Kelly Kenneth (Zuni Pueblo/Navajo) is from Zuni, NM. She graduated with her B.A. in Criminology from UNM and is in her final year of obtaining a master’s degree in Public Administration. Kelly began working for UNM as a student and staff employee at Residence Life & Student Housing and is currently working with UNM Information Technologies providing technical support for Institutional Support Services. After graduation, Kelly will continue her service to UNM and plans to explore leadership careers in the public sector. Kelly cares about helping others and feels that diversity in leadership is necessary for successfully fulfilling the mission of serving the public with integrity. Outside of her studies and work, she enjoys spending time with loved ones, traveling, and being outdoors.

Ghada Zribi is a Tunisian second-year MPA student with over seven year experience working for various national and international institutions. She holds a BA in Humanities and an MA in English for Communications. Ghada is the founder of a nonprofit named iBuild Africa, but currently works as a Program Coordinator in The Global Education Office (GEO) where she leads communications and manages the “the Lobo Friend Mentorship Program. As a Vice President, Ghada is looking forward to serving MPA graduates with the best of her capabilities and representing students’ interests and concerns in the decision-making process.

David C. Saavedra (He/Him/His) is a native New Mexican, born and raised in Grants, NM. He holds a B.A. in Public Communications with a minor in Business Administration obtained from the University of New Mexico. David is a first-year graduate student working toward obtaining a Master Degree in Public Administration from the School of Public Administration at the University of New Mexico. David’s interest in the public sector was sparked by the desire to make a difference and be impactful. As secretary, David looks forward to working with the School of Public Administration on behalf of the student body.

Linda Jones is enrolled in the School of Public Administration, Master’s Program. Working in higher education for 15 years, she is resourceful and works collaboratively to inform and engage others throughout the campus community. With her passion to learn, grow and share resources and knowledge with others the outcome is results based. She will look to promote and incorporate opportunities of beneficial value and growth for an enriched future for a stronger and unified campus environment.

Nicholas is in his second year in the MPA program at UNM and expects to finish in May 2022. Nicholas has been married to the love of his life, Edith, since 2017. Originally from Albuquerque, Nicholas earned his B.A. in Political Science; Law Emphasis, and Minor in Native American and Hispano Cultural Studies from New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas, NM in 2011. Nicholas has a variety of experience with having worked for the New Mexico State Legislature, in Congressional political campaigns, and spent 2 years as the Administrator for the Village of Questa in NM. Currently, he works for Congressman Ben R. Lujan as a Field Representative for Congressional District 3. Nicholas has volunteered with Tierra Encantada Charter School, located in Santa Fe, NM since 2012 and continues to serve on the TECS Governance Board since 2014.

Feliz (she/her/hers/ella) recently moved back to Albuquerque in the Summer of 2019 with her husband, Felipe, and their two dogs, Nala and Hurley. Feliz holds a BA in Sociology and Anthropology from Middlebury College in Vermont where she focused on Critical Race Theory and Gender. Feliz decided to pursue a MPA due to its wide range of applicability and her interests in how organizational systems function and how we can continue to invest and maintain professionals from marginalized populations, specifically women of color, in a variety of professional roles. She is the first in her family to graduate from a four-year college and will be the first in her family to receive a master’s degree. Feliz is excited to join the PAGSA executive board as the Event Planner and Public Relations Representative and she looks forward to connecting with many of you during her time here.