As Melissa Alexander departs from EQNM’s Board of Directors, we are taking a moment to reflect on her time with us, her impactful work, and the bittersweetness of saying goodbye to one of the most influential leaders in our organization’s history.
Stepping In When It Mattered Most
Melissa joined the board in late 2019, after spending years building a statewide trans advocacy organization in Ohio and a very successful career in law. When it came to joining the board, she wasn’t just willing, she was excited, enthusiastic, hopeful, and more than ready to get to work.
At the time, EQNM was navigating a critical period of transition. The organization was separating from the former Executive Director, the only staff position at the time, and facing serious questions about how, or even if, EQNM would continue. Melissa stepped into that uncertainty with vision, steadiness, and an unwavering belief in what EQNM could become.
Rebuilding and Reimagining EQNM
Melissa played a central role in rebuilding the organization from the ground up. She was not only heavily involved in hiring our Chief Liberation Officer, Marshall Martinez, but had also made the selfless decision to volunteer an abundance of time in order to rebuild our organization. She spent countless hours making fundraising calls, sending mailers, proofreading emails, being a political thought partner, overseeing the endorsements committee, building a budget, hiring statewide staff, and strategizing for EQNM’s growth. In short, EQNM would not be where or what it is today without her.
A Trusted Partner to Staff and Community
Melissa wasn’t just an excellent board member and chair, she was a reliable and trustworthy partner to the organization. She never missed a phone call from a staff member needing support, and was always willing to lobby and get the word out on protections we were championing for LGBTQ New Mexicans. With zero hesitation, Melissa dived in headfirst on anything she could to help fuel Equality New Mexico, and without her, we likely wouldn’t have been able to accomplish what we have in recent years for Queer and Trans New Mexicans.
Giving Beyond the Boardroom
Beyond her direct work on EQNM’s Board of Directors, Melissa dedicated so much of her time to uplifting our organization. She’s donated her art as a seasoned ceramicist for our annual Resilience awards, sold tickets to our events, stood as an ambassador for EQNM, recruited donors, spoken on our behalf at Democratic Party events, and volunteered on campaigns.
“It is not and easy time for our queer and trans community these days with the constant attacks out of Washington and the road ahead is treacherous indeed. I have full faith in the efforts of the staff and Board members of EQNM in keeping up the good fight against this sea of hate and continuing the growth of EQNM!”
Wishing Melissa Well in Her Next Chapter
While losing Melissa from our Board of Directors is a very sad moment for us, that sadness is greatly outweighed by the excitement we have for her. Melissa will now be able to focus on one of her biggest passions, pottery and ceramic art, and fully enjoy her retirement. Melissa has not just been a Board Member, she’s been an instrumental part of this team. Our staff, organization, and movement would not be where it is today without Melissa’s unwavering support. We’re eternally grateful for Melissa’s time with Equality New Mexico, and we wish her nothing but joy and bliss as she steps into this new chapter.