Our Team: Advocates for Education Equity

Loretta Trujillo, Executive Director

Loretta Trujillo leads TENM with over two decades of classroom experience and a background in the Indigenous Education Initiative. Loretta is dedicated to advancing educational equity. She played a pivotal role in creating a STEAM initiative in Santa Fe Public Schools and has raised over $500,000 in scholarships for Native American students.

Trujillo brings expertise in culturally responsive teaching, grassroots community building, and a deep pride in her Nuevo Mejicana heritage. Prior to joining TENM, she advocated for students of color through the AVID program, supporting their success in higher education and career fields. Trujillo is excited to continue her work at this critical time for public education in New Mexico.

 

Meryl Chee, Communications Director

Meryl is an Indigenous communications professional with a decade of experience, driven by a deep passion for the transformative power of storytelling. With a background in communications and marketing, she leverages traditional and digital media to amplify underrepresented voices, reshape narratives, and advocate for meaningful change. Rooted in her cultural identity and personal experiences, Meryl uses her expertise to connect communities, advance equity, and inspire collective understanding.

Residing in Albuquerque, Meryl is a proud mother to her spirited daughter, Oktosha, and a dog mom to Max. She draws strength from New Mexico’s natural beauty, paddleboarding and engaging with the community, fueling her creativity and dedication to building a more equitable world.

 

Allyja Ramirez, Operations Manager

Allyja Ramirez, born in Las Cruces and raised in Santa Fe, moved to Albuquerque two years ago to continue her studies at The University of New Mexico and CNM. A returning student, she is on track to earn her Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Planning & Design in Fall 2025.

Passionate about collaborating with communities, Allyja focuses on designing programs that improve living conditions while addressing environmental and social challenges. As a bilingual, first-generation student, her non-traditional path has included time away for work, travel, and personal growth. Joining Transform Education New Mexico has been a rewarding experience for Allyja, fueling her dedication to understanding New Mexico’s communities and transforming public education for students.

 

Michelle Valverde, Equity Analyst

Michelle has been an equity advocate for over 30 years. She was born in Deming, New Mexico and graduated from Deming High School. She has a bachelor’s degree in Sociology, master’s in Social Welfare Management and Planning, and Ph.D. in Educational Management and Development. Michelle is a founding member of the LAB Learning Action Buffet, a non profit organization in Las Cruces NM focused on youth leadership development through art, communication, and civic engagement.

Her current work with TENM revolves around addressing disparities in the education system. In her spare time, she likes to connect with family members, hike, ballroom dance, and share the gift of hand drumming.