sports teams, dean of students, and current head of school for the Albuquerque Sign Language Academy (ASLA), Rafe has grown to understand and embrace the importance of strong, effective leadership in pursuit of organizational excellence. 

Taking several profound lessons from his diverse leadership experiences, Rafe has led the ASLA to national acclaim. The ASLA is regarded as a national leader in deaf and special education reform. It is the only state-certified ASL-English Dual Language School in the United States, serving deaf and hearing students through a highly inclusive and supportive learning program.

Additionally, the ASLA works closely with several national post-secondary partners to continually develop its innovative program. Partners include Penn State University, the University of Minnesota, the University of Arizona, New Mexico Highlands University, McLean Hospital (Harvard), and, of course, the University of New Mexico.

Dale Dekker is a founding Partner of Dekker (formerly known as Dekker/Perich/Sabatini or D/P/S), a prominent architecture, engineering, and planning firm with over 190 employees and offices across the Southwest. Dekker, rooted in a legacy dating back to 1959, is ranked among Architectural Record’s top 140 U.S. firms and is one of Albuquerque’s largest private businesses. With a focus on socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable design, Dale has led projects ranging from high-tech research facilities for Sandia National Labs and the University of New Mexico to award-winning school designs and large-scale master plans like the UNM Master Plan Update. Dale actively contributes to economic development, education, and sustainability through his service on boards and commissions. He is Chair of the New Mexico Bioscience Authority, a member of the State Workforce Development Board, and serves on the Executive Committee of AREA-Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance. He is also a National Board Member of NAIOP, a past Chair of its New Mexico chapter, and has held leadership roles with the Urban Land Institute and the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce.

Dale Dekker is a founding Partner of Dekker (formerly known as Dekker/Perich/Sabatini or D/P/S), a prominent architecture, engineering, and planning firm with over 190 employees and offices across the Southwest. Dekker, rooted in a legacy dating back to 1959, is ranked among Architectural Record’s top 140 U.S. firms and is one of Albuquerque’s largest private businesses. With a focus on socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable design, Dale has led projects ranging from high-tech research facilities for Sandia National Labs and the University of New Mexico to award-winning school designs and large-scale master plans like the UNM Master Plan Update. Dale actively contributes to economic development, education, and sustainability through his service on boards and commissions. He is Chair of the New Mexico Bioscience Authority, a member of the State Workforce Development Board, and serves on the Executive Committee of AREA-Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance. He is also a National Board Member of NAIOP, a past Chair of its New Mexico chapter, and has held leadership roles with the Urban Land Institute and the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce.

Jaymie Roybal is an attorney and proud native New Mexican.  She received her bachelor’s degree (2012: political science and signed language interpreting) and her law degree (2016) both from the University of New Mexico.  As a lawyer, she has worked in all three branches of the federal government: first, as a judicial law clerk in the United States Judiciary; next, as a Special Advisor in the United States Senate for Senator Martin Heinrich (NM); and since 2019 as an Assistant United States Attorney for the United States Department of Justice.  She specializes in prosecuting crimes of violence, including firearms-based offenses, and crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children.  Roybal previously served as the President of the University of New Mexico Alumni Association Board of Directors (2023-2024).  She was recognized by Albuquerque Business First as a 40 Under 40 honoree in 2020.

Jaymie Roybal is an Assistant United States Attorney, U.S. Department of Justice  

Jaymie is a proud New Mexican and a dedicated public servant. A double Lobo, Jaymie earned her bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Signed Language Interpreting in 2012 and her law degree in 2016 from the University of New Mexico.  

Jaymie’s commitment to the Lobo community began during her undergraduate years, where she actively participated in student government, advocating for her peers and fostering meaningful connections. Her dedication has extended beyond her time as a student as she continues giving back through her UNM Alumni Board service.  

In her role as an Assistant United States Attorney, Jaymie exemplifies a passion for justice and community engagement, working tirelessly to uphold the principles of fairness and equity. Her career reflects a steadfast devotion to her home state and the broader mission of public service.  

Meredith Dixon is an American politician and businesswoman

Born in Ossining, New York, Meredith pursued her education

As the founder of Blue Advantage Partners, a New

In 2020, Meredith entered the political arena, declaring her

Meredith is also deeply rooted in her community. She and her

Meredith Dixon: State Representative, Entrepreneur, and

 Meredith Dixon is an American politician and businesswoman

 Born in Ossining, New York, Meredith pursued her education

 As the founder of Blue Advantage Partners, a New

 In 2020, Meredith entered the political arena, declaring her

 Meredith is also deeply rooted in her community. She and her

Amanda Aragon was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico,

Amanda's professional journey began in the corporate world

After six years of success in the energy sector, Amanda