NMCF’s own Renee Villarreal attended the conference in Detroit and came away deeply inspired by all of the great work that our sister funds are going across the world.

Read Michele Ozumba’s compelling reasons to invest in women here.

NMCF’s president and CEO, Jenny Parks, was part of an important and informative session on Collected Works’ Podcast this week. Guest hosted by Cecile Lipworth, the managing director of V-Day, the podcast asked several leaders in women and girls issues to discuss the impact of domestic violence in Northern New Mexico communities.

Other guests included Kathy Sanchez Environmental Health and Justice Program Manager for Tewa Women United, Jess Clark Education & Prevention Supervisor at the Solace Crisis Treatment Center and Jessica Montoya Domestic Violence Treatment Specialist at the Esperanza Shelter.

We urge you to listen here.

Yesterday important piece by Joline Gutierrez Krueger was published at the Albuquerque Journal, discussing the lack of change in rape culture on college campuses over time. Though this is a national issue, Krueger focuses in on two young women who were sexually assaulted as freshman at the University of New Mexico.

Read the piece here.

Check out the first part of the series as well , which discusses the frustrating reality for most single moms, constantly working, but essentially treading water.

We are proud to announce that NewMexicoWomen.Org’s Director, Felice Gonzales, was one of thirteen movers and shakers in New Mexico named “Women on the Move” by the YMCA Middle Rio Grande. The women were recognized for their work towards social and racial justice and the empowerment of women.

Winners were selected from 36 nominees and honored at a banquet sponsored in part by the Albuquerque Journal’s Sage Magazine. Major thanks to the YMCA for putting on such a great event and giving women the chance to learn about and appreciate each others’ work.

As an effort to support and promote Equal Pay Day, Levo launched the Ask for More Today digital app. With an aim to show their support for women earning an equal salary to their male counterpart, this well branded micro-website includes an innovative web tool allowing users to calculate the yearly salary raise percentage needed to earn an ideal future salary goal.

Check out the links above to learn more!

Did you know thata female soldier in today’s combat zones is more likely to be raped by a fellow soldier than killed by enemy fire? New Mexico has a long and proud tradition of service in the United States Armed Forces, it is therefore vital that we all spread awareness of the outrageous rates of military sexual assault.

The Invisible War is an award-winning film that delves into the epidemic, and the frustrating struggles of rape survivors fighting for justice. Click here to find out how you can see the movie, including on Netflix.

Click here to contact your Senators and let them know you support an amendment to the Uniform Code of Military Justice. 

Our friend and colleague, Susan Loubet of New Mexico Women’s Agenda, and who practically lives at the State Capitol during the session in order to keep us all informed on the legislation that is of particular importance to advancing women and girls, has filed the following report:

1. The Governor signed HB 304 (Rep. Chasey) regarding Human Trafficking. The bill provides for broader protection and services for victims. Susan suggests that we all thank the Governor for signing the bill.

2. HB 300 School Excused Absences for Pregnancy-increasing the possible sick days for pregnant and parenting teens for their illnesses, or those of their children was also enacted.

3. Receiving a pocket veto, once again, was SB43 (Lopez) Treatment for Substance Abusing Pregnant women. Since it was a pocket veto, we don’t know the Governor’s reasons for vetoing this legislation, but this bill was substantially broadened and weakened from the bill that she pocket-vetoed two years ago.

4. Vetoed: Continuing funding for the Commission on the Status of Women in HB2.  Susan suggests you could comment on this also, in your message to the Governor.

That’s all for now folks! Thanks for your commitment to being informed on the issues that affect women and girls in our state!

Exciting news from Girls Inc. of Santa Fe, which is set to begin hosting a weekly radio show, on KVSF 101.5, Sunday April 7th.

Tune in to hear discussions on issues facing women and girls- past and present. Learn more about the show, broadcasting every Sunday from 11:30 a.m.- 12:00 p.m., here.

A huge congratulations to Young Women United for this success in their tireless efforts to support young parents in New Mexico.