Board of Directors

President

Julisa Rodriguez is a Senior Fiscal Analyst at the New Mexico Legislative Finance Committee, which provides the legislature with fiscal and public policy analyses and recommendations. Julisa attended the University of New Mexico, and joined YPA because it is a catalyst for leaders to work towards a better city.

Vice President

Gabe Gallegos is a seasoned media & communications strategist based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. As Strategy & Partnerships Manager, Gabe develops winning communications strategies and campaign insights for our clients, in addition to building new relationships with partners & projects around the U.S. Previously, he was an integrated media planner and digital media specialist at Basis Technologies, an advertising technology company based in Chicago, where he advised national cause-based organizations on digital marketing strategies. He began his career at SUNNY505, working his way up to serve as Media Director – leading paid media initiatives for clients such as New Mexico Census, New Mexico Secretary of State, and The Education Trust Board of Mexico.

Past President

Jay Shah received his MBA from UNM in 2018 and is the Director of Marketing at Bath Experts. Jay is a board member of Asian Business Collaborative and the UNM Anderson Alumni Council. Jay has been featured in ABF's 'New Mexicans to Know' Piece as a local leader, named a Forty Under 40 Winner of 2022 by Pro Remodeler Magazine, published 'Financial Literacy for Immigrants & Refugees', and spoke at Professional Remodeler Magazine’s Extreme Lead Gen Summit.

Secretary

Marcela, born in Cuauhtémoc, Chihuahua, Mexico, and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a proud alumna of the University of New Mexico, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Communications. She is an emerging community relations professional with a strong background in multi-sector engagement and strategic programming. Currently, Marcela is the Special Programs Coordinator at WESST, a nonprofit established in 1988 that supports New Mexico’s economic growth through small business development. At WESST, Marcela plays a significant role in advancing state-wide programs aimed at fostering entrepreneurial success. Beyond her professional role, Marcela is deeply committed to civic engagement and ongoing personal and professional growth. She actively volunteers and mentors through various organizations, serving as a board member of Young Professionals of Albuquerque and MANA de Albuquerque, a Latina mentorship organization.

Marketing Chair

Adam Biederwolf is the Director of Brokerage Services at Colliers New Mexico-El Paso, where he oversees research and marketing and helps support company operations. He received his MBA from the University of New Mexico in 2022 and is passionate about marketing, business development, and community building. Aside from YPA, Adam is a member of the Young Leaders Society of United Way and has served on various boards such as New Mexico Press Women and the Anderson School of Management Advisory Board.

Treasurer

Arturo H. Lozoya III is an Engagement Specialist at Nusenda Credit Union. Arturo specializes in small business development and financial literacy. Arturo graduated from UNM with his BBA in Entrepreneurship. Arturo also serves as the President for the UNM Young Alumni Board. With a love for community and entrepreneurship, he hopes to build partnerships that continue to shine a light in Albuquerque.

Social Media Chair

Brianna Salazar has been in the residential loan industry for eight years, beginning her career in 2016 and becoming a licensed loan originator in 2021. Passionate about helping people achieve homeownership, she works closely with homebuyers to navigate the loan process. Brianna is also on the board of the Women's Council of Realtors Albuquerque, demonstrating her commitment to the community.

Social Chair

With a nine-year tenure at the Bureau of Trust Funds Administration (BTFA), Ashkii has been a key figure in supporting the Department of the Interior's trust responsibilities, offering fiduciary guidance, management, and leadership for Native American land held in Tribal Trust. In addition to Federal government service, Ashkii is the owner of La Flora Floristry, a flourishing wedding and event floral business. Ashkii's academic foundation is rooted in Communications, having studied this field at the University of New Mexico.

Community Engagement Chair

Olin Ellsworth is a volunteer enthusiast, deeply committed to his community and the world of real estate. “OJ,” as he’s known, is an Associate Broker for Realty One of New Mexico with several years of experience in the field. In addition to helping many locals find their ideal home, his dedication to the community has been demonstrated by long standing commitments to local organizations and a history of volunteer service to others. He proudly serves as a board member of the Duke City Marathon and is an Alumni Advisor to El Paso Kappa Sigma Fraternity. OJ has been elected as the Community Engagement Chair, and he’s looking forward to helping YPA members make strong connections with, and in support of, local community organizations.

Membership Chair

Gabriela is a Recruiter for TriCore Reference Laboratories with a passion for connecting talented individuals to their dream careers in healthcare. With a keen eye for identifying top talent, Gabriela excels in attending job fairs and spearheading recruitment efforts to attract and secure the best candidates. Gabriela is a proud graduate of the University of New Mexico and a Chi Omega Alumnae. Gabriela is looking forward to connecting with YPA new members and creating memories along the way. 

Member At-Large & City Wide Mixer Chair

Alyc Montoya is a district sales coordinator for the American Family Life Assurance Company (AFLAC). He is enthusiastic about helping local businesses overcome today’s challenges in the workforce, such as: retaining and attracting talent, lowering costs, and creating morale. He hopes to translate his business sense to helping YPA grow with professionals that want be involved in the community, develop leadership skills, and make some friends along the way.

Professional Development Chair

Kenneth (Ken) Shiau is an attorney and the founder of Melete Legal, a business law firm in Albuquerque focused on small companies and entrepreneurs. Ken is a board director with the Young Lawyers Division of the state bar where he develops programming aimed at encouraging mental and physical wellness for young attorneys. Originally from San Antonio, TX, Ken obtained his law degree from the University of Colorado Law School after attending college at the University of Texas at Austin.