Our Team

Our accomplishments reflect the character of our team.

From the top down, our experienced staff operates in a team-oriented collaborative environment that helps foster small business solutions to share with our clients. We are prodigious learners, meticulous listeners, and natural problem solvers. Our collective experience is our foundation and it grows stronger with every new challenge we face and every new client we help.

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Agnes Noonan

President

Prior to joining WESST in 1991, Agnes served as a small business consultant in the United States Peace Corp in Costa Rica and as the Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt. She holds a BA in Political Science from Berea College and a MA in International Affairs from The George Washington University. She has received numerous honors: Top-Performing CEO (2009), Junior Achievement’s New Mexico Business Hall of Fame, (2005); Women of Influence (2005); and New Mexico’s Small Business Advocate of the Year, United States Small Business Administration, (1995). Agnes is particularly passionate about personal and business financial literacy. She loves to read and fantasizes about becoming a beach bum.

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Kim Blueher

Director Emeritus of Lending

Kim officially retired from WESST at the end of 2020. She received her MBA in Finance from the UNM Anderson School of Management in 1982 and spent the next 8 years in banking as a commercial loan officer in Arizona and New Mexico. When WESST started in 1990, she joined to set up the micro-loan program, which she deftly managed until her retirement. She continues to teach classes in Albuquerque on business planning and financial projections as her schedule allows. Kim is passionate about the outdoors, and spends  as much time as she can biking, hiking, skiing and fly fishing while attempting to relax and enjoy retirement.

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Alyssa Begay

Business Consultant and Trainer, Farmington

Yá’át’ééh. Shí éí Alyssa Begay yinishyé,

‘Áshiihíí nishłį́ hashtłʼishnii bashishchiin Tábaahá dashicheii Kinyaa’áanii dashinalí Ákót’éego diné asdzáán nishłį́ Tóta’ kééhasht’į́ Toodí naashá Ahéhee’

Hi, my name is Alyssa Begay, I am Salt Clan born for the Mud Clan, my maternal grandfather’s first clan is Water’s Edge and my paternal grandfather’s first clan is Towering House. In this way, I am a Navajo woman. I am a sister, a daughter, a business owner and strive every day to be a good citizen of the world. I graduated from UNM with a BA in Native American Studies where i learned the concept of “Rebuilding Native Nations”. I started with me and am working in an outward fashion to serve my community in multiple capacities. Community is important to me, and my goal is to inspire others around me to pour back into their communities.

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Adriana Castillo

Regional Manager, Las Cruces

Adriana arrived at WESST in January 2024 with a mission - to contribute to WESST's goal of helping women and other diverse groups grow their business. As a first-generation immigrant and first-generation graduate, herself, she overcame barriers to build a 6-Figue business over the last five years in the United States, and firmly believes that if she was able to do it, anyone can!

With three business degrees - Marketing, International Business, and Agricultural Business - coupled with an MBA, Adriana is an experienced professional. Specializing in global consulting for social media marketing, digital marketing, email marketing, Facebook and Instagram Ads, and automated lead generation and sales, she has garnered recognition in major media outlets such as Yahoo Finance, and ABC News. Adriana takes pride in assisting digital business owners in achieving substantial financial success, by using her signature marketing strategies.

Adriana strongly believes in the transformative power of the right marketing strategy and mindset. Her conviction centers around building businesses that not only fulfill dreams but also create generational wealth, embodying the spirit of perseverance and achievement.

 

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Kristine Crowell

Vice President of Client Services

Kristine joined WESST in 2018 as the Albuquerque Regional Manager, Business Consultant and Trainer.  In 2021, she pursued a global consulting opportunity continuing to grow her skillset in client relationships, program and project management and leadership consulting.  In 2023, we can say that Kris has “returned home” as the VP of Client Services.  Kris brings a variety of professional experiences from the U.S. Air Force, Air National Guard and Harley-Davidson Motor Company in the areas of organizational effectiveness, change management, leadership, sales, finance, business consulting and learning and development.  She has an MBA from the University of Wisconsin.  She is thrilled to share her experiences to empower and enable the success of clients and her colleagues through the mission of WESST – to strengthen others and help them become sustainable!

 

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Fernanda Estrada

Program Coordinator and Trainer, Las Cruces

Fernanda was born in Cd. Juarez, Chihuahua and moved to Las Cruces to obtain her Bachelor’s in Journalism and Mass Communications. She worked as a Communications Coordinator for the International Borders Program at New Mexico State University and became very passionate about establishing relationships to help people. Fernanda has lived in Las Cruces for seven years and is looking forward to creating new connections with future entrepreneurs in her new journey with WESST. During her downtime, she enjoys reading, hiking, knitting, playing the guitar and spending time with friends and family.

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Dawn Facka

Regional Manager, Farmington

Dawn Facka is a long-time resident of San Juan County. Dawn previously worked in the area of workforce development and has several years of experience in community engagement and project development. Dawn holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Walden University and a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from New Mexico Highlands University.

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Mark Gilboard

Director, WESST Incubator

Mark Gilboard first joined WESST in 2017 after 16+ years as a marketing and advertising research professional with Nielsen Media Research and Clear Channel Outdoor. He focuses on helping people achieve their entrepreneurial dreams with careful and insightful guidance and enthusiasm. Mark returned to WESST in the Fall of 2022, after spending a year helping a local Cannabis company with their sales & marketing as they prepared for the transition to the adult-use market. Mark also has taught college courses in Media, and Communications, at CNM and UNM. He has a master’s degree in Communication from UNM and bachelor’s degrees in both Rhetoric and Spanish from Bates College, in Lewiston, Maine.

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Rhonda Gilliam-Smith

Regional Manager, Roswell

After living and working in Ohio for most of her life, Rhonda moved to Roswell, NM to enjoy all the beauty and serenity the Land of Enchantment has to offer.  During her over nine-year residency in Roswell, NM, she has served in several management positions serving the Roswell and Albuquerque Communities.  She holds a Ph.D. from Miami University of Ohio in Education Administration, a master’s degree in Human Resource Development from Xavier University of Ohio, and a BA degree in Communications from Mount St. Joseph University in Cincinnati, Ohio.

While earning her education, Rhonda, a wife and mother to two sons, worked almost 20 years as a Pipefitter/Welder.   She knows from experience the obstacles and challenges women face in striving to maximize their potential.  Throughout her career, Rhonda's passion has always been to uplift marginalized and disenfranchised communities of color and women.  She believes that “women hold up more than half of the sky”; therefore, organizations such as WESST play a key role in helping women achieve their financial self-sufficiency thru business ownership. And, as a recent client of the Roswell Business Center, Rhonda is honored to serve as its new Regional Manager.

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LeAnne Gomez

Craft Entrepreneurial Program Manager

Born and raised in the Land of Enchantment, LeAnne brings a diversity of experience, a creative mind and a sincere drive to help creative entrepreneurs thrive. She grew up in a household of artists and earned a bachelor's degree in Journalism and Mass Communications with a minor in Studio Art from NMSU. She brings passion and energy to developing WESST’s novel Caft Entrepreneur Program, supporting creatives in their entrepreneurial pursuits across the state of New Mexico. She has a MAS degree in Aeronautical Science and Adult Education from her previous life and other passion, aviation. In her spare time, one can find LeAnne reading, strumming her guitar, writing something that stems from a spark of inspiration, hiking, painting, planning an adventure or, most likely, wrangling her 50-lb. puppy, Bella.

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Janelle Henry

Program Coordinator and Trainer, Farmington

Janelle has been a part of the WESST team since the summer of 2021, joining the dedicated staff in Farmington. After working ten years with a non-profit organization who served senior citizens in San Juan County. She found her way to the Farmington Women’s Business Center at first as the Administrative Assistant then advancing to the Regional Program Coordinator. Where she is happy to assist all who enter the doors with a business dream. She is a member of the Navajo Nation and a long-term resident of the area. Janelle values time with family, friends, and loves traveling with her husband and her fourteen-year-old rescue Yorkie Cami.

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Humberto Hijar-Alvidrez

Financial Capability Coach

Humberto Joins WESST after nearly four years of Business consulting for the Small Business Development Center. Prior to his consulting days, Humberto taught Economics and Mathematics for Dona Ana Community college and El Paso Community College. He holds a Bachelors of Business Administration in International Business and a Masters in Economics from New Mexico State University. Humberto is passionate about serving his community and assisting in strategic and healthy growth. Humberto relishes his time with his wife Leslie and children – Alessi and Milan – whom love to travel any chance they get in search of new adventures at every occasion.

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Samantha Kimball

Staff Accountant

Samantha is a transplant to The Greater Albuquerque area, moving to the 'big city' in 2015. There she fine-tuned her knack and enjoyment for numbers as she explored the accounting sphere of New Mexico, where she found herself drawn into the non-profit realm. Combining her uncanny ability in finding unnoticed details, organization skills, curiosity, and her drive for helping others, Samantha sought out opportunities that would not only bring positive impact on an individualistic level, but on societal level. Understanding the impact that small businesses have on a community from personal experience, Samantha is excited to be part of a non-profit dedicated to serving the community at large as part of WESST’s accounting department.

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June Knight

Development Officer

June moved to Albuquerque from California in 2006 to work at KNME, the local PBS station, as the Manager of Corporate Support. This was her fifth public broadcasting station job, following experiences in various locations such as Jacksonville, FL; San Mateo, CA; Los Angeles; and Harrisburg, PA. She also worked at KHFM, a local classical public radio station, and has had other nonprofit fundraising roles as well as corporate sponsorship sales jobs.

June is a classically trained musician with a degree in music education from Florida State University and studied Broadcast Communication Arts at San Francisco State University. She is actively involved in the local cultural scene, regularly attending events like Chatter, volunteering for Opera Southwest and Santa Fe Opera, and serving on the Albuquerque Opera Guild Board of Directors. Additionally, she has a Maine Coon Cat named Amleto after her favorite opera. New Mexico is the fifth state where she has lived, and she plans to stay there indefinitely.

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Katie Knipe

Vice President of Development

Katie Knipe hails from Kingsport, TN and has worked in nonprofit management and arts administration for the past decade. She has dedicated her career to fundraising for organizations whose missions fuel her fire, including those who promote classical music performance and who serve people experiencing homelessness. Katie is grateful for the opportunity to raise support for WESST and help entrepreneurs achieve their dreams. She and her husband Kenney relocated to New Mexico in 2019 to put down roots and they’re grateful to call Edgewood home. As a lifelong clarinetist, Katie has a deep love for music. Katie and Kenney enjoy spending time with their son Miles and their dog and two cats – Apollo, Ares, and Lebowski – while listening to their collection of vinyl records. Katie earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Clarinet Performance from Vanderbilt University and her MBA from the University of Cincinnati.

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Cheri Lopez

Vice President of Finance

Cheri Lopez joined WESST in July 2021 as Vice President of Finance. She has held numerous executive leadership roles, playing a critical role in strategic growth development, compliance operational oversight, working with boards of directors, organizational change, business oversight, comprehensive accounting systems, project management, human resources, systems implementation and integration.  She focuses on organizations that further education, affordable housing, business ownership and the human spirit.  In Albuquerque, she previously worked at Supportive Housing Coalition of New Mexico from 2018 to 2020, as Controller, then Associate Executive Director of Finance and Administration before joining WESST.  Cheri holds an EMBA from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, a BBA from the University of North Florida, and AA degree from the Florida Community College at Jacksonville. She loves unique items, crafts, animals and living in a rural part of New Mexico.

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Adriana Martinez-Guzman

Special Programs Manager

Adriana is passionate about creating a better community and sharing her knowledge. For the past nine years, she has focused on teaching financial education in New Mexico, coaching people to reach their goals, and supporting them in their journey. Adriana is often humbled and inspired by those around her and strongly believes in the power of diversity. Adriana graduated from New Mexico Highlands University with a Master of Social Work degree. She loves traveling, dancing, exploring the great outdoors, and spending time with her cat and family. Her favorite quote is “it’s never too late to be who you might have been”  by Mary Ann Evans (aka George Eliot).

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Yesenia Nunez

Bilingual Executive Assistant

Yesenia joined WESST in October 2023. She graduated from The University of New Mexico in 2021 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and a minor in Spanish. She is a proud Mexican American who is passionate about serving the local community in Albuquerque. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and loves to read. One of her favorite sayings is “Mañana sera bonito” which translates to “Tomorrow will be beautiful”.

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Valeria Olave

Regional Manager, Albuquerque

Native of Albuquerque, NM, Valeria brings a deep understanding of the local market and a passion for supporting New Mexico businesses thrive.

As the proud daughter of immigrant parents, Valeria is committed to serving the bilingual community in Spanish- her native tongue. Prior to joining WESST, Valeria worked for the banking industry for nearly a decade. As a commercial banker, she managed a diverse portfolio of clients. During this time, Valeria successfully supported many New Mexico businesses across various phases through lending and other banking solutions.

As part of Valeria's commitment to her community, she proudly serves as Secretary on the Board of Directors for Special Olympics New Mexico. Valeria also serves on the Board of Directors for the Wheels Museum and is an active participant of the Hispano Philanthropic Society.

Valeria has two children; Jimena and Julian, and a kitten named Daisy. As a proud mother to a child with Autism, she is passionate about breaking down barriers and raising awareness about Autism and other developmental disabilities. In her free time, she enjoys painting, going to museums, working out, volunteering, trying new breweries and spending time with her friends and family.

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Sara Lynn Osusky

Business Consultant and Trainer, Rio Rancho

Sara is a proud native of Albuquerque and started working with WESST in 2022 as a Business Consultant and Trainer who specializes in Digital Marketing and Social Media Strategies for Small Business. She is passionate about life-long learning, helping others, and connecting with her community. Sara received her BA in Psychology with a focus in Studio Arts from the University of New Mexico in 2013.  Sara has over 17 years’ experience in sales, customer service, print/digital marketing, and project management. She has been actively networking for over 9 years in Albuquerque and currently participates in the Rio Rancho Regional Chamber of Commerce as an Ambassador. In her free time, Sara is an avid foodie, loves crafting, outdoor photography, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

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Roseanna Perea

Program Coordinator and Trainer, Santa Fe

Roseanna is bilingual and brings a wealth of experience to the WESST team, including Pueblo Human Resources, Corporate Customer Service Management on a local and regional level, plus management experience in the hospitality industry. She has extensive training experience, and is herself an entrepreneur. Roseanna has been recognized for funds raised for Race for the Cure and for her participation in Boxing for Seniors. In her spare time she loves to bowl and read, and she coaches a boys’ elementary basketball team.

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Judith Perez

Program Coordinatior, Hobbs

Judith is a New Mexico native and proud first generation in the United States. She is the daughter of immigrant parents and for that she has always been grateful to serve her community. As a certified bilingual interpreter she found passion and a need to help those who struggle due to a language barrier. She later found a new passion for small businesses while working in one for five years, she first hand helped build and support it from the beginning. She is very excited to share her knowledge with every entrepreneur whose dream is to open a small business. During her free time Judith enjoys a good book, exploring the outdoors and spending time with family and friends.

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Karina Quintana

Impact Manager

Karina joined WESST in the spring of 2022, after serving the local private and international non-profit sectors. She was born in the Land of Enchantment, Albuquerque, NM., however raised in the City of Mountains in Mexico. She returned home over 10 years ago and obtained her BA from the University of New Mexico in Organizational Communication & French Literature, with a minor in Business Management. She currently serves WESST as the Data Coordinator, acting primarily as the data analyst and liaison between internal and external stakeholders. Her interest for the data analysis and reporting emerged after her previous career experiences. In her free time, she enjoys walking with her dog, singing in the car, yoga, occasional social dancing, frequent visits to local wineries, and travel abroad.

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Tom Ragan

Studio Manager

With over 15 years in the industry, Tom has a rich background of experience delivering authentic, approachable, and attuned documentary-style filmmaking in both short form and feature length productions. These include feature documentaries such as Funny You Never KnewMission Blue & Prayer for a Perfect Season, as well as producing, shooting & editing content for companies like USA Today, NFL Player Engagement, Warrior Lacrosse, and UN Women. After 10 years in NYC, he now calls Albuquerque home where he runs The Studio at WESST. Since starting at the Studio in October of 2021, Tom has directed and produced an abundance of commercials for local businesses as well as winning a Telly Award for the WESST 2022 ads campaign.

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Teresa Rodriguez

Bilingual Loan Assistant

Teresa was born and raised in Albuquerque. Prior to WESST, she has worked in the sales and customer service industry. She attended The University of New Mexico and graduated with her Bachelors in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. She comes from an immigrant family and aspires to make them proud as well as support her community in reaching their dreams. In her free time, she likes to go to the gym, dance, travel and try new local food and breweries.

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Cassandra Sambrano

Marketing Communications

Cassandra joined WESST in January 2023, she comes from the Tribal Gaming Industry with over 10 years of Marketing experience. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing from New Mexico State University. She is a Native New Mexican and is proud of her indigenous blood from her Hispanic family and Pueblo of Laguna ancestors. In her spare time, Cassandra loves to spend time with her friends and family while exploring the natural beauty of New Mexico.

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Kevin Sierra Moran

Business Consultant and Trainer, Albuquerque

Kevin Joined WESST in October 2023. He has a bachelor's in business administration from the University of San Diego and has worked in the non-profit sector for over 6 years. As the son of two small business owners, he is excited to connect with and support current and prospective entrepreneurs in New Mexico. Kevin's family is from Durango, Mexico and he is fluent in both English and Spanish. In his free time, he loves exploring nature, baking cookies with his mother, quilting, cricuting, and playing video games.

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Wendy Stein

Regional Manager, Santa Fe

Wendy is a Regional Manager helping WESST's clients learn how to build their businesses. As a lifelong entrepreneur, she knows the value of finding a place in the world through business and entrepreneurship.

Previously, she worked in education, health and wellness, community development, video game design, and as a copywriter. Wendy practiced acupuncture/herbology for over ten years in the San Francisco Bay Area, specializing in addressing the needs of underserved population groups at public health clinics. In addition, she taught courses in Chinese Medicine at Everglades University and Business English in Vietnam. She has a Master of Science Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from ACTCM and a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art/Graphic Design from Michigan State University. She is an award-winning Toastmaster, a returned Peace Corps volunteer (Lesotho), an improviser, a meditator, a traveler, and a published wildlife/nature photographer specializing in birds.

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C. Sandro Tonini

Vice President of Lending

Sandro came to WESST after hearing about the work WESST did with underserved communities. He developed a passion for teaching and increasing financial capability after a career in retail banking and market research. A trilingual First Generation American and personal witness to the American Dream, Sandro takes pride and finds fulfillment in serving marginalized communities. Sandro graduated with honors from the University of New Mexico where he studied Operations and Marketing. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in finance. In addition to overseeing WESST’s Statewide microloan program, Sandro also directs the statewide implementation of WESST’s “Money Learning Lab”, which uses human centered design to develop and deliver financial capability training for, with, and in the communities of New Mexico.

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Dave Vedera

Regional Manager, Rio Rancho

Dave joined the Staff in 2018 but was no stranger to WESST having participated on the WESST Board of Directors for six years and serving as the Board Chair in 2013. Dave is a people oriented servant leader with extensive experience in leading, developing and managing high performing teams and organizations at both the corporate and entrepreneurial business level. Dave has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Organization Leadership, from the Anderson School of Management at the University of New Mexico. Dave enjoys building capability, improving internal systems and controls, integrating process improvements and managing complex projects with entrepreneurs and small business owners. Away from WESST, Dave treasures family time, serving on youth mission trips, traveling, cycling, dancing, and enjoying just about every outdoor recreational activity with his wife Karen and their dog Oreo.

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Melissa Williams

Loan Operations Officer

Prior to joining WESST, Melissa spent a few years working in the microloan industry. She holds a BS in International Business Administration with an emphasis in Spanish from Missouri State University. At WESST, she will help manage the microloan portfolio.