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Lessons from the Creek, the Classroom, and the Community: Meet Amanda Reyes, Director of Financial Capability at Nusenda Credit Union
In celebration of Women's Histoy Month, we honored to feature Amanda Reyes, Director of Financial Capability at Nusenda Credit Union.
What's your personal story?
I was born and raised in a rural community in Salcha, Alaska, attending the only school, Salcha Elementary, a K-6 gem that still hovers around 70 students. Bussed into the Air Force Base for 7-12th grade, I was a mediocre athlete, active in school activities, Girl Scouts, and my church. Salcha was a beautiful place to grow up, where every day was a lesson in diligence, problem-solving, showing up as a neighbor, and learning to be a good person. Living in Alaska is hard work and not one I would recommend attempting alone. By high school, my mother worked in education and volunteered for numerous organizations, while my father was a heavy equipment operator on the base and a volunteer medic. My family was adventurous on a tight budget, but giving of time, talent, and financial gifts.
I attended the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque for college, where I remain. UNM’s El Centro de la Raza welcomed me and became the core of my community, building relationships that exist today. Earning a Bachelor of Undergraduate Studies, I eventually was called to education, earning my teaching credentials and Master of Arts: Special Education, Inclusive Practices for the Linguistically and Culturally Diverse Learner in 2002. I also engaged in advocacy and community impact work though Lambda Theta Alpha, Latin Sorority, Inc., as a founding chapter sister and in various leadership roles until my 30’s.
I never returned to Alaska to live, though it had been my original plan. I fell in love with my NM community, the rich culture, and eventually, my husband. Our oldest daughter is a recent high school graduate, who will be attending a NM college this fall, middle daughter is attending the legacy high school of her sister and father, and the youngest, our son, will complete his final year of elementary. My children have a foundation of bilingual programs through the public school system, though did not continue after elementary. In NM, it is also a constitutional right to access these programs. I have primarily worked in schools that offered a bilingual strand, so my children could attend school with me, or in our neighborhood community. I live and work in many of the communities I serve. Every few years, I bring my family home to our cabin in Alaska, to spend time with the rest of my family and to be immersed in the culture and community of my childhood.
In my first career, I was primarily a special education teacher, preferring to team teach with general education teachers, but also serving gifted and twice-exceptional students in English or bilingual programs. Receiving my Educational Specialist (Ed. S.) and school administration license, while working in the International District at the first elementary redesigned in NM, I continued teaching and joined a team facilitated by Dual Language Education New Mexico (DLENM) to become an OCDE Project GLAD® NTC Agency Trainer. Reengaged in teaching, I could better serve students who are newcomers, refugees, English Language Learners, and even students with disabilities impacted by language systems, work that I continue when possible. Later, I became an Assistant principal, leading special education, state pre-K, and Community School program initiatives, while overseeing facilities and providing whole-person support for the school staff.
I began to teach teachers and teacher candidates in the Alternative Licensure Certificate program at Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) as and continue to do so as part-time faculty.
I’ve loved each role in education, but I realized program development and sustainability was my true calling and applied at my local credit union, Nusenda, in the fall of 2019 as the Director of Financial Capability, a fully-funded position to engage school, college, and community organizations through financial education. I brought my strengths to the table and was officially hired the week after the world shut down from COVID, balancing closing the school year (such as teacher evaluations) and the school (building and resource materials), with transition to learning a new career, leaving behind 16 years in the same school district.
My current role builds on the strengths and opportunities of the past, while listening to community members, students, and faculty across the state of New Mexico, and now, into El Paso, TX. It is incredible and humbling work that involves a collaboration across communities, authenticity, and daily learning. I teach in and co-build dual credit enrollment classes, facilitate presentations or learning experiences in a variety of settings, and work with brilliant people at Nusenda and across the networks, to design and enhance new curricular resources or processes. When possible, I collaborate to train educators, strategize with school or college administrative teams, connect educational resources to people or organizations, and identify gaps that have greater impact on individuals with fewer resources, learning English, or with a disability.
Through Nusenda, I’m grateful to serve as President of the Golden Apple Foundation of New Mexico, which was established in the early 90’s to celebrate educators and extend professional development opportunities. I also recently joined the Board of Technology Leadership Academy, a charter school serving the International District, with a focus on project-based learning, infusing social emotional health and service to community within the academic day.
What key moments in your life led you to where you are today?
There have been many pivotal moments to note that build the story of where I am and what I believe today. The (closed) adoption of my brother from Columbia, and (open) adoption of my sister from Artic Village, AK, which occurred less than 6 months apart, bring our family of four, to six, living in a 1000 square foot cabin.
In junior high and high school, traveling to Russia and Japan through sister city exchanges and hosting individuals from these same locations, as well as Girl Guides from Great Britain and rural Canada. We were one of the families hosting a few Russians at the time of the Soviet Coup in the 90’s.
The financial impact of multiple credit card applications, the day before college began, along with years of student loans, which led me to teaching- a career field renowned for requirements of high education, with comparatively low pay. The impact and consequences of these felt insurmountable at times.
The celebration of the pregnancy of our first child, paired with no health insurance, two vehicle and two home loans, and subsequently, very tough decisions that were initially facilitated by fear of future financial ruin.
Representing myself in foreclosure court, 9 months pregnant. Then returning to teaching 10 school days after my child was born, because my leave ran out. There was such kindness that was gifted to our family in these times of extreme stress.
The incredible wealth of learning and training I received as an educator.
The transition into a new career in the business sector during the early months of COVID.
The unexpected death of my dad.
The launch of our family food truck business.
The cycle of celebrations: the quinceañeras, graduations, births, deaths, and the celebrations we have not yet named or created.
Where does your passion to serve come from?
My family and my foundation. Service to others was deeply instilled by my parents. My mother continues to be an exceptional model of service to family and community. My community, specifically the network of incredible women who have provided love, guidance, and leadership.
How can GlobalMindED help you reach your goals?
I was referred to GlobalMindED by a colleague at the credit union. I was enthralled with the newsletters, community leaders, and the community impact of individuals, catalyzed through this organization. Already, GlobalMindED has been an educational resource to build up my knowledge base of business and systems outside if New Mexico and Alaska, while still meeting my personal requirement for values-aligned personal learning. In my first two years, I participated in as many webinars as possible and look forward to each newsletter. On a larger scale, I hope to connect with and learn from people and programs. I may not have the knowledge or resources, but GlobalMindED brings education, resources, and future opportunities into one storehouse. My long-term goal is to expand my network in a way that positively impacts my family and the communities I serve.
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