We Inspire. Empower. Lead.

Diverse and accomplished women from 33 nations on six continents

Members in New Mexico

Years IWF NM has spent building leadership skills and fostering opportunities for women

Inspiring New Mexico’s Future Leaders

LEAP (Leadership, Empowerment and Advocacy Program) is IWF‑NM’s hands‑on leadership initiative — a program where members move beyond traditional grant‑making to invest their skills, connections, and expertise directly into a New Mexico organization. Through deep partnership, LEAP helps build capacity, strengthen leadership, and create lasting impact in the community. Learn more about LEAP.

“Through the LEAP fund, we partner with other entities that provide experiences for young women to become more confident and become more aware of the world and their place in it.” ~Celia Foy Castillo, former IWF-NM President

Inspiring and Empowering
Women Leaders in
New Mexico

International Women’s Forum – New Mexico stands as a catalyst for bold, visionary women’s leadership. We bring together extraordinary women from across industries, cultures, and communities to learn from one another, champion one another, and shape a future where women lead with confidence and influence.

We cultivate a powerful ecosystem of connection: a place where accomplished women build enduring relationships, exchange insight and expertise, and mentor emerging leaders. Through these networks, members gain access to a dynamic community that accelerates growth, expands opportunity, and strengthens each woman’s impact.

At our core, we are committed to elevating and empowering women—advancing leadership, amplifying voices, and ensuring that women’s perspectives shape the decisions that move New Mexico and the world forward.

Program co-chair, Heather Cameron and United States Representative (NM 3rd District) Teresa Leger-Fernandez.

Amplifying and Elevating NM’s Women Trailblazers

IWF-NM’s New Mexico Historic Women Marker Program is our flagship program designed to amplify and celebrate New Mexico’s women of courage, vision and fortitude who helped shape New Mexico’s history, economy and culture.  Through roadside markers across the state, the New Mexico Historic Women Marker Program tells the stories of women in New Mexico—ARTISTS, ACTIVISTS, EDUCATORS, ENTREPRENEURS, LAWYERS, HEALERS, POLITICIANS, GRANDMOTHERS, GAMBLERS, VISIONARIES, THINKERS, LEADERS—whose enduring legacy continues to inspire women and men of all ages.  Learn more about our flagship program here.

Influence in Action: Mix and Mingle

New members, Deanna Archuleta, Stacey Edgar, Michelle Laflamme-Childs, Bianca Ortiz Wertheim, and Shawn McQueen Ruggeiro were introduced at our Santa Fe Mix & Mingle in May.

INFLUENCE IN ACTION

Fireside Chat with Meg Whitman

IWF-NM member, Julie Heinrich, interviews Ms. Whitman about her career, opinions and experiences on a number of global and national subjects, as well as her move to the Land of Enchantment.

INFLUENCE IN ACTION

IWF-NM Represents at London Conference

IWF-NM members (from left)BJ Jones, Heather Cameron, Rufina Hernandez, Barbara Vigil, Betty Downes, and  (not pictured) Ruth Frazier attended the IWF Cornerstone Conference in London. Together with over 750 women from 41 countries, they explored critical issues facing women leaders while also enjoying dine arounds, concerts, and sightseeing.

IWF-New Mexico Members: 
Delivering measurable impact

Our members — Supreme Court justices, ranchers, law enforcement leaders, journalists, entrepreneurs, scientists, educators, and community builders — represent the breadth of women’s leadership across the state. This work doesn’t just reflect New Mexico’s progress; it accelerates it.

  • 13th in the nation for women in elected office, (Rutgers’ Center for American Women and Politics)
  • Sixth for women‑owned businesses, (The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation).
  • WalletHub ranks New Mexico fifth nationally for women’s equality

This is the power of IWF‑NM: a community of accomplished women strengthening one another, expanding opportunity, and shaping a future where women’s leadership continues to transform New Mexico.