WESST Featured at March 29 “Status of Democracy” Event

By WESST | April 27, 2026

Mark and Carol Fidel are deeply passionate advocates for social justice and New Mexico. We are fortunate to call the Fidels members of the WESST family. They have worked with us both as clients when Mark was starting his consulting business and as longtime donors.

On March 29, we gathered at their home with dozens of guests for their most recent “Status of Democracy” event. WESST client Amanda Powers, owner of Enchanted Farms Mushrooms, shared remarks about how WESST has supported her along her entrepreneurial journey.

Mark Fidel shared his thoughts on the event:

“My wife, Carol, and I started our Status of Democracy events to help bring awareness (and maybe some funds) to local non-profits (or their clients) that have been impacted by recent shifts in federal policy.  Since 2025, we highlighted the Transgender Resource Center of NM, the NM Immigrant Law Center, NM ACLU and, most recently, WESST.  We have a small committee of like-minded friends who help us fund the events and help with setup and takedown.  This year, in November, we will host a panel discussion of the leaders of all the non-profits which have presented at our SoD events.  CNM will be donating the space and we hope to have 150 people in attendance. We were so pleased that WESST wanted to participate and we hope that the awareness raised will help them as they navigate the evolving federal funding landscape.”

Thank you, Mark and Carol, for providing this opportunity to connect with fellow community members and a platform to uplift WESST’s mission to be a home to New Mexico’s entrepreneurs.