02/06/2023 11:37:55 AMIn an effort to empower students for civic engagement and support them as leaders in the community, Northern New Mexico College (NNMC) President Hector Balderas has launched a new Student Leadership Program, which he initiated Friday, February 3, 2023, by leading a group of young leaders to the New Mexico State Legislature. NNMC Board of Regents Vice-President Erica Velarde, PE, joined the president in introducing students to government leaders and the workings of the legislature. “I want to elevate leadership opportunities for the student senate and all students. This was the first step, for me to bring them here and expose them to decision makers,” Balderas said. “I already consider them leaders. I want to expose them to opportunities in our community and introduce them to government leaders, corporate leaders and nonprofit leaders. Arin McKennaAmy Peña, Executive Office Directoramy.pena@nnmc.edu