Grantmaking Updates

In this current political moment, we are grateful for the decades of organizing and advocacy work that has resulted in a New Mexico where the rights of women, girls, and gender nonconforming folks are protected, safe, and valued. Yet, we know there is more work to do, and many policies to defend. NMW.O is committed to supporting New Mexico’s movement leaders and ecosystem through our inaugural Gender Justice and Healing Advocacy grantmaking program.

This new grant program represents more than just funding; it is an investment in visionary organizations that lead with courage, strategy, and care, to build power and create change.

Continue reading to learn more about the advocacy grantmaking program, our fall grantmaking updates, and our wonderful new staff members!

At its heart, the Gender Justice and Healing Advocacy program is grounded in collective care, long-term transformation, and intersectional policy priorities. It recognizes that healing and collective care practices are approached in a variety of ways and require long term investment.

The inaugural Gender Justice and Healing Advocacy Grantmaking cohort includes the following partners:

These organizations were selected for their demonstrated leadership in advancing policy priorities and their use of multiple approaches to building power. We are proud to invest in their work and look forward to supporting, witnessing, and celebrating their efforts.

This fall marks the 8th year of NMW.O's Gender Justice Grantmaking, a continued commitment to advancing gender and racial justice across New Mexico. These grants prioritize organizations and initiatives led by and for cis and trans women and girls of color, gender-nonconforming individuals, and immigrant, low-income, and rural communities.

Additionally, this year we celebrate the 6th year of the Adolescent Girls of Color (AGOC) Fall Grantmaking. This grant program supports organizations working with and for girls and gender-expansive youth of color to connect, build power, and engage in healing.

To explore the full list of organizations supported through our multi-year grantmaking programs, visit our website.

Please join us in welcoming Gwen O’Hearn, our new Administrative Assistant, and Rachel Rodriguez, our new Development Director.

Gwen O’Hearn

Administrative Assistant

Gwen grew up in Utah and Arizona and joins us with a rich background in learning design, having previously served as the eLearning Program Manager for the Human Rights Campaign Foundation in Washington, D.C. As a nonbinary transfemme and former public-school teacher, Gwen brings a deep commitment to gender justice and a strong belief in the power of conversation and education to foster culture change. In their spare time, they enjoy watching independent films, creating visual art, and exploring the Southwest through hiking and road trips.

Rachel Rodriguez

Development Director

Rachel has lived in eight states but has called New Mexico home for the past 20 years. With a career spanning 30 years across various schools and nonprofits, Rachel is excited to harness her experience to amplify NMW.O’s work in gender justice and healing. She holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) and a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Syracuse University, where she focused on nonprofit administration and conflict resolution, as well as a BA in English from Colorado College. Outside the office, you can find Rachel exploring Albuquerque’s cycling trails, savoring moments with her family, or diving into a good book.

As the only fund of its kind in the state, NewMexicoWomen.Org supports organizations and movement leaders across New Mexico working toward a just and sustainable future for women, girls, and gender nonconforming folks in our communities.

Our collective creativity, strength, and determination are required to meet the challenges ahead of us. We value your support and partnership and could not do this critical work without you.

Make a Gift Today!

With gratitude and solidarity,

Sarah Ghiorse

President & CEO, NMW.O

NEWMEXICOWOMEN.ORG I 505-750-1732