In the Spotlight: Some Enterprising Women Entrepreneurs from New Mexico
#WomenEntrepreneurs #SuccessStory #NewMexicoBiz #EmpoweringWomen #EntrepreneurialSuccess #LandOfEnchantment
Set in the picturesque landscapes of the American Southwest, New Mexico, known as the “Land of Enchantment,” exudes a unique allure that extends beyond its scenic beauty. Boasting one of the most favourable pro-business environments in the country, New Mexico offers a compelling destination for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to turn their dreams into reality.
With a tax structure tailored to support manufacturers and a diverse economy spanning industries like oil, gas, and technology, New Mexico provides a fertile ground for entrepreneurial endeavours to flourish. Amidst this backdrop, a growing cohort of women entrepreneurs is making their mark on the state’s business landscape, driving innovation, and contributing to economic growth.
Organizations such as the New Mexico chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) and Women Who Start play a pivotal role in providing women entrepreneurs with essential resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy platforms. Additionally, the Women’s Business Center of New Mexico offers valuable mentorship, training, and funding avenues, empowering women to overcome the challenges they face in the business world.
Despite the strides made, women-owned businesses in New Mexico continue to encounter obstacles ranging from a dearth of networking and mentorship opportunities to limited access to capital and challenges associated with inflation. In this article, we delve into the journey of women entrepreneurs in the Land of Enchantment, exploring their triumphs, challenges, and the support systems available to help them succeed in the dynamic business landscape of New Mexico.
The “Land of Enchantment”, New Mexico is considered to have one of the best pro- business environments in the country. Although there are several reasons why you should register a new company in New Mexico the top most is the tax structure created to support manufacturers.
New Mexico has a growing number of women entrepreneurs and business owners. The state’s economy is diverse, with a strong focus on oil, gas, and technology. This diversity has created a supportive environment for women in business to thrive. One example is the New Mexico chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), which provides resources, networking opportunities and advocacy for women entrepreneurs. Additionally, organizations like Women Who Start and the Women’s Business Center of New Mexico offer mentorship, training, and funding opportunities for women in business.
However, women-owned businesses find challenges such as a lack of networking and mentorship opportunities, access to capital, inflation and the ability to expand in the Land of Enchantment.
Here are some enterprising women entrepreneurs from New Mexico.
> Rena Reiser, Owner & Publisher of New Mexico MarketPlace and New Mexico Woman
Rena Reiser, owner and publisher of New Mexico MarketPlace and New Mexico Woman (which was launched in late 2019) had faced challenges and rewards of being a business owner.
Most people in the Albuquerque metro area, are familiar with New Mexico MarketPlace, New Mexico’s oldest and largest monthly shopper publication. The monthly magazine, New Mexico Marketplace reaches approximately two-thirds of the homes in the Albuquerque metro area. The magazine was founded in 1986 and serves as a resource guide primarily for home improvement products and services.
When she purchased New Mexico MarketPlace in 2018, it was a successful business already in operation. And the fact helped that she was focused on wanting to make her own mark and create something new of her own.
> Monica Jojola, President, Founder CEO of Montech Inc
Monica Jojola is the President & Founder CEO of Montech Inc. The company Montech provides program management, organizational development, training/instructional design, and strategic planning.
The impressive client list includes – US Department of the Interior; US Department of Defense; US Department of Agriculture; US Department of Energy, and nation-wide Defense contractors – our partners. Montech is a certified SBA 8(a), Woman Owned Small Business, and 100 percent American Indian-owned Corporation located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. (Visit Montech: www.montech-inc.com).
> LaNysha Adams, award-winning Author of “Me Power” & Founder of Edlinguist Solutions
Dr. LaNysha Adams was inspired to create a company that promotes educational freedom as a way for students at every educational level to showcase their “me power” for achieving success as they journey through life. This was after teaching and conducting education policy research for 15+ years.
She wears many hats. She is an author and entrepreneur who has appeared on successful literary and motivational oriented shows such as – Oprah Winfrey’s Super Soul Conversations and The Chi TV. She has also founded Edlinguist Solutions, a company that is dedicated to transforming and invigorating schools through innovative mindset interventions. Her writings include “Me Power,” which is a highly popular motivational book that encourages readers to take charge of their lives and unleash their full potential.
> Vanessa Roanhorse, Founder of Roanhorse Consulting
Vanessa Roanhorse is the Founder of Roanhorse Consulting – an indigenous think tank focused on creating positive change for Indigenous communities. It was founded in 2016.
Roanhorse Consulting works on issues such as – land management, education, health, and social justice, with a particular focus on Indigenous perspectives and solutions. Recognized for her work, she was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in 2020.
Having over 15 years of experience in public policy and advocacy, she is a member of the Navajo Nation.
> Kristelle Siarza, Founder & CEO of Siarza Digital PR & Advertising firm
Kristelle Siarza is a business executive, non-profit Founder and entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in digital communications and leadership.
In 2014, she founded Siarza Social Digital – a 360 degree digital marketing firm that pivots on innovation, curation and creativity.
She is a digital PR and advertising firm founder, who has built a company that specializes in helping businesses connect with their target audiences through content marketing and digital advertising. With over 10 years of experience in the industry, she has worked with a variety of clients in the technology and healthcare sectors.
> Susan Cornelius, Accelerate2Solutions, Principal & Founder
Drawing on over thirty years of achievements as a startup entrepreneur and ecosystem leader in the Southwest, Susan has mentored 620 startup entrepreneurs and innovators; advised 89 emerging high-tech, bio-tech, and bio-pharma startups, and served a major role in 10 high-tech startups. Having worked in other states, Susan began her entrepreneurial career in New Mexico and is passionate about excellence, energizing others, and supporting tech start-ups in NM. Throughout her career, she has successfully recruited and mentored women in tech as both leaders and members of tech startup teams. In Susan’s words, “My pathway was unusual. I have always been the first woman in every position I have held and reached over to
bring the next woman with me. I am a woman in technology.”