The ABQ Accent

Phia Smith, Executive Director, Somos Unidos Foundation

Phia so elegantly brings both the “head and the heart” to her work and has a genuine presence that encourages the belief that she is capable of truly big things. As she spoke about her trajectory into this ED position, “Tia Phia: relays her deep faith in how building relationships is the core of it all – both her emotional, very lively human experience with others, and her work of uplifting young athletes. But – it’s not actually about sport, as you’ll hear. The Academy under the Foundation is the only fully scholarshiped program in the USL(!) and seeks to provide the best path forward for those players, never loosing sight of the possibilities that mentorship and emotional intelligence can bring forth in young folks. Phia is that person that centers their needs and the needs of the larger community. She amplifies the work of other organizations, coordinates unique Academy events (see: TOPSoccer), and represents the Somos Unidos spirit in a powerful, hopeful way. Learn more about where Vintage United comes in, why experimentation in the nonprofit sector is important, and why Phia “moves for joy” across New Mexico and wants others to join her. 

Sean Sheehan, Owner/Winemaker, Sheehan Winery & President of NM Winemakers Association Red, White, or Rosé? Sean is a local, wildly creative winemaker living his dream. In this episode Sean shares his goals of growing world-class grapes to create world-class wine while telling the story of NM people and land. From rooting cuttings at their home to planting more than 15 vineyards across the state, the Sheehan family continues to raise awareness of the growers, increase opportunities for winemakers, and… make people happy. Sheehan has boosted its impact on community through unique partnerships as well as Sean’s role among statewide winemakers. Check out this conversation to learn more about sourcing grapes for backyard tastings, which wine pairs with enchiladas, and how we can look forward to celebrating 400 years of wine in NM! https://sheehanwinery.com/ 

Marisa Magallanez, President & CEO of the Albuquerque Community Foundation and New Mexico Community Trust.

Marisa brings more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector to this sweet, inspiring conversation. Two weeks into her new role as CEO, she reflected on her personal search for purpose and how she hopes to carry what she has discovered forward with local and state-wide community.

Marisa’s sense of possibility and hope for lasting impact perfectly compliment the vision of the Foundation she now leads, and in this episode you’ll hear how these are truly powering their work in community and with partners. You’ll also see the importance of community voice in the evolution of philanthropy, why Marisa believes in philanthropy so deeply, and how she renews her gratitude and presence.  Enjoy learning more about Marisa’s growth into leadership, the role of romanticism in her creativity, and why you shouldn’t ignore that feeling of “knowing.”

ACF: https://abqcf.org/

Poem: To Be of Use by Marge Piercy

 Alice Main, CABQ’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Manager 

If you every wonder who is behind the climate “action” plans, look to Alice Main for your local data and… actions. Alice discusses here how climate pollution reduction can be better understood and the plans that CABQ and surrounding groups are making. Alice is part of the CABQ Office of Sustainability and is managing the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant. Through that work Alice has worked diligently with Justice40 and a community task force to receive input toward the Comprehensive Climate Pollution Reduction Plan (which they recently submitted to the EPA as part of the Grant requirement). Environmental advocacy is strong in NM and Alice fits right in with a background in family farming and doing direct work to connect the pieces between food systems, environmental justice, climate solutions, and community voice. Check out this episode to learn more about the Plan and how Alice takes a zoomed-out perspective to recognize her agency – and yours – to make positive change. 

Valerie Greif, Foster & Community Engagement Coordinator, CABQ Animal Welfare Department 
Drora Shub, Manager of Volunteer Engagement, Explora Science Center and Children’s Museum 
Chaplain Ryan Wooley, Director of Chaplaincy & Volunteer Services, Lovelace Medical Center

  The Office of Civic Engagement hosted the 2nd Volunteer Fest at the ABQ Museum on October 24. As part of that event we hosted a live recording of the podcast which was a panel discussion on Volunteer Connections. Here you’ll hear from three outstanding, local volunteer coordinators who have a deep understanding of their volunteers and share more about the work itself. Check out this special episode for a conversation among passionate individuals; we cover everything from favorite volunteer stories to the power of volunteers in community. As the host, I hope this episode increases our understanding of the pivotal role that volunteer coordinators themselves play. They are a critical part of our larger community resiliency. 

Jeff Holland, Executive Director, Endorphin Power Company

Jeff Holland, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, doesn’t need someone to give him a runway – he is always thinking ahead and working as a leader in the NM recovery community.

Two weeks into the opening of the Bernalillo County Recovery Support Center (BCRSC) on the EPC campus, Jeff welcomed our team to come in for our first on-site podcast recording. Thank you, Jeff!  *This is why you might hear motorcycles or airplanes in the background.

Jeff and his staff design programming around this driving force: EPC is the go-to for people to have a safe place to exhale and reshape their lives.

Jeff has been a part of the growth of the organization for 16 years and working in recovery for over 20. Even so, he says the work is not about him but about staff and residents.

In this convo, Jeff highlights that it’s more important to do [the work] right, than be in a rush. And through this perspective, EPC is still action-driven toward positive community impact and breaking down of walls and misunderstandings. EPC has a lot on the horizon – microenterprises, growth in programming and partnerships, residential space etc. It can be seen as an incubator, a microcosm of the real world where, as Jeff says about life, “you don’t ever arrive, you just evolve.”

This episode reflects how generous Jeff is in sharing his personal story and takes every advantage to lift up others. Check it out to learn more about how he accidentally get into cycling, how your organization might partner with EPC, and why lime green is the new IT color.

Check out the open house on Friday, September 26th 10-4PM.

@endorphinpowercompany

EndorphinPower.org

 Rebecca Sisneros, Community & Government Relations Director, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central NM

 As a young mom, Rebecca Sisneros focused on leveling up her skills and then sharing her insights with others. She’s researched the ins and outs of health care access, career readiness, and knows it’s important to be an advocate alongside others. Her favorite thing to do is connect people and resources, and it shows. Rebecca constantly shows up for others and works hard to lift up the voice of youth - she builds relationships around NM all so these folks can level up as well. Rebecca talks a bit about the new Teen Center, Youth of the Year leadership program, and the B&GC’s own podcast! She also gives us a beautiful perspective on how young folks can face challenges as well as how her own kids have helped in her success. Listen in to understand ~ why do something even if you feel silly, the value in challenging yourself, and why Rebecca celebrates the wins and does what she can to return the good she’s been given. https://www.bgccnm.org/ The Club Chat Podcast: https://clubcast.us/clubs/bgccnm North Valley Ditches: @n.v.d.505 

Tara Gohr, President/CEO, The Grant Plant

Aly Sanchez, Director of Strategy and Organizational Development

Tara Gohr and Aly Sanchez are part of the crew at the forefront of the grant writing world. They have about 50 years of experience between them in addition to the other 19 folks at The Grant Plant.

Tara and her sister, Erin O’Keefe Hielkema, started TGP in 2003 and since then it has been a central node of nonprofit and agency development across NM, having secured almost $4000 million for their clients!

Aly is a talented strategist and problem solver and has a knack for helping clients make cases and tell stories that only a seasoned grant writer-researcher-editor can.

This episode covered SO much about their incredible work on behalf of NM organizations - trainings, reports, innovations etc. You’ll see why these incredible women, at the end of the day, are standing up for their clients and encouraging folks to “plug into what you care about.”

You will also learn what the Mom Edit is, and, you have to know that they call a submitted grant “Planted.” On-point branding.

Highly encourage you to check out their website and subscribe to their very informative blog and grant opps: www.thegrantplantnm.com

Be sure to look at their upcoming trainings and take advantage of the Job Training ABQ: https://jobtrainingabq.org/

Report: Federal Funding Freeze on New Mexico’s Nonprofits and Philanthropic Sector: https://www.santafecf.org/news-stories/new-report-federal-funding-nm

Link to NYT article: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/06/us/new-mexico-federal-budget-cuts.html

 Diane Harrison Ogawa, Executive Coach As someone who lives in possibility, Diane Harrison Ogawa is the friend, colleague, coach we all need. This conversation was such a joy because Diane is a dynamic, hopeful, compassionate woman. She has decades of experience in corporate philanthropy and has used these opportunities to build new initiatives that many of us are still taking part in today. Diane shares how she is investing in others, continues her family’s legacy of being part of community and solution, and why being present makes the biggest difference in anything we do. Check out this episode to hear about Diane’s ability to imagine what could be and how ideas have their own time as well as the lessons to be learned in life’s transitions. From this convo I think you’ll see more possibility in your own life and our city. 

Jean Block, Nonprofit Consultant Extraordinaire

Jean Block has 55 years of experience in leadership and training within the national nonprofit sector.

What’s more – she’s been FUNdraising since she was 13, has published nine books and manuals, and doesn’t walk away from challenging work. Jean’s career has largely focused on supporting nonprofits through transition, be it evolving into social ventures to ensure their independence, or developing boards into high-functioning teams.

Though recently retired and tending to a robust garden, Jean continues to volunteer and support her greater community, inspiring many people to continue moving toward their purpose. In this episode, Jean shares about why we should be putting our energy where our hearts are, how nonprofits have an opportunity to change the game, and, I think, why we should be following her lead.

Check Amazon for her publications:

The Nonprofit Guide to Social Enterprise: Show Me The (Unrestricted) Money!

The Invisible Yellow Line: Clarifying Board and Staff Roles

FUNdraising!! 180+ Great Ideas to Raise More Money