Procurement Matchmaking
Celebrating the students, educators, and leaders shaping New Mexico's future. View highlights from the Education Excellence Scholarship Awards Ceremony and explore the photo gallery.
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The Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce Foundation proudly celebrated the next generation of leaders on June 4, 2026, awarding approximately $162,000 in scholarships to 132 students from across New Mexico through its Excellence in Education Scholarship Program.
Now in its 39th year, the program has awarded more than $3 million in scholarships, helping students pursue higher education while investing in the future of New Mexico's workforce, businesses, and communities.
Education has long been at the heart of the Chamber's mission. Through the support of Chamber members, corporate partners, and community leaders, the Foundation continues to create opportunities for students to achieve their academic and professional goals.
"The backbone of America's economy is made up of small to mid-size businesses. Businesses of the future will be dreamed up by the students we help today," said Ernie C'deBaca, President and CEO of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce. "We stand on the path left to us by our Chamber's founders, and that path was forged in education and supporting young leaders."
Scholarship funding is made possible through the Foundation's annual Golf Classic fundraiser, where proceeds directly support student scholarships. The Foundation's Education Committee, chaired by Michael Archibeque, reviewed more than 175 applications and selected this year's recipients based on academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, and future aspirations.
The Excellence in Education Scholarship Program is strengthened each year through the generosity of sponsors who share the Chamber's commitment to student success. This year's event was sponsored by Larry A. Chavez, alongside dozens of scholarship sponsors representing businesses, organizations, and individuals from across New Mexico.
In addition to traditional scholarships, the Foundation honored the legacies of several distinguished Chamber leaders through memorial scholarships awarded in the names of Jennifer Riordan, Loretta Armenta, Ken Sanchez, Carlo Lucero, and Shelia Garcia. These scholarships recognize students who embody the values of leadership, service, and dedication to community that each of these individuals exemplified.
As the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber Foundation continues its mission of supporting educational advancement, the impact of this year's scholarship recipients will extend far beyond the classroom. These students represent the future innovators, entrepreneurs, educators, healthcare professionals, and community leaders who will help shape New Mexico for generations to come.
Relive the celebration and view photos from the 2026 Excellence in Education Scholarship Awards Ceremony in our online photo gallery.
Business Person of The Year
Paul Chavez, a lifelong Albuquerque native, grew up in the family business — Apache Construction/Valley Fence — starting work as soon as he could reach the tool bench. A graduate of Sandia View Academy, he credits the school with helping guide him away from negative paths and toward purpose. After attending UNM, Paul officially committed to the family company, where he has proudly served the South Valley community and maintained strong involvement with the Hispano Chamber of Commerce. Married to his wife Angela since 1976, with children and grandchildren he adores, Paul is now transitioning the business to the next generation — including his son Tyler — and looking forward to retirement filled with travel, family time, and the occasional improved golf swing.
Tyler Chavez
is a proud graduate of Southwestern Adventist University, earning his bachelor’s degree in 2011 and MBA in 2013, the same year he married his wife, Taylor. Together they are raising their son, Henry, and hoping to grow their family. Tyler joined Valley Fence full-time in 2013 and became General Manager in 2018, honored to continue the legacy established by his father, Paul, as a third-generation leader in the making. He has also been an active member of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce executive board since 2021 and remains committed to supporting the chamber and the community it serves.
NEWS!
Ribbon-Cutting and Grand Opening Ceremony of
U.S. Commercial Service Office at Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce
WASHINGTON - On Wednesday, November 8, 2023, the International Trade Administration’s (ITA) U.S. Commercial Service and the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon-cutting and grand opening ceremony for the U.S. Commercial Service New Mexico Office in Albuquerque.
Strategically located inside the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce, the new location for the U.S. Commercial Service New Mexico will be the first time that the U.S. Commercial Service has co-located with a member office of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. The new office in downtown Albuquerque will serve New Mexico’s vibrant business community, as well as allow for increased collaboration with Chamber’s members, which include several diverse small and medium-sized businesses.
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Hispano & Community Events
Why People Believe in Us
Official Airlines of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber
“The connections that I’ve made with the small business and governmental communities are priceless. I have said it before and I’ll say it again, my success as an entrepreneur has been greatly elevated due to my involvement with the chamber.”
Erin Gandara, Elevar Business Advisors
“This was a great Procurement Series. I’ve attended other training sessions from WESST, but this Series was by far the best.”
Florence Cunningham, Geode Corp
“As a member, and working with the Chamber, it has provided us valuable resources and long lasting business relationships.
I am grateful for the assistance they have provided to us throughout the years.”
Sonia Armijo, PC Place II
“That was so much fun, I really enjoyed how you are always thinking about how we can meet new people in a creative way!”
Annabelle Romero | Sr. Mortgage Specialist
“You're doing great creating/hosting events, keeping members active, and providing the support you do within the community through the chamber. I really appreciate it!”
Tucker Vensel | Business Development Representative
“Kiana, that was such a great, unique idea! I really liked it. Thanks for putting this together, I'm looking forward to doing more stuff like this in the future!”
Ryan Washburn | Risk Consultant
Community Partners
