Gabe Gomez, our Managing Director of Marketing and Communications, leads and orchestrates comprehensive marketing and communication strategies that resonate with the UNM Foundation's mission and values.

I’m a collector of experiences, harbinger of change, frequently lost, and almost always hungry.

Five questions

1. I like: imagining what I will know tomorrow that I didn’t know today

2. I couldn’t live without: my family, strong coffee, a good pen, and a passport

3. In my free time: I cook, write, and flyfish

4. My superpower is: my endless supply of curiosity

5. I know: when to leave the party, arrive unannounced, and what wine to bring

Mario Lara, our Associate Managing Director of Marketing and Communications, serves as lead designer and ensures consistent branding throughout all Foundation collateral.

Visual, pop culture and sports enthusiast. I love to use shapes and colors to tell a story or give direction. I'm much too young at heart to be this old. No culinary skills to speak of, but I'm hopeful. Oh, and it's not a goal, it's a deadline.

Five questions

1. I like: Long runs, good music and good stories.

2. I couldn’t live without: Family, friends and ice cream.

3. In my free time: I enjoy the company of those that are dear to me. Time is precious.

4. My superpower is: I can find common ground and good conversation with just about anyone.

5. I know: That I know nothing. (Socrates quote - or at least that's what Bill and Ted said)

Janelle Iboa (pronounced Juh-nel-eee), our Digital Marketing Manager, crafts and executes digital marketing campaigns, leveraging online channels to connect effectively with our audiences.

I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in sociology with a minor in political science. My academic journey began with ambitions of law school, but life took me on an exciting detour into the world of marketing. As an intern early in my career, I embarked on a path of growth within the marketing field, which ignited my passion. Six years later, I find myself at the Foundation, serving as the Digital Marketing Manager.

In addition to her professional life, I am happily married and a proud mother to a wonderful daughter who recently celebrated her first birthday.

Five questions

1. I like: Me time; I relish the opportunity to step away from work and, occasionally, from family life. I firmly believe in the importance of self-care and eagerly anticipate carving out time just for myself every Monday.

2. I couldn’t live without: My notes. I meticulously record everything, often more than once.

3. In my free time: I enjoy spending quality time with my family. We enjoy hiking, exploring local events, and hosting cookouts.

4. My superpower is: My ability to keep my composure. Even under stressful situations I try my best to keep a clear mind.

5. I know: I can be forgetful which is why I tend to keep track of everything going on around me. Hence.. the note-taking.

Olivia Lujan, our Multimedia Specialist, breathes life into our stories, ensuring our message is visually compelling and impactful through captivating videos, graphics, and animations.

I am a designer and artist. I’m a UNM alumna with a Bachelor’s in Film & Digital media. I’ve spent the last 9 years in marketing with a focus on design and digital media. I have a strong passion for art and creativity. I love bringing people’s ideas and stories to life in a visual way.

Five questions

1. I like: Being creative and expressing myself through art.

2. I couldn’t live without: my friends and family, music, and coffee.

3. In my free time: I sell artwork at local pop ups, going to concerts and cooking.

4. My superpower is: The ability to connect to people and being able to feel my emotions and turn it into art.

5. I know: life is short so it’s important to make the most out of everyday.

Michelle McRuiz, our writer extraordinaire, creates compelling stories and content that convey our mission and captivate our audiences across various materials.

I am a writer, editor, and proofreader. In January 2023, I started Waxwing Communications, LLC after being laid off from my corporate job of eight years. For 15 years I had a side hustle as a freelance writer for UNM Foundation but quit in 2018 to focus on other interests. I’m delighted to have been asked back to the Foundation as a contractor. I have always enjoyed getting to know donors and learning what motivates them to give back to their school and community.

Five questions

1. I like: helping people achieve their goals.

2. I couldn’t live without: nature, dance, and music.

3. In my free time: I dance and DJ Argentine tango (socially, not competitively), cook, read, and watch birds.

4. My superpower is: putting myself in other people’s shoes.

5. I know: in the end, kindness is what matters above all else.

Jarid Friederick, our Webmaster, is the guardian of our online presence. With dedication, they maintain and optimize our website to keep it user-friendly, up-to-date, and a true reflection of our brand.

Five questions

1. I like: Heavy Metal

2. I couldn’t live without Homemade Double Decker Tacos & Guinness

3. In my free time: I drum.

4. My superpower is: predicting problems before they happen!

5. I know things about stuff when it matters most.