Connect New Mexico
TRUST. LEAD. INFLUENCE.
A statewide leadership experience for emerging professionals ready to grow as leaders, deepen their understanding of New Mexico, and discover their role in shaping its future.
Application Status: CLOSED
Connect 2027 Applications Open January 14, 2027:
Connect New Mexico is a 5-month, statewide leadership experience for emerging professionals who are ready to grow as leaders and deepen their understanding of New Mexico and their role in shaping its future.
The program moves beyond leadership theory to focus on self-awareness, leadership growth, and civic understanding. Through experiential learning, candid dialogue, and direct exposure to the systems, communities, and decisions that shape our state, participants gain a deeper understanding of what it means to lead with confidence and purpose.
The Experience
Come curious, prepared, and ready to contribute to a shared learning experience.
Through immersive, place-based sessions across New Mexico, participants learn firsthand from leaders in government, business, education, healthcare, and the nonprofit sector. Along the way, they build meaningful relationships with peers who share a commitment to service, integrity, and impact.
Explore the unique priorities, perspectives, and experiences of communities across the state.
Examine the complex issues affecting New Mexico and the systems connected to them.
Develop greater perspective, strengthen relationships, and grow as a leader.
Build trusted relationships with leaders across sectors, industries, and geographic regions.
Focus Areas
Understanding the issues that shape our state.
Each Connect session integrates leadership development with real-world exposure to key statewide issues.
LEADERSHIP & PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Develop leadership skills, perspective, and self awareness through experiential learning and reflection.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & WORKFORCE
Explore New Mexico's economy, workforce, industries, and opportunities for economic growth.
EDUCATION
Examine the systems, challenges, and opportunities shaping education across New Mexico.
HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Gain insight into the health and human services systems serving communities throughout the state.
ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES
Explore the natural resources, energy industries, and environmental issues that influence New Mexico's future.
GOVERNMENT, CRIME & JUSTICE
Develop a deeper understanding of government, public safety, crime, and justice across New Mexico.
Session content evolves annually to reflect emerging challenges and real time conditions across the state.
The Journey
Three sessions. Communities across New Mexico. One statewide experience.
📍 LOS ALAMOS
- August 4 to 7, 2026
- Kickoff Session
- Mandatory
📍 LAS CRUCES
- October 13 to 16, 2026
📍 ROSWELL
- December 1 to 4, 2026
- Graduation Session
- Mandatory
The Commitment
Connect New Mexico is a 5-month commitment designed for professionals who are early to mid-career, demonstrate leadership potential and curiosity, and want to better understand how New Mexico works.
The program includes:
• Three multi-day, in-person sessions hosted in communities across New Mexico
• Full participation, presence, and engagement throughout the program
• Experiential learning, candid dialogue, and peer learning
TUITION: $2,000
Tuition covers program costs, in session transportation, and all meals.
Participants (or their sponsoring organizations) are responsible for travel and lodging expenses. Leadership New Mexico works with local hotels to secure discounted room blocks for each session.
Participants are required to stay at the designated host hotel for each session. While this is not simply a matter of convenience, it is an important part of the program experience. Many of the most meaningful conversations, networking opportunities, and relationships are built before breakfast, after dinner, and during informal time with classmates. Staying together helps ensure that everyone receives the full value and impact of the program.
WHAT CONNECT PARTICIPANTS SAY
"The Connect class offered me more than I could have imagined. It gave me an opportunity to learn about myself, my leadership style, and how I want my career and life to progress."
“What stood out most was the sense of community that developed so quickly. Our class bonded in a way that went beyond the sessions themselves. We learned from one another, supported one another, and left the program genuinely wanting more time together.”
"The program... gave me insights into how interconnected New Mexico’s challenges and opportunities are across key industries. Learning directly from leaders across these sectors reinforced the importance of collaboration, long-term thinking, and cross-sector leadership in building a resilient and inclusive economy for all New Mexicans."
READY TO GROW. READY TO CONNECT.
Connect New Mexico brings together emerging leaders who are ready to grow their leadership, expand their perspective, and build meaningful connections across New Mexico.
THANK YOU TO OUR CONNECT PROGRAM SPONSORS
We are grateful to the organizations that invest in developing leaders and creating meaningful connections across New Mexico. This list will continue to grow throughout the 2026–2027 program year as new sponsors join us.
