Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: Leadership Speaker Series Inspires Change and Connection
On September 4, 2024, the Leadership Speaker Series, hosted by HPS in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, brought together a diverse group of influential leaders for an inspiring morning of conversation, collaboration, and community-building. The event, held at Tablao Flamenco in the heart of Albuquerque, embodied this year’s theme “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together.”
Moderated by Angela Serrano de Rivera, Director of Business Strategy and Projects at New Mexico Gas Company, the event featured a powerful panel of local leaders who are actively shaping the future of our state and beyond. The panel included Peter Sanchez, CEO of the Atrisco Companies; Yolanda Sanchez, PhD, Director and CEO of the University of New Mexico’s Comprehensive Cancer Center; and Kenneth Armijo, PhD, Principal Member of Technical Staff at Sandia National Laboratories. Together, they shared their stories of resilience, innovation, and the importance of collaboration in driving positive change.
A Morning of Insight and Inspiration
The event began with a warm welcome from HPS, setting the tone for a dynamic and thought-provoking discussion. Angela Serrano de Rivera’s expert moderation guided the conversation, ensuring that each panelist’s unique experiences and perspectives were highlighted.
Peter Sanchez, a leader with a long track record of success in business and community development, spoke passionately about the importance of embracing innovation while honoring cultural heritage. His work with the Atrisco Companies, a family-owned business that has grown into a significant player in the region, exemplifies how economic growth can be driven by a commitment to community and values.
Yolanda Sanchez, PhD, captivated the audience with her work at the University of New Mexico’s Comprehensive Cancer Center, where she leads groundbreaking initiatives in cancer research and patient care. She emphasized the critical role of healthcare innovation in improving lives, particularly in underserved communities, and spoke about the importance of mentoring the next generation of scientists and medical professionals.
Kenneth Armijo, PhD, shared insights from his work at Sandia National Laboratories, where he has been at the forefront of scientific research and technological advancements. His contributions to national security, energy sustainability, and technological innovation were discussed in the context of how science and technology can be harnessed to solve the challenges of tomorrow.
A Celebration of Collaboration
While the panelists each brought their individual expertise to the table, the overarching theme of the event was the power of collaboration. The conversation highlighted how community, business, healthcare, and science sectors must come together to shape a future of equity and opportunity for all. Each leader emphasized the importance of lifting others as they rise, stressing that no one can drive change alone.
The audience, a diverse group of philanthropists, community leaders, and change-makers, had the opportunity to engage with the panelists during a lively Q&A session, where questions focused on everything from overcoming challenges in leadership to fostering inclusive workplaces and communities. The energy in the room was palpable, as attendees shared their own stories of resilience and hope, and explored how they could further collaborate to amplify their collective impact.
Strengthening Connections
Beyond the powerful discussions, the event also provided an invaluable networking opportunity for attendees. We are proud to have provided a platform for forging new relationships and strengthening existing partnerships. For many, this was the start of new collaborations that will continue to drive positive change in New Mexico and beyond.
Moving Forward: Shaping the Future Together
As the event wrapped up, there was a renewed sense of purpose in the room. The stories of Peter Sanchez, Dr. Yolanda Sanchez, and Dr. Kenneth Armijo were a reminder of the critical role each of us plays in shaping the future. From business leaders to scientists, healthcare professionals, and community advocates, the event underscored the collective power we all have to create a better tomorrow.
HPS was proud to host such a meaningful event that not only celebrated the achievements of Hispanic leaders but also inspired attendees to take action. The Leadership Speaker Series once again proved that when we work together—when we connect, collaborate, and innovate—we can achieve anything.
HPS would like to thank our Event Sponsors for our 2024 Events – Sandia National Laboratories, Nusenda Credit Union, and The Atrisco Heritage Foundation.
