06/16/2025 09:38:42 AMThe Rural CTE (Career & Technical Education) Alliance for our future workforce held a think tank event at Northern New Mexico College on Thursday, June 12, 2025. The Rural CTE Alliance is a collaborative effort to address the unique challenges and opportunities in Career and Technical Education for rural communities. Dr. Kurt Steinhaus, former Secretary of the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) served as master of ceremonies. He stressed that the focus of the think tank was on the stakeholders and that the goal was to learn more about their needs and gather their ideas. Several dignitaries and leaders from education, government, and industry attended, including: Senator Benny Shendo, Jr. Senator Leo Jaramillo Representative Susan Herrera Representative Anita Gonzales Sara Boses, aide to Rep. Matthew McQueen Anita Pacheco, Field Representative for Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández The day began with powerful opening remarks from President Hector Balderas, who told the gathering, “Northern’s life mission is intertwined with all the work that you amazingly do on the frontlines every day. You truly are saving lives when you choose to do the work that you do in this region. You are change agents and amazing leaders.” Arin McKennaAmy Peña, Executive Office Directoramy.pena@nnmc.edu