The ABQ Accent

Linley Daly is a leadership coach, consultant, and a darn joy to be around! In her coaching and consulting business, Linley’s currency is impact – she works for positive, long-lasting change for the social sector as a whole, individual leaders, and cohorts alike. In this conversation you’ll see that she asks the BIG questions, like, “if chaos rules, how can we create culture that is based in core values, vision, and mission?”

Given her broad range of experience, Linley knows to look at the larger systems and how utilizing the genius in the room, influencing women to stand up, and empowering nonprofits to use their voices can better address our societal challenges. Linley is a big believer in dialogue and the cumulative effect of small actions done in collaboration. Check out this episode to learn more about her relentless optimism and how she grounds herself to her purpose in ABQ and abroad.

Highly recommend reading her blogs at https://dalyconsulting.org/

Benjamin Tobias Manager of Student Basic Needs, CNM CC 

Benjamin Tobais has not only found community in ABQ but continuously works to build connections to support community. It’s something that comes easy to him – the compassionate and grateful Dad, the lifelong learner, the personable, kind leader. Ben understands the needs of students within the CNM community because he takes time to get to know them as he walks through campus or supports the weekly food pantries, where over 300+ folks visit across CNM campuses. A proud first gen student, Ben reminds us that representation matters, that advocating for what you are passionate about can create growth for your community, and that understanding someone’s unique story can provide a sense of belonging at the most important moments. In this episode you will find a new volunteer opportunity, learn more about food insecurity in community (58% of state-wide survey participants are food insecure combined with housing challenges), and discover why you need a recipe for chayote. 

Contact Ben: [email protected] 
Harwood Surface opening: https://www.harwoodartcenter.org/exhibitions/upcoming-exhibitions/ 
CNM food pantry distribution, wish list etc: https://www.cnm.edu/depts/dean-of-students/wellness-cnm 
Basic Needs Consortium data: https://basicneeds.unm.edu/ 

Tsiporah Nephesh, Founder and ED, NM Thrives

If you need a woman of deep compassion and wisdom, Tsiporah Nephesh is the friend to know. Tsiporah centers her work on relationships, on listening to the needs and goals of the NM nonprofit sector so she can both advocate for them and support them via education, resources, and connections. She created NM Thrives to uplift the vital work of nonprofits and did so in a way that also informs the larger community about how impactful these agencies are. We originally met to share her efforts at the 2025 legislative session and naturally ended up chatting about how we’re in the midst of societal change and how taking action, however small, is empowering. Check out this convo to learn more about resources available to nonprofits at NM Thrives, where to share your own stories of the impact from federal challenges, and why it’s important to be conscious of the expectations you put on yourself.

https://www.nmthrives.org/

https://nmdoj.gov/get-help/federal-disruptions/

https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/insights-analysis

Spelling: Tikkun Olam

Dr. Melani Buchanan Farmer: Director, Running 505; Founder & Owner of Bfit 505 and Aspen Education Collective

Dr. Farmer’s CV is extensive, and her passion for education and community run deep. In this episode Dr. Farmer shares how she came to be at the helm of several great programs here in Albuquerque, and what keeps her motivated to continuously look for collaborators in this good work. “Education is in my soul,” Dr. Farmer says, and you can see this in so many of the details of her life. Her dissertation research became a full-fledged 501c3, Running 505; her gym offers multi-faceted wellness programming to all ages and abilities; her consulting collective seeks to support adults in their personal and professional growth. Dr. Farmer’s perspectives on how individual wellness is integral to the well-being of the larger community, how “together, we can go so much further,” and why doing the Bataan Memorial Death March each year sends a powerful message of community support are each something we can learn from. If you missed the Speakeasy-themed gala for Running 505, you can learn more about all of Dr. Farmer’s work at running505.com You may even catch me at Bfit505 one day!

@running505 @bfit505

Ethan Watson, CABQ City Clerk

Have you ever considered how transparency comes into effect in real life? Ethan Watson says that “transparency is an ecosystem,” and through this conversation I came to understand that he is absolutely correct – it takes multiple players, on the same beam, if you will, of access to information to ensure transparency comes to fruition in both state and federal systems.

Albuquerque’s City Clerk is the chief records custodian for the state’s largest public records program, and does so with the understanding that the system needs to continuously evolve to meet the needs of the public while adhering to national best practices. Ethan and his growing staff have implemented systems that streamline the process for records management and response to requests – requests that have tripled since Covid.

Check out this conversation to better understand the purpose of the Clerk’s Office, and to understand why March 17-21 is called Sunshine Week – a celebration of our national transparency laws. Ethan and his staff work diligently to improve processes, something that you can easily recognize in the latest Inspection of Public Records Act report, link below.

• How the office is reducing backlog: https://www.cabq.gov/clerk/news/fy-2025-second-quarter-ipra-backlog-report
• Sunshine Week info https://sunshineweek.org/

Liam Westgate, Director of Community and Clinical Linkages, Presbyterian Health Services

When you think of healthcare, do you think of hope? Liam Westgate believes not only in the power of hope, but creating mechanisms for healthcare workers to utilize optimism in their caregiving and relationships. As the Director of the central delivery system for Linkages, Liam guides his colleagues with the perspective that “there’s always something we can do” and that their work can be more effective when using curiosity and building bridges.

What this conversation revealed is that health providers like community health and peer support workers offer is so much more than one-off patient engagements – they are “points of light” among a network of folks endeavoring to care for community needs and create opportunities for healing at every interaction. Liam is a force behind these efforts, taking time to be grateful for his life-affirming patient engagements and “being open to where he is being called to be useful.”

Check out this episode to learn what a pracademic is, consider why the approach to healthcare is irrational, and where the Linkages programs can be of assistance to you.

Book rec: Hope in the Dark, Rebecca Solnit

Community and Clinical Linkages https://www.phs.org/community/committed-to-community-health/programs

Brianna Gallegos, Public Information Officer for Youth and Family Services (YFS)

Brianna is a long-time employee of the City of Albuquerque and would love for young folks to follow her lead.

This conversation focuses on her deep understanding of the YFS community centers and their offerings, but even between the lines you can hear her passion for mentorship and collaboration.

Firmly connected to her purpose, Brianna makes a concerted effort to empower youth whether it’s in YFS programs or leadership in younger colleagues. She recognizes the importance of “doing it right” when working closely with community members and knows that a good mentor can “pull the light out” of a young person to help them see their own capabilities.

Check out this episode to learn more about the life of a Public Information Officer, finding impactful job opportunities for youth within the City, and YFS community center programs.

Jobs and Mentorship: https://www.cabq.gov/family/our-department/employment-opportunities/jobs-internships

Community Centers: https://www.cabq.gov/family/crei

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Peter Rice, Editor of the Downtown Albuquerque News (DAN)

A natural investigator that he is, I discovered that it’s very worth asking Peter what is on his mind. His inspiring approach to modern journalism embraces a deep understanding of important historical events and current affairs. Peter is the Editor of the DAN and, along with his contributors, gathers a wonderful array of articles reflecting downtown life and events, honing in on the unique culture of this area within 16 neighborhoods.

Our conversation ranged from why folks should subscribe to the DAN even if you don’t live downtown to the history of NY state to curry recipes. I found Peter to be a fascinating writer, locavore, author, and conversationalist. For these reasons and because I encourage you to learn more about local tax programs, sleeper headlines, and cycling in New Mexico, check out this episode. It might be the “balanced meal” of news you need.

https://downtownalbuquerquenews.com/

Hot tip of the day: Read: The Powerbroker by Robert Caro https://www.amazon.com/Power-Broker-Robert-Moses-Fall/dp/0394720245

Megan Holcomb, Recycling Coordinator, CABQ Solid Waste

Starting as an intern at 15, Megan has worked in City government for quite some time, and she brings a genuine concern for community to her work every day. Between interests in sustainability and communications, her work is wide-reaching and reflects her creative abilities as well as her deep understanding of government resources. Megan and her team are trying to accomplish a number of goals through the revamped Keep Albuquerque Beautiful program, both educational and logistical in people’s day-to-day lives. As big fans of the Oneabqvolunteers.com website, she and her staff utilize this to engage the community in addition to her specialty designing wider communication strategies. I was excited to learn that tours of the recycling facility are offered and not surprised that Megan is so passionate about supporting SW staff. Did you know we have 250 SW drivers working across the city, or that you can get a Recycle Coach?!

Much to learn and so much to appreciate about Megan and her unique role in our City in this episode. I’m so grateful for her and her work. Enjoy!

[email protected]

https://www.cabq.gov/solidwaste/keep-albuquerque-beautiful

Rachael Hernandez, Civic Engagement Coordinator, Office of Civic Engagement

I have to say, I was smiling as I re-listened to this for notes.
Rachael has built a career around her heart and highest skills, and I truly enjoyed chatting with her about her trajectory and recognizing the value of her “older sister vibe.” We reflected on that moment where she got her start in community engagement, how her familial traditions influenced her volunteerism, and how she hopes to enhance the quality of life for her fellow citizens.
As the first Volunteer Coordinator for the Health, Housing, and Homelessness Department at CABQ, Rachael developed and managed impactful volunteer programs and generated significant relationships needed to get the work done. Her current focus is enhancing volunteer opportunities, increasing civic participation, and fostering stronger connections between City departments and citizens. She has a special way of bringing joy to others and supporting the greater community.

*When Mariah said Intel, she meant to say Sandia National Labs.

https://www.oneabqvolunteers.com/
https://www.cabq.gov/abq-volunteers/volunteer-of-the-month-nominations