"Leadership New Mexico has been one of the most transformative experiences of my professional journey. The friendships built, the network created, and the collective passion we share for strengthening our communities and our state are truly invaluable."
-Dr. Joseph Roybal-Sanchez, Ph.D.
State Executive Director, AARP New Mexico
Core 2025 Alum & Lifetime Member
Leadership New Mexico’s Core Program is a 10-month, statewide leadership experience for established leaders committed to serving New Mexico with integrity, curiosity, and purpose.
This flagship program brings together senior leaders who recognize that effective leadership in New Mexico requires perspective, humility, and collaboration. Through experiential learning, candid dialogue, and direct exposure to critical issues, participants gain a deeper understanding of the systems, regions, and communities that shape our state.
Participants travel across New Mexico, gaining firsthand insight into regional priorities, cultural perspectives, and economic realities. Each session is anchored in a key statewide issue and is designed to move beyond theory, focusing on systems thinking, trust-building, and leading with clarity and responsibility. The result is a trusted network of leaders prepared to collaborate across sectors and lead the state forward.
Core Program sessions explore critical statewide topics, including:
- Leadership & Personal Development
- Economic Development & Workforce
- Education
- Health & Human Services
- Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources
- Government, Crime, & Justice
Session content evolves annually to reflect emerging challenges and real-time conditions across New Mexico.
The Core Program is open to New Mexico residents. Each year, 40–45 leaders are selected to form a diverse cohort representing geographic regions across the state, public, private, and nonprofit sectors, and a wide range of professional backgrounds and lived experiences.
Intentional consideration is given to diversity of race, gender, and leadership perspective to create a balanced learning environment. The strength of the Core Program lies in the cohort itself - leaders learning from one another while building trusted relationships grounded in respect and shared responsibility.
Core Program tuition is $4,000 and covers program costs, in-session transportation, and meals. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to/from session locations and hotel accommodations.
Core 2026-2027 Program Dates
SEPTEMBER DATES TO BE DETERMINED
NOVEMBER 17-20, 2026 in ALBUQUERQUE
JANUARY 12-15, 2027 in LAS CRUCES
MARCH 16-19, 2027 in HOBBS
MAY 11-14, 2027 in FARMINGTON
JUNE 21-24, 2027 in TAOS
The Core Program requires full participation in:
- A mandatory opening retreat & orientation
- Four multi-day sessions hosted in communities across New Mexico
- A mandatory closing session focused on reflection and integration
Participants are expected to be fully present, engaged, and committed throughout the program.