Create art. Communicate. Take action.
OUR FOUNDING STORY
Talking while walking, founding members envisioned a space where they could truly develop youth leadership and positive community change. The founding members decided to take action.
With local youth, colleagues and parents, the LAB (Learning Action Buffet) was created in 2017. Since then, the LAB has brought the community together in various settings, partnering with the city, public schools, and other nonprofit organizations.
Through the LAB’s projects and events, LAB youth leaders have acquired important skills for their careers and life.
"JUSTICE IS WHAT LOVE LOOKS LIKE IN PUBLIC"
Dr. Cornel West
MEET THE LAB MEMBERS
Armando Arellano
Armando Arellano is an actor and local musician. He is also a Producer of the LAB Radio Hour on KTAL LP 101.5 and he co-facilitates LAB Drumming Workshops.
Annie Quintana
Annie Quintana is a graduate of NMSU, now at UNM pursuing a Master's degree in Geography. As a remote LAB Youth Leader, Annie continues to conduct interviewers for the LAB Radio Hour.
"To support the ambitions of youth in creating sustainable and healthy community."
Our Mission
Andrés Uribe
Andrés Uribe is a high school student in the Las Cruces Public School District. Andrés is working toward a high school diploma and an associates degree from DACC. Andrés has been with the LAB since 2017. Today he is a Youth Leader for the LAB's Youth Voice Matters project.
Carmen Bell
Carmen Bell is a graduate from Alma d’ Arte Charter High School. She is attending NMSU and plans to teach Kindergarten but currently she is a Youth Leader for the LAB Youth Voice Matters project.
"Improved health and wellbeing of all residents precisely because youth voice and leadership are harnessed in ways that result in positive social and economic change.
Our Vision
Sustainability
Community
Creativity
Action
Integrity
Our Values
Antonio Cruz
Antonio Cruz, known as T. Cruz, is a Local lyricist, music producer, and student at DACC. He is also a Producer/Editor of the LAB Radio Hour on KTAL-LP 101.5 FM and a LAB Youth Mentor.
Kathryn Trujillo
Kathryn Trujillo, also known as Kat, is a founding member of the LAB. As a former SNM ENLACE participant, she guided the LAB from day one. Kat has two Associates degrees (Arts and Science) and is currently taking courses at NMSU.
Michelle Valverde
has been a passionate equity advocate for 30 years. Her current work revolves around addressing disparities in the education system. The LAB allows Michelle to partner with others in creating a more just world.
Lamaia Vaughn
has been working directly with young adults in the Las Cruces area for over 30 years. She is a firm believer in the power of career technical education and the arts to transform lives and communities.
OUR BOARD
LAMAIA VAUGHN
Lamaia Vaughn is a professor of film and digital media at Doña Ana Community College (DACC). She was instrumental in developing the film production program at DACC and its collaboration with NMSU’s Creative Media Institute. The main focus of her teaching is guiding students toward meaningful careers and developing a talented and creative workforce.
FEDERICO ALMAREZ
Federico Almarez is a fulltime English Instructor at Doña Ana Community College. He is a poet, a song writer, musician, and an archaeological consultant. He believes in the power of student voice.
JESSE VICK
JUDITH QUINTANA
Judith Quintana is a School Psychologist for the Las Cruces Public Schools. She has worked in community mental health and school based mental health settings for forty years. In these positions, she has worked as a strong advocate for tolerance, diversity, and equity to meet the individual needs of each student.
OLGA CHAVEZ
Olga Chavez has been a lifelong advocate for children and youth in the Las Cruces area. She has touched the lives of many young people while serving in various capacities as a volunteer and also as a leader within a well-established local social service agency that supports children and families.
Jesse Vick is the newest member of the LAB Board of Directors. He is an accomplished musician and graduate of Dona Ana Community College's Film and Digital Media Arts Department. He works for a local company as an Audio and Digital Film Editor.
Thank you to Chris Acosta, Chris Adams, Luisa Bannister, and Andrew Montoya (Ex Officio), all founding board members of the LAB. A special shout out to Kellin Acree, the founding Audio Engineer of the LAB's Radio Hour.
Thank you…!
Other youth who contributed in the LAB’s early years include Eunice Martinez Campos, Marina Vasconcellos, Alexis Armendáriz, Kobe Teal, Kathryn Grupp, Joie Hernandez, and Sebastian Santiago.