Ageless Achievers

Kathy Chilton

Literacy Advocate

Kathy Chilton has been a passionate advocate for literacy for more than two decades, sharing the joy of reading with countless children and young adults across Albuquerque. For over 20 years, she has volunteered with Read to Me! Albuquerque supporting the program since its earliest days. Her dedication to young readers began even earlier, when she organized Scholastic book fairs at Lovelace Hospital to ensure children had access to books during their visits. Over the years, Kathy has continued to expand her impact through her involvement with multiple literacy initiatives, including partnerships with the Dolly Parton Foundation. Kathy has touched the lives of many and remains an example of how we can strengthen our communities through service.

Lance Chilton

Community Volunteer

Lance Chilton has long been dedicated to supporting New Mexico’s natural spaces and the people who enjoy them. An active volunteer, he spends much of his time at the Petroglyph National Monument Visitor Center helping guests learn about the area and discover all it has to offer. As a board member of the Open Space Alliance, Lance plays an important role in strengthening Albuquerque’s Open Space Division and supporting its programs. His commitment to his community extends beyond the outdoors; he also contributes to the Bernalillo County Home Visiting Work Group, where he helps ensure new parents receive the guidance and resources they need during their first weeks with a newborn. Lance’s dedication makes him an invaluable supporter of New Mexico's environment and communities.

Robert Martinez

Veteran & Volunteer

Robert Martinez is a proud veteran who continues to serve his community every day. He served four years in the Air Force and went on to retire from the New Mexico National Guard after 20 years of service. Today, he stays active at his senior center, often calling bingo games, and dedicates five days a week as the volunteer coordinator for the New Mexico Veterans Memorial, where he also serves on the board of directors. Originally from Tucumcari, Robert moved to Albuquerque in 1980 and shared 45 years with his wife. He is a proud grandfather of 15 and a great-grandfather of three. For Robert, riding the Rail Runner with family and friends is more than transportation. It is a relaxing way to create memories with those he loves.

Joseph Suina

Veteran, Retired Professor & Tribal Councilman for Cochiti Pueblo

Joseph Suina is no stranger to new challenges. After graduating from high school, he served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps, completing two tours in the Vietnam War. After being honorably discharged from the military, Joseph pursued higher education, earning his bachelor’s degree from Fort Lewis College, followed by a master’s and ultimately a doctorate in public education. Using his newfound knowledge and love of education, Joseph went on to teach in the College of Education at the University of New Mexico. Today, he continues to make an impact by serving as a Tribal Councilman for Cochiti Pueblo, where he protects and keeps alive the local traditions.

Sonja Hartwell

Volunteer

Sonja Hartwell, a retired nonprofit CEO with a degree in social work, has spent much of her life giving back to her communities in different ways. Before moving to Albuquerque in 2020, she worked with an adoption agency, adult literacy programs, and spent 17 years supporting women’s shelters. Today, she continues to give back through her volunteer work with Saranam, where she helps families transitioning out of homelessness build long-term stability. She also serves her neighborhood as secretary-treasurer for her HOA and as a member of their board of directors. When friends and family visit from out of town, Sonja enjoys taking them on the Rail Runner and sharing what New Mexico has to offer.

Lissa Lucht

Volunteer

Lissa is a dedicated volunteer in the Santa Fe area, devoting her time to programs that support both youth and seniors. As chairman of the Youth Symphony, she champions Mariachi music in northern New Mexico, helping preserve cultural traditions while mentoring students and equipping them with valuable life skills. She also lends her heart and hands to the Memory Care Alliance, assisting seniors in accessing elder care, whether that means arranging rides to medical appointments or simply sharing meaningful time together. In her spare time, Lissa enjoys riding the New Mexico Rail Runner to Santa Fe. For her, it’s more than just a trip; it’s a peaceful, eco-friendly, and cost-effective way to travel.

Lupe Sifuentes

Volunteer

Lupe Sifuentes is a vibrant member of the Barelas Senior Center, where she enjoys taking ceramics classes and connecting with friends. Before the pandemic, she dedicated her time to volunteering, helping fellow seniors with grocery shopping, whether that meant loading bags into their cars, carrying them into their homes, or simply walking the aisles together. She has also lent her green thumb to the center’s garden, taking a well-deserved pause during the warmer months. For Lupe, building community is what keeps her days full.

Oriz Taylor

Foster Grandprent

Oriz Taylor has spent many years serving as a foster grandparent at a local elementary school, bringing energy, encouragement, and compassion to every student she meets. Known for her lively spirit and welcoming smile, she inspires children to reach their full potential. While she loves sharing stories during reading time, her true talent shines in math, helping young learners build skills and confidence. Outside the classroom, Oriz cherishes time with her faithful companion, a senior chihuahua named Morgan.

Dolores Marquez

Retired Teacher & Community Volunteer

Dolores Marquez, a retired Los Lunas Public Schools substitute teacher, is a passionate advocate for youth and an active Rail Runner rider. Whether she’s organizing monthly women’s trips to the Santa Fe Plaza or riding the train with her grandchildren to attend legislative sessions, Dolores embraces it all. She played a key role in the passage of the Carlos Vigil Memorial Act, promoting anti-bullying awareness across New Mexico, and helped secure critical funding for Warehouse 508 in Albuquerque, expanding creative and recreational opportunities for young people. A talented belly dancer, she has taught classes at local senior centers and earned first place in the Belly Dancing competition at the New Mexico Senior Olympics.

Michele Silva Watkins

RSVP Volunteer

Michele Silva Watkins, a proud native New Mexican, is active in the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), where she also serves on the volunteer board. Known for her welcoming spirit, she finds joy in simple acts of service such as helping someone to their car or carrying a lunch tray. Her dedication to fostering an inclusive, caring environment makes her a valued presence at the senior centers she supports. Beyond her volunteer work, Michele enjoys spending time with her two grandchildren. When she’s not giving back to her community or with her family, you’ll likely find her on the dance floor—her favorite way to stay active and have fun.

Millie Martinez

Senior Center & RSVP Volunteer

Millie Martinez began volunteering with the Bear Canyon Senior Center after retiring from UNM in 1997. She facilitates weekly Friendship Coffee gatherings, performs receptionist duties, and organizes shuffleboard games at the Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Center. Millie also organizes monthly dining outings for local seniors and assists with special events like pie socials and holiday celebrations. A longtime member of the Friends of Bear Canyon and a 25+ year member of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program Advisory Council, she finds volunteering to be a rewarding way to stay engaged and socialize with her peers.

Frances Zeller

Manager of the Belen Harvey House Museum & Whistle Stop Café

Frances Zeller has managed the Belen Harvey House Museum for the past ten years. Two years ago, she created the Museum’s Whistle Stop Café as a creative way to raise funds. Both the Museum and Café are primarily staffed by a dedicated team of volunteers. Beyond her work at the Museum and Café, Frances serves on the boards of the Belen Animal Safety Committee and the Valencia/Belen Promoting Animal Welfare. In her spare time, she enjoys showing dogs and working with antique textiles and fabrics.

Diana (Borroel) Atha

Insurance Agent & Financial Advisor

Diana (Borroel) Atha, CLU, ChFC, LUTCF, began her career in insurance and financial services in 1984. After retiring from New York Life, she launched her own firm, Atha Financial Solutions, and is a financial advisor with WaterRock Wealth Management. She stays active in the community through groups like the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce and National Association of Women Business Owners, and currently serves as Membership Chair for the National Association of Insurance and Financial Services Association. Atha supports several local nonprofits and enjoys golfing, traveling, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

Thomas Lujan

Retired Senior Volunteer

Thomas Lujan has been a dedicated RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) volunteer at the Barelas Senior Center for the past 10 years. He drives fellow seniors on planned day trips two to three times a month and organizes monthly lunch outings to local restaurants. During tax season, he volunteers through the AARP to help individuals at the Center with tax preparation. For the past three years, Lujan has also assisted with Rail Runner trips to the Santa Fe National Cemetery.

Janis Powell

Avid Hiker and Community Volunteer

After retiring from CNM, Janis Powell set out to spend more time outdoors. Already a New Mexico Mountain Club member, she joined more hiking groups and began volunteering with the City of Albuquerque’s Open Space Division, patrolling trails, performing trail maintenance, and assisting with cleanup projects. She also leads hikes for Albuquerque Senior Centers and recently started volunteering at Petroglyph National Monument. Over the years, she has enjoyed taking the Rail Runner to Santa Fe to walk various trails from the Railyard, even trekking to Museum Hill.

Olivia Rivera

Literacy Advocate and Volunteer

Olivia Rivera is a retired educator who worked with Albuquerque Public Schools and the City of Albuquerque’s Child Development Centers, focusing on early childhood education. She collaborated with students and administrators to create quality programs and engaging learning environments for young children. Now a dedicated volunteer with the ABQ Read To Me Network, Olivia helps collect, repair, and distribute free books to children in need. She is especially passionate about reaching families and children living in “literacy deserts” where books are scarce. Olivia believes that reading from birth is essential for lifelong learning and success. Nothing brings her more joy than seeing a child’s face light up when receiving a book to take home.

Linda Thorne

Co-Owner of Old Town Farm, Red Barn Events and Bike In Coffee

Linda Thorne has spent her entire life in Albuquerque. She has lived at Old Town Farm, which she co-owns with her husband Lanny, for nearly 50 years. The two met when Linda was a news anchor at Channel 13 and Lanny was Press Secretary for Mayor Harry Kinney. After documenting the property as historic farmland, the pair was determined to maintain the site as a farm. Initially a facility for training, breeding and boarding horses, the property was later converted to a produce farm, nursery, event center, and coffee shop dedicated to cyclists.

Lanny Tonning

Co-Owner of Old Town Farm, Red Barn Events and Bike In Coffee

Lanny Tonning’s hands-on approach to Old Town Farm and its associated ventures keeps the farm thriving. He designs and builds structures, landscaping features, and other improvements for the businesses at Old Town Farm. He also handles most of the maintenance on the 12-acre property and its many structures. Before life on the Farm, Lanny served in the U.S. Air Force, separating with the rank of Captain, and built a career in publications, advertising, and public relations.

Patricia L. Chavez

Owner, PLC Enterprises

Patricia L. Chavez, a native New Mexican and owner of PLC Enterprises, a professional services firm specializing in corporate and community relations, government and legislative affairs, youth entrepreneurship training, and leadership development. Passionate about giving back, she has served on numerous local boards and commissions and dedicated ten years as a volunteer with HopeWorks (formerly St. Martin’s Hospitality Day Shelter). Her contributions to business and community service have earned her numerous awards and recognition.

Frank J. Smith

Chair, New Mexico Veterans and Military Families Caucus

Frank J. Smith is Chair of the New Mexico Veterans and Military Families Caucus which advocates for the interests of veterans, active duty personnel, and their families, ensuring they receive the benefits they have earned through their service to our nation.

If you are a veteran, active-duty service member, or if you are a family member of a veteran or military member and would like to learn more, subscribe to our newsletter letter or visit nmvetscaucus.org.

Danny Estrada

Senior Loan Officer, Paradise Mortgage & Investments

Danny Estrada is a lifelong New Mexican. As a Senior Loan Officer for Paradise Mortgage and Investments, he is passionate about helping individuals and families achieve their home ownership dreams. Danny specializes in reverse mortgages, home purchases, refinances and first-time home buyers. He is also bilingual – his fluency in both English and Spanish ensures that he can effectively communicate and connect with a diverse range of clients. For inquiries, contact danny@paradisemortgagellc.com.

Terri Dean

Business Owner & Creator of CoCreations Candle Bar & Décor

Terri has embraced a new phase of life as a full-time business owner and creator of CoCreations Candle Bar & Décor. She offers workshops for those who share her interests and runs a monthly candle club that provides her customers with exclusive, high-touch bonuses. She is also the co-founder of a local non-profit, The Oliver Rigby Foundation whose main focus is to provide linens, mostly from hotels, to animal shelters across the country. This was created after learning more about the high needs of animal shelters when she adopted her dog, Oliver. To learn more, go to cocreationsltd.com or oliverrigby.org

Joani Jones

General Manager, Crowne Plaza Albuquerque & Co-Founder of the Oliver Rigby Foundation

Joani has enjoyed her career in hospitality for over 4 decades. She is the General Manager of the Crowne Plaza Albuquerque and truly loves the aspect of creating lasting memories for guests far and wide. Her other passion is the non-profit she co-founded, the Oliver Rigby Foundation. The foundation upcycles hotel linen and provides comfort to shelter animals, before they find their forever home. More information can be found to oliverrigby.org.

Ageless Achievers