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.

Youth Mentor

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.

Youth Leader

Andrés Uribe

Andrés Uribe is a LAB Youth Leader and university student pursuing his BSW and BA in Government. Andrés helps manage the LAB's social media page, and website, and is the LAB lead photographer.

Youth Leader

Marina Vasconcellos

Marina Vasconcelos is a LAB Youth Leader and local artist. She is the Assistant Producer of the LAB Radio Hour.

Youth Leader

Elias Garay

Elias Garay is a LAB Youth Leader and sophomore at New Mexico State University. He assists in many of the LAB projects, is a resident poet, and is our food specialist for events.

Youth Intern

Natalie Gomez

Natalie Gomez is a LAB youth intern a part of the LAB's YOUTH LEADership Pathway, she supports projects and events, is a high school senior at Rio Grande Prep, and a student at New Mexico State.

Youth Intern

Angel Wood

Angel Wood is a youth intern who started as a participant in the LAB Learning Action Beat Buffet and is a student at New Mexico State University. He holds an associate’s degree in game development. Angel assists with several hands-on LAB projects, always with an open mind.

Facilitator/External Manager

A. Billi Free

A.Billi is a multidisciplinary artist, cultural ambassador and community coordinator. Her work is inspired by and grows from the foundations of communication, collaboration, creativity and celebration.

Educational Specialist

Michelle Valverde, PhD

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.

Frm. Board Member/Contributor

Lamaia Vaughn

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

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.