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 the help of 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

Annie Quintana

is a student at NMSU. She is majoring in Government and International Business. Currently, Annie is interning with a U.S. Representative and she is the lead interviewer with the LAB Radio Hour.

Armando Arellano

collaborates with musicians and artists as an event coordinator and band member. He also works in the film industry. Armando is a mainstay of the LAB Radio Hour and co-facilitates LAB drumming workshops.

"To support youth in creating sustainable and healthy community through the arts, communication, and action"

Our Mission

Kathryn Trujillo

also known as Kat, is a founding member of the LAB. As a former ENLACE SNM participant, she has guided the LAB since day one. Kat has an Associates Degree in Arts and one in Science. She plans to get another one in Nursing.

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.

"A community where youth and adults work together to identify and address critical issues of the day, where youth voice and leadership are harnessed in ways that result in positive social and economic change"

Our Vision

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.

Kellin Acree

(a.k.a. DJ Kelz) is an audio engineer and performer, born and raised in Springfield, MA. He is involved in numerous projects spanning film, radio, and music. Kellin brought the LAB Radio Hour to life in 2017.

Community

Sustainability

Creativity

Action

Integrity

Our Values

Joie Hernandez

also known as Jo-Sho, is a student at Las Cruces High School. She is an athlete and  videographer, with an interest in media production.  Joie has been involved in the LAB Radio Hour for over a year, shadowing DJ Kelz.

Kobe Teal

is a Youtube whiz and NMSU student in the Creative Media Institute. He plans to pursue a career in media production. Kobe is creating a video for the LAB, and has already produced podcasts from the LAB Radio Hour.

OUR BOARD

Thank you to Chris Acosta, Chris Adams, and Luisa Bannister, all founding board members of the LAB!