¡Felicitaciones a todos los estudiantes!

Larry A. Chávez

2026 Scholarship Recipients

President of the Year Award - Amanda Aragon, Executive Director of NewMexicoKidsCAN

Amanda Aragon is the Executive Director and founder of NewMexicoKidsCAN, a statewide education advocacy organization dedicated to ensuring every New Mexico child has access to a high-quality education. Since launching the organization in 2018, Amanda has worked alongside educators, families, policymakers, and community leaders to advance policies that improve educational opportunity and student outcomes across the state.

A passionate advocate for New Mexico students and communities, Amanda is deeply engaged in civic and philanthropic leadership throughout Albuquerque. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce, the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Albuquerque Community Foundation’s Future Fund and Community Impact Committees. She also serves on the board of the Albuquerque Collegiate Charter School Foundation. 

Amanda’s commitment to education advocacy was shaped through her work as director of strategic outreach for the New Mexico Public Education Department, where she saw firsthand both the challenges and opportunities facing students and families across the state.

Prior to her work in public service and education advocacy, Amanda spent six years in the energy sector with ConocoPhillips, serving in leadership roles in Houston and New Mexico, including director of stakeholder relations for the state. During that time, she completed the Leadership New Mexico Connect program and was recognized by Albuquerque Business First as one of the top business professionals under 30.

Born and raised in Albuquerque, Amanda graduated from Rio Rancho High School before attending the University of Tulsa, where she earned degrees in international business and Spanish, becoming the first person in her family to graduate from college.

Educator of the Year Award - Rae Lynn Dooley, Principal of Barcelona Academy

Rae ha dedicado los últimos 18 años a servir a los estudiantes y las familias de las Escuelas Públicas de Albuquerque. A lo largo de su trayectoria profesional, ha buscado intencionadamente experiencias de liderazgo que le proporcionen una comprensión integral del recorrido educativo, desde la primera infancia hasta la graduación de la escuela secundaria.

She began her career as a high school English teacher and has served in a variety of leadership roles, including Special Education Assistant Principal at West Mesa High School and former Principal of Barcelona Elementary School. These experiences deepened her commitment to inclusive practices, equity-focused leadership, and ensuring every student has access to meaningful opportunities for success. Her work centers on supporting students furthest from opportunity while building systems that promote belonging, achievement, and high expectations for all.

Defensora acérrima de la educación bilingüe, las prácticas culturalmente sensibles y el progreso educativo de la comunidad latina, el liderazgo de Rae se ve reforzado por su participación en ALAS de Nuevo México, donde colabora con otros educadores para promover la igualdad de oportunidades y el desarrollo del liderazgo. Cree firmemente que las escuelas prosperan cuando valoran las fortalezas, las identidades y las voces de las comunidades a las que sirven, y mantiene su compromiso de preparar a los estudiantes para el éxito en la universidad, la vida profesional y personal.

Ponente invitado: Dr. Nathan Roybal, Retina Consultants of New Mexico

Dr. C. Nathaniel Roybal is a board-certified vitreoretinal surgeon, healthcare executive, and New Mexico native dedicated to advancing the well-being of communities across the state. Born in Las Vegas, New Mexico, and raised in Mora, he brings both deep local roots and a strong sense of responsibility to serve and represent New Mexico.

Como fundador y director ejecutivo de Retina Consultants of New Mexico, el Dr. Roybal ha consolidado una práctica especializada líder, centrada en brindar atención retiniana accesible y de alta calidad. Además de su labor clínica, participa activamente en la comunidad sanitaria del estado, habiendo sido presidente de la Greater Albuquerque Medical Association y miembro del Consejo de la New Mexico Medical Society, donde ha contribuido a iniciativas que benefician tanto a pacientes como a profesionales de la salud.

Respected as both a physician and a leader, Dr. Roybal has received multiple recognition for his contributions to medicine, advocacy, and community engagement. Whether working with patients, colleagues, or community partners, he is known for his ability to connect with people from all backgrounds and ensure every voice is heard.

El Dr. Roybal mantiene su compromiso de impulsar el progreso de Nuevo México a través del liderazgo, la colaboración y el servicio, guiado por una fe genuina en la gente y el futuro del estado.