Anita Gonzales

Anita Gonzales was born in Las Vegas, New Mexico. She attended Texas A&M University and New Mexico Highlands University for undergraduate study and he earned a degree in 2004. She earned a graduate degree from New Mexico Highlands University in 2007. Gonzales' career experience includes working as a statewide program coordinator with NM MESA, Inc., and as a regional manager with the New Mexico Hispanic Youth Institute. Her professional credentials include holding a certified meeting professional license and working with the New Mexico Public Education Department Math & Science Bureau as a member of the community collaboration committee.[1]

Gonzales has served as a chair and New Mexico delegate with the MESA USA National Engineering Design Committee, as a member with the National Science Teachers Association, with the San Miguel County Federation of Democratic Women, with Meeting Professionals International, and with the Professional Convention Management Association. She has served as a commissioner with the Acequia de Los Madres Vigiles & Grzelachowski ditch. She has volunteered with Samaritan House and the Northern New Mexico Children's Football League.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

A native New Mexican, I was born in Las Vegas, NM to both the Lopez Family of Villanueva, NM and the Gallegos Family of Las Vegas, NM. I am a mother to a 9 year old son and have worked at New Mexico Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (NM MESA), Inc for over 17 years - which empowers and motivates New Mexico's culturally diverse students with science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) enrichment. Within the community I am an active STEM and parent volunteer for Don Cecilio Elementary, a current Team Mom and volunteer for the Meadow City Havoc in the Northern New Mexico Children's Football League, a volunteer with the Samaritan House, and have served as a long-term family caretaker. I am also a Commissioner for the Acequia de los Madres Vigiles and the Grzelachowski Ditch. I am also a current member of the San Miguel Women Democrats and have served as the Regional Manager for the New Mexico Hispanic Youth Symposium.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

My love and passion to better my community has been an inspiration of why I want to run for office.My lifelong commitment to Public Service has shown that I am an advocate for the people. My experience as as educational provider has allowed me to work with all levels of students, educators, and industry throughout New Mexico.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

My main priority issues are investing in education, expanding access to healthcare, protecting our environment, building a community infrastructure, and supporting our economy. Other areas that I am personally passionate about are protecting our veterans and our elderly communities, promoting social equity, rebuilding our behavioral health system, transparency in government, and animal rights.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I have many examples of strong women, but a main influence has always been my Grandma G, Cecelia Gallegos. She was born and raised in Garita, NM in a time and place where education was not that important and educating women was even less important. None the less, she finished her school at El Rito Real School by working in the kitchen and having my great -grandmother do extra side work to afford tuition. After graduation she became a farmhouse teacher working in rural communities throughout Northern New Mexico. After marrying and while raising her children she continued to get her Masters Degree in Education. She then continued to work as a teacher at West Las Vegas Schools for many years. She valued education and left behind a legacy of strength and perseverance. If elected, I will be the first women and mother to occupy this seat. I am proud and honored to have come from a lineage of women like her, my mother, my Grandma Lopez, and my many other grandmas, aunts, and influences.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

I think every elected official has a duty to be accountable, transparent, and to be a champion for their constituency. You should have a responsibility to be informed and act in the best interest of the people.

What legacy would you like to leave?

As a legacy to my son I would like him to have been raised by a strong, intelligent, and caring mother. I want him to believe in hard work and strive for excellence in whatever he may choose to do. I want him to have a passion for something and love life. I want him to care for others and show compassion and goodwill. I want him to be a voice and an advocate for equity and the under-represented. I want him to show acceptance, tolerance, and respect. I want him to value education and community advocacy. That is my wish for my son.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Harry Potter Series because they are amazing. Over the course of many years, this series encouraged a generation of readers to enjoy literature and use their imagination to envision another reality full of many life lessons.

What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?

I think our current challenge is responding to the COVID pandemic and ensuring public health, public safety, and economic recovery. Long term, we need to seriously address diversifying our state revenue and continuing to build our educational system.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

It is extremely important to build relationships. As a legislator it is your responsibility to advocate on behalf of your district and champion legislation to improve the quality of life for all residents. It is impossible to accomplish things alone and relationships are the building blocks for collaboration.

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

My best fit would be on House Education. Other interests and experience would have me suited for Agriculture & Water Resources; Energy, Environment & Natural Resources; and/or Health & Human Services.