Since the founding of the Family Friendly New Mexico (FFNM) initiative, we have relied upon the expertise, commitment and support from community business leaders to inform and provide guidance to our efforts. This group of advisors is called our Business Leadership Council. We are grateful for the past and current members who have dedicated their energy to supporting family friendly employers across the state of New Mexico. In our blog post today, we introduce you to three of our current six members.
Haz Said, Marketing and Communication Support
Basin Health Companies
What inspires your work with the FFNM Business Leadership Council?
I’m inspired by the idea that companies and organizations can do well by doing good; finding creative ways to provide personalized work experiences for employees that makes for happier people and greater productivity.
What do you wish every employer in NM knew about FFNM?
Finding great employees is not getting easier for most employers so employer brand matters. Having the Family Friendly seal adds great credibility to your recruitment efforts. It shows job seekers and employees that you care about what they care about.
What do you love about your current role at Basin Health Companies ?
I love being able to contribute in many ways to all Basin Health Companies service lines and operations. Marketers are often focused on public-facing communication, but at Basin there’s a lot of emphasis on company culture building and communication.
What has changed in your recruitment and retention as a result of your work with FFNM?
We spend a lot more time thinking and talking about employee experience and responsiveness now and we find that it has a really positive effect on patient and client satisfaction.
What have you been able to accomplish personally and professionally as a result of working with FFNM?
As a caregiver to 92-year-old father, it’s been wonderful to work with a Family Friendly company that gets the importance of employee care. And it’s really not that difficult to do.
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
Racquet sports, cycling, fishing, and foraging.
What is your favorite NM destination?
I enjoy finding and walking the many labyrinths in the state.
Tina Muscarella Gooch, Litigation Attorney
Sutin, Thayer & Browne APC
What inspires your work with the FFNM Business Leadership Council?
Volunteering time to this wonderful organization is a highlight. Being able to work with like-minded business leaders is such a privilege.
What do you wish every employer in NM knew about FFNM?
It has comprehensive access to the tools needed to ensure a family friendly workplace.
What do you love about your current role at Sutin, Thayer & Browne, APC?
Being a shareholder in a majority woman owned law firm is wonderful. I love that I get to be on the ground level of enacting policies to benefit New Mexico families, including those working at Sutin, Thayer & Browne, APC.
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
Raising my family and spending quality time with loved ones.
What is your favorite NM destination?
New Mexico has so many cool places but if forced to pick, I like Sandia Crest and all of its hiking trails and picnic spots.
Dr. Gena Jones, Assistant Vice President/Chief HR Officer
New Mexico State University
What inspires your work with the FFNM Business Leadership Council?
I am inspired by the positive vibe, energy and compassion that the FFNM administrative team displays in seeking to create supportive and engaging work environments throughout NM, which aligns perfectly with my personal and professional values in serving others.
What do you wish every employer in NM knew about FFNM?
I wish they knew how truly impactful the spotlight FFNM has put on family friendly policies has contributed significantly to providing quality work experiences for thousands of people throughout NM.
What do you love about your current role at New Mexico State University ?
What I love about my job as the Assistant Vice President of HRS at New Mexico State University is that I have the opportunity to make a difference not only as an HR professional but also as an alumna, which adds a deeper level of passion and commitment in the work I do.
What has changed in your recruitment and retention as a result of your work with FFNM?
Since being involved with FFNM, I am more cognizant in my development and revision of policies of the positive impact that family friendly policies can have, not only on recruitment and retention, but also on the work climate of the organization.
What have you been able to accomplish personally and professionally as a result of working with FFNM?
Seeing my institution be awarded for being a family friendly business has been very rewarding both personally and professionally. Even more so, educating my colleagues on FFNM and seeing the light go off to possibilities within their own organizations has given me much joy.
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
I enjoy exercising, spending time with my family, especially with my three grandchildren and attending church.
What is your favorite NM destination?
My favorite NM destination is Santa Fe. I love to hang out in the Santa Fe Plaza.
About the author:
Angelica Archuleta, aPHR, BA
Angelica Archuleta grew up in Española and moved to Albuquerque in 2003 where she has since resided. As a Lupus survivor since the age of ten, her passion for human rights is rooted in her lived experiences. Angelica joined the Family Friendly New Mexico team in August 2019 and earned the HRCI aPHR certification in March of 2022. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology with a concentration in Human Services & Social Policy and a certificate in Peace & Justice Studies from the University of New Mexico. Angelica is a mother to a bright nine year old son and enjoys bicycling, skiing and traveling with her family as often as possible. Constantly developing her critical consciousness through an intersectional, anti-racist lens, she is passionate about raising awareness about social justice issues.