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Panelist

Raquel Benavidez

Owner & CEO, Bien Loca Industries LLC

Raquel Benavidez is a pioneer in the industry. She owns, operates, and is CEO of Bien Loca Industries, a medical and recreational cultivation and processing cannabis company with delivery/distribution and retail licenses in New Mexico. The company develops and manufactures its original product line Mota Mystic. Bien Loca is proud to be the only company in New Mexico, solely owned by a Latina, holding the state's largest licensing, Vertically Integrated Cannabis Establishment. Raquel has married her business acumen—18 years in business management, sales, and marketing—with The Four Agreements' mission to create Conscientious Influence in Business. She is certified by don Miguel to take this masterwork into the workplace as a facilitator for corporate training.

Beyond the workplace, Raquel has launched The Truth Foundation, which educates and expands the perceptions of identity and race both in the workplace and one's personal life. The program works in partnership with her corporate clients to bring empowerment and hope to local communities. Raquel is a Co-chair and Founding Member of the Cannabis Women's Collaborative. The collaborative was established as a Voice for Women in Cannabis in the community and statewide, with the aims of activism, social communication, and professional support. Raquel is delighted to serve as Chair for the Women in Business program with the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber to continue her commitment to strengthening women and her latino community.

Panelist

Carol Wight

CEO, NM Restaurant Association

At 21, Carol Wight opened her first restaurant. By the time she was 30, she owned three successful restaurants with 150 employees. Utilizing her entrepreneurial skills and restaurant expertise, she became an international consultant working with restaurants and hotels in Asia and the Middle East. Carol became the CEO of the New Mexico Restaurant Association in 2002. She is responsible for carrying out the mission and vision of the organization and for implementing programs and services that benefit members. She is passionate about helping New Mexico restaurant operators be as successful as possible.

Panelist

Mando Lara

President, Human Resource Management Association (HRMA) of NM

Mando Lara is a proud Lobo having graduated from UNM with both his BBA and MBA from the Anderson School of Business. Mando brings years of experience as an HR professional with a background spanning various industries including call center operations, retail and pharmacy, and a research and development lab.

Currently serving as the President of the Human Resource Management Association of New Mexico (HRMA), Mando is dedicated to advancing the HR profession in the greater Albuquerque area. Under his leadership, HRMA provides HR professionals with invaluable opportunities for networking, career advancement, and access to job search resources, further enriching the local HR community.