Transform the Norm - Transform Education NM

About Transform the Norm

Transform the Norm is a youth-led podcast created through a powerful collaboration between Transform Education NM and the Learning Action Buffet (LAB), a youth-driven organization based in southern New Mexico.

Hosted by Marina and Tony, two passionate young advocates from the LAB, this podcast keeps education equity at the forefront of everyday conversation. Through storytelling, interviews, and honest dialogue, Transform the Norm uplifts youth voices, pushes for transformational change, and challenges the systems that continue to underserve New Mexico students.

This inaugural season dives into what it means to reimagine education across the state. Marina and Tony speak with students, education advocates, and lawmakers to explore topics like student well-being, culturally responsive classrooms, and community-led change, all through the lens of lived experience.

Future episodes will also examine the Yazzie/Martinez v. State of New Mexico court ruling and the court-ordered Remedial Action Plan, asking what meaningful implementation looks like and how students are—or are not—experiencing change in their schools.

Whether you are a student, an educator, a parent, or someone who cares about justice in education, this podcast invites you to listen, reflect, and be part of the movement to transform what is considered normal in New Mexico’s public schools.

EPISODE 1: Centering Youth Voices

In the very first episode of Transform the Norm: Stories from the Forefront of Change, youth and mentors from across New Mexico share powerful reflections on their learning journeys and their visions for a more inclusive, equitable education system.

Hosted by Marina and Tony, this conversation features voices from both the north and south, including Isabella Moya of the Learning Alliance of New Mexico, youth advocate Yohan Del Rio from Anthony, NM, youth mentor and artist Aaron Martinez from the Española Valley, and aspiring filmmaker Marisa Padilla from Alcalde. Together, they explore what it means to be seen, supported, and empowered in school—and what needs to change to make that a reality for all students.

Featured Guests
• Isabella Moya – Co-Executive Director, Learning Alliance of New Mexico
• Yohan Del Rio – Youth advocate from Anthony, NM
• Aaron Martinez – Youth mentor and artist, Moving Arts Española
• Marisa Padilla – Aspiring filmmaker and student from Alcalde, NM

Referenced in This Episode
• Yazzie/Martinez v. State of New Mexico – Remedial Action Plan (PDF)
• Learning Action Buffet (LAB)
• Moving Arts Española

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EPISODE 2: The Roundhouse is Your House

In this episode of Transform the Norm, we speak with Loretta Trujillo, Executive Director of Transform Education New Mexico, about the role of youth in reimagining public education. From the landmark Yazzie Martinez lawsuit to student-led movements like the Freedom Dreaming campaign, Loretta shares why youth voice isn’t just powerful — it is essential. As a former classroom teacher and long-time advocate, she reflects on her journey and how young people continue to lead the way toward educational justice in New Mexico.

Featured Guests
• Loretta Trujillo – Executive Director, Transform Education NM

Referenced in This Episode
• Freedom To Dream Report
• Freedom Dreaming Soundscape

EPISODE 3: Youth Voting Habits

In this episode, hosts Marina and Tony explore the complex realities shaping how young people view voting and civic participation. Through honest and deeply personal storytelling, they reflect on growing up in Southern New Mexico and discuss the generational and cultural influences that inform youth engagement today.

From questioning systems of power to unpacking how social media, community dynamics, and even family conversations impact political beliefs, this episode invites listeners to consider: What keeps young people from voting? And what could shift that?

With moments of reflection, humor, and real talk, Episode 3 creates space for dialogue on the challenges and possibilities of youth civic engagement.

Featured Guests:

Tony Cruz – Co-Host, Transform the Norm
Marina Vasconcelos – Co-Host, Transform the Norm

Meet the Youth Leading This Podcast

Tony

Antonio Cruz, known as T. Cruz, is a local lyricist, music producer, and student at Doña Ana Community College. As a youth mentor with the Learning Action Buffet (LAB), Antonio brings both creative energy and lived experience to his work with young people in southern New Mexico.

In addition to co-hosting Transform the Norm, he serves as a producer and editor of the LAB Radio Hour on KTAL-LP 101.5 FM, where he continues to uplift youth stories and community perspectives through sound. Whether behind the mic or behind the music, Antonio is passionate about building platforms that empower youth to speak truth and imagine new possibilities for education in New Mexico.

Marina

Marina Vasconcelos is a youth leader, artist, and community storyteller based in southern New Mexico. As a youth mentor with the Learning Action Buffet (LAB), Marina plays a key role in shaping conversations that center young people and their lived experiences.

She serves as Assistant Producer of the LAB Radio Hour on KTAL-LP 101.5 FM and brings that same passion for creative expression and youth voice to her role as co-host of Transform the Norm. Marina is committed to making space for young people to be heard, seen, and taken seriously in the fight for a more just and inclusive education system.