WESST NEWS & UPDATES

Stay connected with the latest stories, announcements, and opportunities shaping WESST’s mission to support entrepreneurs across New Mexico. Here, you’ll find updates on upcoming workshops and training programs, success stories from the small businesses we serve, funding opportunities, community events, and insights from our team of business development experts.

We’re committed to empowering entrepreneurs with the tools, knowledge, and resources they need to thrive. Whether you’re launching a new venture, expanding your business, or looking for inspiration, our News & Updates page will keep you informed on what’s new at WESST and how we’re continuing to build a stronger, more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Three photos of people wearing blue polo shirts representing the Maddox Leadership Institute.

Committed to Service: Judith Perez’s Growth with the Maddox Leadership Institute

By WESST | February 27, 2026 Originally from Las Cruces and now based in Hobbs, Judith Perez has been with WESST since 2023. She initially served as a Bilingual Business Consultant and has since been promoted to Women’s Business Center Director. In 2025, Judith was selected to participate in the seventh cohort of the JF Maddox Foundation’s Maddox Leadership Institute (MLI). The Maddox Leadership Institute is a nine-month leadership development program designed to strengthen

Three people standing in a row, all are smiling, and they are holding a large novelty check from Affordable Solar made out to WESST in the amount of $45,000.

Affordable Solar and Local Nonprofits Celebrate Launch of Statewide Community Solar Projects

By WESST | February 26, 2026 After years of planning following the launch of New Mexico’s community solar program, Affordable Solar is now powering up projects across the state. On February 26, Affordable Solar and its nonprofit partners gathered to celebrate five community solar projects now online, with a sixth expected by the end of the month. Together, these projects represent 30 megawatts of solar capacity, providing clean electricity to homes and organizations statewide

Silvia, wearing a floral dress, is smiling and pointing to a poster of her photograph as a featured client.

WESST Refreshes Brand

By WESST | February 18, 2026 In case you missed it, we revealed our new logo at our 11th Annual Silver Soiree in October 2025 and have been softly, and intentionally, launching since. In 2025, we were directly impacted by funding shifts and the physical footprint of our organization evolved. Our commitment remains unwavering, as our WESST's mission remains the same, to serve as a home to entrepreneurs. Our refreshed brand signals our continued evolution and commitment to a th

Leading with Intention: Valeria Olave on Her Leadership NM Experience

By WESST | January 23, 2026 With nearly a decade of experience in the banking industry, Valeria Olave joined WESST in 2023 as Program Director of our Albuquerque Women’s Business Center (WBC). Under her leadership, WESST’s Albuquerque WBC earned the 2025 National Certificate of Excellence from the Association of Women’s Business Centers (AWBC) and was featured in the first ever AWBC Media Spotlight tour in August 2025. Valeria recently gradu ated from Le adership New Mexic