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.
Amanda Armenta, Principal Human Resources Business Partner
Sandia National Laboratories
What inspires your work with the FFNM Business Leadership Council?
I enjoy working with the FFNM Business Leadership Council because the values of the organization tie closely to my own. I see value in employees being able to bring their full selves to work and that includes the family aspects of their lives. When we can help employers realize that and make their organizations stronger through family friendly practices and policies, it makes our business and overall community stronger. I also appreciate that we have the opportunity to weigh in on programs and trends that impact our profession and businesses across the state.
What do you wish every employer in NM knew about FFNM?
I wish every employer in NM knew that they likely have a few things already in place that would qualify them to participate in the FFNM program. I would love to see more organizations recognized for their efforts.
What do you love about your current role at Sandia National Laboratories ?
One of the things I love about Sandia is that work-life balance or work-life integration isn’t just a myth at Sandia. We get to enjoy flexible work arrangements, the convenience on on-site amenities, and many health and wellness programs.
What has changed in your recruitment and retention as a result of your work with FFNM?
Working with FFNM over the years has reinforced the idea that flexibility is key. This has become even more evident as we’ve moved through the pandemic.
What have you been able to accomplish personally and professionally as a result of working with FFNM?
Through FFNM, I have made connections with other professionals across the state and in multiple industries and disciplines. I have also had the opportunity to meet with legislators, facilitate workshops, and speak at conferences. Everyone involved in this organization is committed to lifting up families and employees in our state and beyond. It’s very easy to get on board when the work is uplifting.
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
When I’m not working I enjoy attending concerts with my husband, going to NM United Games with our family and practicing aerial yoga. I also enjoy writing and can be a bit of a social media junkie.
What is your favorite NM destination?
There are so many places I love across the state. Some recent favorites are City of Rocks State Park, the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, and any of the amazing hot springs around the state.
Maggie Tannen, Vice President of Human Resources & Training
U.S. Eagle Federal Credit Union
What inspires your work with the FFNM Business Leadership Council?
Top reason for joining the BLC is the resources from the best family friendly focused businesses in New Mexico. It gives us an opportunity to share real world solutions to the challenges we face from NM peers. I learn from the other members and from NMFF at each interaction. It is wonderful to have support and resources from the BLC.
What do you wish every employer in NM knew about FFNM?
Applying the policies and intention behind NMFF is smart business. Investing in your workforce can create a more loyal and engaged staff. The cost is minimum, especially when set against the cost of alienating your workforce by not understanding their needs. The employer/employee relationship is the mortar of a successful business and NMFF provides a wealth of resources.
What do you love about your current role at U.S. Eagle Federal Credit Union?
I am honored to work for an organization that puts people first. Our members and employees matter most, and my role grants me the privilege to lead.
What has changed in your recruitment and retention as a result of your work with FFNM?
The employee experience is at the forefront of our recruiting efforts. We have used the FFNM job listing feature as one way to reach candidates searching for an employer that values the employee experience.
What have you been able to accomplish personally and professionally as a result of working with FFNM?
Personally, I’ve made some great friends. Professionally, I enjoy working on BLC and being an “insider” about what’s coming up with FFNM and I use the resources often.
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
I like to travel but haven’t done much lately. I’m excited to get out there again. Locally, my husband and I like to go out to listen to live music. Albuquerque has some amazing musicians. Our children are grown so we are enjoying being unsupervised!
What is your favorite NM destination?
Recently we stayed at Ojo Caliente and had a marvelous time relaxing and taking in the hot springs and beautiful surroundings.
Del Esparza, CEO
Esparza Digital + Advertising
What inspires your work with the FFNM Business Leadership Council?
Since its inception, Family Friendly New Mexico has been an inspirational guide for all companies, whether big or small, to aspire to foster a work environment that is not only “family friendly”, but progressive in its thinking of the integration between professional and personal life. I wanted to be a part of an organization that inspires such thinking.
What do you wish every employer in NM knew about FFNM?
How to use the Family Friendly New Mexico as a true resource for employer best practices. FFNM provides a guide for all sized businesses on how to best position themselves to not only be an employer of choice, but a sought-out employer.
What do you love about your current role at Esparza Digital + Advertising?
Since founding Esparza Digital + Advertising 22 years ago, the one grounding feeling I have is it feels like an extended family. A family that is built on shared values that all employees are aligned with. I enjoy seeing my co-workers not just grow as a professional, but personally.
What has changed in your recruitment and retention as a result of your work with FFNM?
The understanding and importance of coalescing as a company around shared values. Not just my values, but the values of each of my employees. We conduct routing exercises to ensure a shared understanding of each other’s values and what is important. Every voice matters equally.
What have you been able to accomplish personally and professionally as a result of working with FFNM?
Professionally, it has been retention of individuals who have similar values. Personally, is by being able to work with a team that have empathy and an understanding of what is important to me and supports me accordingly. It has allowed me to be happier in both my professional life and balance in my personal life.
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
I love spending time with those I love. My family, my friends and those who are important to me. Golf and anything outdoor! So blessed to be in New Mexico!
What is your favorite NM destination?
Ruidoso, Santa Fe and the backyard of my beautiful house in North Albuquerque Acres. Best weather, views and environment in the entire world.
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.