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.

Angel Wood

Youth Mentor: Angel, 23, is Full time student at NMSU, a DJ, producer, artist, video editor, animator and l grew up within the Las Cruces community, building connections wherever he goes. He is passionate about learning how to create and sharing that knowledge with others, especially through music and sound.

Patience Sabaque

Community and Education Equity Associate: Hi! My name is Patience, and I am Diné (Navajo) and Walatowa (Pueblo of Jemez). I am currently pursuing my studies in the medical field at DACC/NMSU, Over the past three years, I have worked with students in grades K–5, where I have developed a strong passion for supporting youth and giving back to my community.Hi! My name is Patience, and I am Diné (Navajo) and Walatowa (Pueblo of Jemez). I am currently pursuing my studies in the medical field at DACC/NMSU, Over the past three years, I have worked with students in grades K–5, where I have developed a strong passion for supporting youth and giving back to my community.

Antonio Cruz

Program Facilitator / Youth Mentor: Antonio (DJ T. Cruz), 26,is a music producer, rapper, audio engineer, and video editor, Antonio has been immersed in community engagement from a young age. He is passionate about creating spaces where youth voices are centered and supported, and where young people can grow their interests into real skills and expertise. Through his work on and off the mic, he blends creativity, mentorship, and media to uplift the next generation.

Andrés Uribe

Education Advocate: Andrés is an undergraduate social work and political science student at New Mexico State University. He began serving his community as a middle school student in 2017, and has experience in the local nonprofit and public sector. Throughout his numerous roles in the community, Andrés has been able to exercise his passion for education transformation by centering youth as partners in education research and policy.

Raquel Primera-Adams

Finance Manager: With over 30 years of experience in the gas, pharma, and non-profit worlds, I’m an engineer with an MBA from NMSU who loves solving complex problems. I’m truly passionate about teaching and training, always looking for ways to share what I’ve learned with others. Outside of my professional work, I’m dedicated to showing up and providing real support for my local community.

Kassandra Huhn

Board Member: Kassandra is a community development advisor at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, promoting the development and financing of critical infrastructure in lower-income and disinvested communities. Kassandra is a first-generation college graduate and holds a bachelor's degree in economics and finance and a master's degree in economics from the University of Texas at El Paso.

Antoinette Gucela-Márquez

Board Member: Antoinette is an elementary music teacher in LCPS and has been teaching for 6 years, with experience as a Site Facilitator for STEM+ Academy OST Programs by NMSU. She is also involved in the NM Hip Hop community as a member of Rocket City Renegades, a dance crew based in Alamogordo. Living creatively and in community is her purpose in life, and through creativity and community she strives to empower the youth.

Our Board

President

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.

Vice President

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.

Board Memeber

Kassandra C. Huhn

Kassandra C. Huhn is a community and economic development practitioner in the Borderplex region. Her interests include digital inclusion, supporting opportunity youth, and developing programs that will help uplift those in this community.

Board Member

Federico Almarez

Federico Almarez is a fulltime English Instructor at Doña Ana Community College. He is a poet, a songwriter, a musician, and an archaeological consultant. He believes in the power of student voice.

Board Member

Marco Garcia

Biography coming soon.