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 and 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 two more of our current six members.
Amanda Armenta, Sr. Manager, Employee Success Partner
T-Mobile
Why did you join the FFNM Business Leadership Council?
I was excited to be invited to join the FFNM Business Leadership Council. I am so grateful that our state has a dedicated program to recognize family friendly businesses and support all businesses in their efforts to be family friendly. Ultimately, it leads to better outcomes for our state’s students, employees, businesses and economy.
What do you wish every employer in NM knew about FFNM?
I wish every employer knew how easy it is to qualify as a family friendly employer. I think many organizations, large and small, assume it’s a complex process or that they may not meet the requirements, but it’s very easy to apply and many employers have practices in place that would allow them to qualify.
What do you love about your current role at T-Mobile USA?
One of the things I love most about working at T-Mobile is our commitment to diversity and inclusion. We have been recognized locally and nationally as an employer of choice for women, people of color, veterans, and members of the LGBTQ+ and disability communities. We know that we serve a diverse community of customers across the country and we encourage our employees to bring their true selves to work by celebrating our diversity and creating an inclusive workplace. Over 70% of our employees in New Mexico participate in our D&I employee resources groups, giving us opportunities to positively impact our local communities.
What do you do when you aren’t working?
Well before most of us started staying in our homes, you could find usually find me at any type of live event; concerts, sporting events and musicals are my favorites. I also enjoy volunteering within the community, especially with family.
What is your
favorite New Mexico destination?
I have so many! A few that come to mind are Ojo Caliente, Popejoy Hall, White Sands National Monument, Kasha Katuwe Tent Rocks, and NM United Games.
Blair Boyer, Director of Human Resources
Dion’s
Why did you join the FFNM Business Leadership Council?
The opportunity to collaborate with other business leaders in our community in order to promote the benefits of family friendly policies, to help educate companies on how to design those types of policies, and recognize and reward those who do it well!
What do you wish every employer in NM knew about FFNM?
That it is a legitimate resource for all NM companies to learn about the design and implementation of family friendly policies. Family friendly policies are a proven tool for attracting and retaining employees and will become even more important in the post COVID-19 world.
What do you love about your current role at Dion’s?
Yikes – I could go on forever with this one. But, if I have to name just one, I would say that my team is responsible for all the hiring for the company and we take great pride in providing young people a best in class first job experience which will help them build enduring life skills that will stick with them wherever they may journey!
What do you do when you aren’t working?
Traveling the world with my adventure partner (also known as my wife of 18 years, Barbara), hanging with my 15 grandchildren and road cycling.
What is your favorite NM destination
Another tough one but I would have to say the top of the Sandia mountains. I love hiking from the Crest to the Tram and back, and enjoying the incredible views and forests.
About the author:
Julianna Silva, COO of Family Friendly NM, is a native New Mexican committed to helping New Mexicans realize economic vitality through her work to support both small business ownership and policies that enable families to thrive. A graduate of the UNM Anderson School of Management, she forged her path in entrepreneurship from her own consulting practice, co-ownership of a family business and by leading key initiatives at WESST. As Chief Operating Officer at Family Friendly New Mexico, Julianna collaborates with the CEO and staff to develop and implement operational infrastructure designed to achieve the FFNM mission to support businesses, their employees and families to thrive.