For nearly two decades, the International Women’s Forum of New Mexico has been celebrating the long and colorful legacy of women trailblazers in New Mexico through the New Mexico Historic Women Marker Program. This year, in collaboration with New Mexico Magazine, the program has expanded to recognize eight living legends and emerging leaders who are shaping our history today. In these contemporary “history makers,” we celebrate a few of the many remarkable women nominated by their peers for their positive impact in communities throughout New Mexico.
ROSE B. SIMPSON
Artist
Award-winning Tewa sculptor and mixed-media artist Rose B. Simpson’s latest project, Strata, is a 26-foot-tall steel, clay, and pumice concrete installation at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Simpson, who grew up in a renowned family of sculptors, painters, and other artists, sees her art as an agent for good. Read more >
Paula Garcia
Executive Director, New Mexico Acequia Association
Paula Garcia has spent more than 20 years advocating for the preservation of the traditional irrigation waterways, water sovereignty policy, and land and water education. Since the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire in 2022 and subsequent flooding, she focuses on disaster recovery and restoring the health of local watersheds. Read more >
Sylvia Acosta
CEO, New Mexico State University Foundation
Sylvia Acosta leads the New Mexico State University Foundation, which awarded more than $16 million to university programs and scholarships in 2023. A former CEO of the nation’s largest YWCA, she’s fueled by her optimistic attitude and boundless energy to ensure opportunities for first-generation college students like herself. Read more >
Meghan Montelibano Gorman
Founder, Santa Fam
Meghan Montelibano Gorman founded Santa Fam, an online hub of activities, advice, and resources for children and families in Santa Fe. As a mother of two small children, the second-generation Filipina American developed the community of parents and caregivers as a response to her own struggles with postpartum depression. Read more >
Kate Noble
President and CEO, Growing Up New Mexico
A former reporter and producer for BBC News, Kate Noble serves as president and CEO of Growing Up New Mexico, a nonprofit that provides early childhood and family-centered programs in Santa Fe and Río Arriba counties. In 2009, the Santa Fe native also founded MIX Santa Fe, an effort to promote networking and connection among artists, businesspeople, and others. Read more >
Marianna Behrends
Teacher and rancher
Marianna Behrends was raised on a ranch in the village of San Jon, near Tucumcari. After a career in industrial agriculture, she realized her dream of returning to the family ranch in 2022 and giving back to her community as a science teacher, volleyball and basketball coach, 4-H leader, and FFA sponsor. Read more >
Kara Bobroff
Founder, One Generation
Educator Kara Bobroff (Diné/Lakota) founded One Generation in 2020, an organization that encourages social change through Indigenous-led programs and partnerships. In 2006, she helped to establish the Native American Community Academy (NACA), in Albuquerque, and the NACA Inspired Schools Network. Bobroff has also served as the New Mexico Public Education Department’s deputy secretary of identity, equity, and transformation. Read more >
Annette Sobel
Physician and engineer
Dr. Annette Sobel’s impressive resumé includes military service, teaching, and an appointment as the first woman director of the New Mexico Office of Homeland Security and deputy secretary of the Department of Public Safety. In 2024, Sobel earned a patent for a new portable Covid-19 respirator. Now in private practice, she’s currently creating a podcast about women inventors. Read more >