Executive Director Learning Circle

Marsie Silvestro brings four decades of expertise to her roles as an intuitive and dynamic Executive Director, Board and Staff Trainer, Group Retreat Facilitator and Mentor. Her leadership experience spans work on both the local and national levels. She is proficient in the Appreciative Inquiry Strategic Model which focuses on identifying an organization's strengths through individual and group interviewing progresses that honors what has been done, creates transformative collective dreaming and creating effective solution based and accomplishable work plans that will move an agency toward growth and a new pathways toward a successful mission.

Marsie believes that no matter what someone’s position is in an agency or the community, all are needed to steer towards a future that elevates the voices and needs of those they serve, as well as ensures that staff and board members feel heard, listened to, included, and appreciated as a thread in the web of service and safety.

Ross Chaney is a seasoned nonprofit and business consultant who specializes in strategic planning, writing, executive coaching, and applications of AI for nonprofits and small organizations. He has 20 years of experience in northern New Mexico nonprofit and public service, working across different leadership roles and diverse sectors. Ross’ experience includes:

1. Coaching for ED’s and program staff for leadership development
2. Governance, organizational development, operations and strategy
3. Policy issues, program/operations expansion or reduction
4. Budgeting and finance coaching
5. Reviewing grant proposals, reports, and other documents
6. Exploring the potential of AI for your organization
7. Extensive knowledge of Native American and NM culture

Nelsy Domínguez, MSW is Principal & Managing Director of c3 Perspectives Consulting, LLC. As a consultant to philanthropy and nonprofit organizations, she applies her many years of organizational, grantmaking, leadership, programmatic, and equity experience to grow the potential of the 501c3 sector’s impact and capacity. Nelsy’s experience as Program Director at two statewide foundations, the Con Alma Health Foundation and the New Mexico [Community] Foundation, extends over twenty-years. She was Deputy Director & COO ofFarm to Table NM and New Mexico First. Throughout her career, Nelsy has been committed to equity, nonprofit organizational and leadership development, and to improving the quality of life and economic opportunity of historically underinvested populations. She serves on the Board of Groundworks New Mexico and is an Advisor to the Envision Fund of the Santa Fe Community Foundation, Santa Fe Data Platform, the Healthy Entry for Asylees Lives (HEAL) and the Shelter Action for Family Emergency Response (SAFER) Funds of the New Mexico Foundation, and the New Mexico Food & Agriculture Policy Council. Nelsy has a Master of Social Work from the New Mexico Highlands University.

Valeria Alarcón brings 20+years of experience in the nonprofit and private, and public sectors. She is a visionary, thought-provoker and has a successful track record in high-level and tactical organizational management, and building cross-sector collaborations.

Thriving in the face of adversity has defined Valeria’s life, especially during her childhood while growing up in inner-city Boston in the 1980s. Her life experiences as an immigrant child and Latina-woman-of-color have profoundly shaped her. As a result, Valeria is deeply committed to cultivating cultures of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at a fundamental level.

Valeria founded VIA Consulting LLC. in 2009, a consultancy specializing in innovative solutions and accelerating race and gender equity. Clients include nonprofits, international non-governmental organizations, social entrepreneurs, foundations, businesses, and municipalities. Valeria holds a B.S. in Organizational Psychology from theCollege of Santa Fe, is certified in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Training by Cornell University, and is also certified in Integrative Nutrition by theInstitute of Integrative Nutrition, NY.

Alicia Lueras Maldonado is a facilitator, coach, consultant and strategist. She holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in Communication & Journalism, and Spanish from the University of New Mexico. She received her coaching certification from Leadership that Works, which is an Accredited Coach Training Program (ACTP) with the International Coach Federation. Her coaching focuses on personal transformation and growth, equity, and leadership and organizational development. She incorporates visualization, breath work, meditation, journaling, storytelling and movement as part of her coaching.

Alicia’s background in politics, the arts, community and social justice organizing gives her a unique perspective, which she brings to her practice. As the Founder & Chief Executive Officer, she has over 25 years of social justice organizing, management, consulting and facilitation experience. In addition, Alicia is also an actor, writer, photographer, level II reiki practitioner and certified yoga instructor. She integrates all these disciplines into her work.

Desiree Robledo believes in providing everyone with an opportunity to heal and thrive, regardless of their origins or backgrounds. She has a profound capacity for empathy and an unwavering commitment to assist those in need. Desiree’s expertise in program development is complemented by a personalized approach.

Throughout her tenure in policy advocacy and restorative justice with organizations such as Dream Org, Community Not Cages, AVP, LARRP, The Ella Baker Center, and RDFE, Desiree has made significant contributions to the conceptualization and execution of pioneering reentry programs. Among Desiree’s notable achievements is the establishment of a bespoke case management system. This initiative reflects her understanding of the importance of support systems, as she witnessed firsthand the dedication of her father, a lifelong field worker, and her mother, who has spent her career cleaning houses. As a single mother of three, Desiree’s resolve is to dismantle the unnecessary obstacles facing those who earnestly seek a second chance.

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