Seeking to understand who we are, who we were and who we aspire to be.
Meet OUR Board of Directors
At the heart of the New Mexico Humanities Council lies the guidance and vision of our esteemed Board of Directors.
Our board members enrich NMHC by contributing their expertise in such areas as the law, library science, languages, literature, historic preservation, philanthropy and creative communications to the organization.
We are privileged to have such an exceptional group of community members serving as our Board. These individuals generously volunteer their time, talents, energy and collective wisdom for the benefit of the New Mexico Humanities Council.
The Board is responsible for providing effective oversight of NMHC operations and financial assets. This includes the approval of the annual budget, audit reports, financial statements and US Government IRS Tax Form 990. Our Board members serve on different committees, bringing unique perspectives, skills and areas of expertise to their governance. Their guidance is instrumental in shaping policies and strategies that have a lasting positive impact on our state, our communities and our individual lives.
About Fabian
- Artist, educator, Flamenco dancer and choreographer
- Located in Albuquerque, N.M.
- Term: 1/2022 - 12/2027
Fabian E. Sisneros, Board Chair
What drew you to the public humanities or NMHC?
“The initial draw to NMHC began with a simple invitation by a previous board member. So it is more accurate to say that it is not what I was drawn to but, rather, to speak of who it was that drew me to NMHC. This is an important distinction to make. When I consider the mission of the NMHC, it is incumbent on me to remember that my involvement with NMHC began with a relationship with others in my local arts community. As a board member, I will do my best to remember that a council dedicated to the humanities must be engaged with the communities it serves.”
About Myrriah
- Associate Professor, Honors College the University of New Mexico
- Located in Los Lunas, N.M.
- Term: 1/2023 - 12/2028
Myrriah Gómez, Vice Chair
How does NMHC's mission and work motivate you?
“I am motivated by NMHC’s mission to make projects and programs by diverse people accessible to all New Mexicans, especially those in rural areas. I want to engage in the exciting dialogues happening around the humanities throughout New Mexico and also expose broader national and international audiences to the amazing work being done in and about New Mexico. NMHC is supporting hugely successful projects already, but I want to help make the application process more accessible to people who may not have the tools or experience to complete the current application.”
About Chelsea
- Library Director, Socorro Public Library
- Located in Socorro, N.M.
- Term: 06/2023 – 12/2029
Chelsea Jones, Board Treasurer
Why did you join the board?
“The New Mexico Humanities Council mission resonates with me and the enriching interactions I’ve experienced in my career. I enjoy exploring the diverse human perspectives that the humanities programs provide. The council motivates me to conduct a deeper reflection of my community programs to advance the connections Socorro has with its history and culture.”
About Jonatha
- MFA Lecturer III; Honors College, University of New Mexico
- Located in Albuquerque, N.M.
- Term: 1/2022 - 12/2027
Jonatha Kottler, Board Secretary
Why did you join the board?
“NMHC’s mission to create inclusive conversations about the humanities in New Mexico is very inspiring to me. My work in the Honors College at the University of New Mexico is all about helping students to deepen their thoughts, be clearer, think critically, and celebrate the many different ways that we share our world. Through Socratic seminars, active learning, and creative expression, we learn together and express our diverse ideas. The things that I can help to nurture in a classroom are the same values that NMHC supports all around the state. Through support of different humanities, such as film, history, storytelling, visual arts, dance, and music the Council ensures that all New Mexicans have access to the greatest kinds of human expression. During the time that I have served on the Board, I’ve learned so much about the many ways in which New Mexicans express themselves and share what is most important to them. It’s such an honor to be able to help the Council in their work.”
About Deirdre
- Public Defender
- Located in Albuquerque, N.M.
- Term: 1/2022 - 12/2027
DEIRDRE EWING, Board Member
WHY did you join the board?
“One of the greatest things about living in New Mexico is its rich history and diverse cultural heritage. As a member of the board of the New Mexico Humanities Council, I feel privileged to have the ability to contribute to its mission of enhancing the civic and cultural life of our state and particularly providing easy access to outstanding Humanities programs throughout New Mexico. Since joining the board, I’ve learned about programs and history that I had no idea existed and that I’m always excited to share with others. The Council’s commitment to supporting projects in all areas of the state and not just its urban centers is particularly important to me, as the people and the heritage of our more rural communities are such an important part of what makes New Mexico, New Mexico.”
About Sharon
- Author, journalist, and photographer
- Located in Albuquerque, N.M.
- Term: 1/2022 - 12/2027
Sharon Niederman, Board Member
Why did you join the board?
“I was honored to be selected to serve on the NMHC board as the organization has made and continues to make a tremendous impact in my life, and I welcome the opportunity to ‘give back.’ It provides rich, stimulating ‘lifelong learning’ for New Mexicans and remains an ongoing source of pride and knowledge of our state. It delivers an eye-opening forum of critical thinking as it gives context to issues of our time in a way that encourages a full spectrum of belief and expression. The NMHC offered support for my first book, ‘A Quilt of Words,’ and later, as a member of the Speakers Bureau, I had the opportunity to interact with New Mexicans from Silver City to Farmington.
“I especially like the organization’s focus on values and the interweaving of multiple points of view and issues. The community is constantly at the forefront of program selection, development, and presentation.
“It is a delight to work with the board and staff on delivering consistently quality public programming while supporting local institutions and helping them prosper.”
About Sommer
- Creative Director
- Located in Albuquerque, N.M.
- Term: 1/2022 - 12/2027
Sommer Betlej, Board Member
Why did you choose board membership with the NMHC?
“I was born to creative parents in semi-rural New Mexico and the humanities here have been an important part of my life and upbringing. I support the council’s work to enliven and share the spirit of the humanities with people across the state. I feel deeply connected to the mission of helping us to understand who we are, who we were and who we aspire to be.”
About Melanie
- Director, Fort Sumner Library
- Located in Fort Sumner, N.M.
- Term: 1/2025 - 12/2027
Melanie Ratliff, Board Member
Why did you join the board?
“My grandmother was an oil painter, a lover of history, culture, the arts, and experiences. I didn’t know it was humanities, I just knew it was interesting, and fun, and important for people to know and learn about what makes us who we are in this unique state. I love the NMHC Speakers Bureau and what it brings to our rural community. It’s the opportunity to hear more stories and get in as many of the current 55 tribal and rural libraries and rural schools. This is such an important mission, I want more people to know about the NMHC and to utilize all it has to offer.“
Interested in Joining the NMHC Board of Directors?
The New Mexico Humanities Council accepts nominations for the Board of Directors year-round. The Board is made up of members who share a strong interest in the humanities and a commitment to enhancing the cultural and civic life of the state. We seek leaders with strong knowledge of the cultural nonprofit sector in New Mexico and a commitment to our mission who represent diverse educational backgrounds, geographical, racial, ethnic, occupational, and generational constituencies. At this time we are particularly seeking board members with skills in human resources, finance and fundraising.
The board sets policy, determines NMHC’s goals and objectives both operational and programmatic, evaluates grant applications, and fundraises. Each board member serves a three-year, renewable term. To ensure continuity, terms are staggered so a portion of its members are replaced each year. All service is voluntary but compensation will be given for travel and lodging associated with NMHC board meetings.
Interested candidates must be willing to commit to the following terms of service.
- Have an understanding of and passion for the public humanities.
- Commit to serve a 3-year term.
- Board members should attend meetings regularly.
- Board members should contribute financially.
- Approve grant awards and serve on committees as appointed.
- Attend NMHC-funded programs.
- Contribute to program development, review and approve NMHC policy and procedures.
If you are interested in nominating yourself and/or someone else, please send a resume no longer than 3 pages in addition to a letter of interest expressing reasons why you would like to serve on the New Mexico Humanities Council Board. Please send a resume and letter to our mailing address at P.O. Box 4007, Albuquerque, NM 87196 and made to the “Attn” of the Acting Executive Director, Michelle Quisenberry.