Teresa Quintana

Teresa Quintana is the Vice President for the Office of Economic Empowerment with HELP New Mexico, Inc., and a Cum Laude graduate from the University of New Mexico. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Education with a Concentration in Family Studies. Teresa is currently enrolled at Grand Canyon University working on her MPA.  She has thirteen years of experience with project and grant management. Presently, overseeing and implementing programming for multiple grants that encompass workforce development, housing, food insecurity, community emergency response, and senior and youth programs.

Teresa is from the Pueblo of Cochiti, San Felipe and has a Hispanic heritage as well. She is deeply rooted in the culture of her home in Cochiti Pueblo, where she and her husband have built their family foundation. In her capacity at HELPNM she is able to identify the disparities found in rural and indigenous communities. Providing meaningful programming that supports sustainability among our most vulnerable populations has significance. The organization is able to support pathways to education, higher-wage jobs and economic growth. Working with HELP New Mexico, Inc. brings her fulfillment by allowing her to work alongside those who share the passion to serve our communities.

In your role as a board member, why do you support KCLC’s mission?

“Being involved with KCLC has been a part of my life since it was a dream of the founder, Trisha Moquino. I believed and saw the need for such a program and how amazing for it to be housed in our Pueblo. As we see our community struggling with language revitalization, the concept of teaching children and families at the onset of a child’s education pathway, builds a culturally rooted and holistic approach to education. As a Board Member, I will be able to strengthen my knowledge of the system which KCLC operates. This will elevate my understanding and will give power to my voice in advocacy for all Indigenous communities and their efforts to provide cultural and sustainable educational opportunities for our youth.”