New Mexico Junior College (NMJC) has selected three students to run for the New Mexico SkillsUSA Postsecondary Officer Team during the NM SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference in Albuquerque, NM from Apr. 11 - 13, 2024.

On Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, the NMJC Chapter of SkillsUSA organized a thorough selection process, including mock interviews and personal speeches to identify the leading candidates. The candidates were evaluated by a panel of exceptional judges, comprised of professors, community members, non-profits, committee members, and NMJC staff including: Genia Miller, Katelyn Blankenship, Mandy Downing, Kelly Holladay, Jana Fleming, and Sarah Edelbrock.

Each candidate presented a 2 - 3 minute personal speech and participated in mock interviews, showcasing their skills and aspirations for leadership. 

After careful consideration, the candidates chosen to represent NMJC SkillsUSA as Postsecondary candidates are:

Uniqua Adonay - Uniqua serves as the NMJC SkillsUSA President and is enrolled in the HHS dual credit program. She brings a wealth of leadership experience and dedication to the table. 

Nydia Guzman - Nydia, from Lovington, NM, currently holds the position of NMJC SkillsUSA Vice - President. Her commitment to excellence and community engagement sets her apart as a standout candidate. 

Diana Zapata - Diana, also from Lovington, NM, serves as the NMJC SkillsUSA Secretary. Her passion for SkillsUSA's mission and her demonstrated leadership make her an ideal candidate for the post.

NMJC Professor of Nursing and SkillsUSA Advisor, Jill Henning expressed gratitude to the panel of judges, stating, "Candidates were scored according to SkillsUSA Technical standards for the interview process and oral presentation. It was an honor to have this diverse group of judges’ volunteer for this opportunity to help student members improve their skills in these areas. Our community has been and continues to be supportive of our NMJC students and our NMJC SkillsUSA chapter. We are appreciative."

SkillsUSA offers many volunteer opportunities for persons to get involved. Individuals involved in business and industry, technical and skilled jobs, leadership positions, former SkillsUSA Alumni, professors, and teachers. For additional information, please visit www.skillsusa.org or contact Henning at jhenning@nmjc.edu.

 

New Mexico Junior College (NMJC) is a leading educational institution committed to providing success through learning and high-quality education to its diverse student body. Founded in 1965, NMJC offers a wide range of academic programs, certifications, and services to empower students to achieve their educational and career goals.

Contact: Valerie Onsurez Gauna, Director of Outreach & Engagement, New Mexico Junior College, 575-492-2780, vgauna@nmjc.edu, or Deira Fernandez, Recruiter, 575-492-2776, dfernandez@nmjc.edu.