A look inside the lived experiences, growth, and power-building of our 2026 cohort.
Finding My Voice: Advocacy, Visibility, and Hope
By Kara Villegas
Instead of feeling silenced, I felt called to take action.
Being a trans woman in today’s political climate, where there is so much tension and misinformation, has pushed me to grow in ways I never expected. Instead of feeling silenced, I felt called to take action. I realized how important it is to educate myself, speak up, and surround myself with people who are committed to protecting our rights and creating real change.
That journey led me to Equality New Mexico, where I was given the opportunity to step into the world of advocacy. Through the 2026 Legislative Fellowship experience, I was able to learn, collaborate with like-minded individuals, and truly feel seen and heard.
It reminded me that our voices matter, and that we are stronger when we come together.
What Advocacy Really Takes
During the 2026 Legislative Session in Santa Fe, I witnessed firsthand what it takes to fight for change. Advocacy is not just about speaking, it is about building relationships, staying prepared, and showing up consistently.
I learned that not every outcome will go in our favor, but that does not define the work we do.
“What truly matters is continuing to push forward, taking up space, and honoring those who paved the way for us to be there.”
Learning in Community
One of the most meaningful parts of this experience was the opportunity to collaborate with individuals from other organizations. Together, we lobbied for important issues, strengthened our communication skills, and learned how to effectively share our stories and perspectives.
With the guidance and training from the Equality New Mexico team, I gained a deeper understanding of how the legislative process works and what it takes to move change forward.
Moments That Gave Me Hope
“Even in challenging times, change is possible when people come together with purpose and determination.”
There were also powerful moments that reminded me why this work matters. Witnessing progress, like the passing of key legislation such as HB9, the Immigrant Safety Act, gave me hope.
It showed me that even in challenging times, change is possible when people come together with purpose and determination.
Moving Forward
Most importantly, this experience changed me. It opened my eyes, strengthened my voice, and gave me a sense of belonging within a community of advocates and allies. I walked away feeling hopeful. Hopeful that progress is happening, that our voices are being heard, and that we are making a difference.
This is just the beginning of my journey in advocacy. I am grateful for the opportunity to grow, to learn, and to be part of something bigger than myself. And I will continue to show up, speak out, and fight for a future where everyone is seen, valued, and protected.
The Experience of Being an Old Fellow or Four Weeks in Purgatory
By Legislative Fellow
“Trying something new feels incredibly vulnerable.”
When you’ve been an adult for a while and working in a certain career, in my case teaching and social services, trying something new feels incredibly vulnerable. I originally applied for an organizer position because I felt like it was something I knew how to do, since I started as a teen in Houston, Texas.
I do not really like crowds, being perceived, getting embarrassed easily, and talking to new people can be difficult for me. I accepted the fellowship because I wanted to learn more about my state, and I wanted to get out of my comfort zone.
I did not expect to do all the things I did in this fellowship, but I am so happy I had the opportunity and took it.
First Impressions
Upon arriving the first day in Santa Fe and walking the halls of the Roundhouse before the session began, I felt all that has happened in that building and all that will continue to happen.
I loved walking through the halls and admiring the artwork, reading about the people that donated their work to make it beautiful.
Every day, as I walked through it, it was a reminder that we make our state what it is.
People Who Make the Process Work
“The best thing to do in this house is to love on each other.”
On our first day in the capital, we spoke with staff members of Senators and House Representatives, learning the parts of the state that they came from in order to contribute to this session.
I loved talking to retired teachers and nurses who schedule appointments for senators because they believe in themselves and their importance in maintaining the session.
I loved learning from listening. Coming from a working class background, seeing women that were lawyers and had been in this work for years was incredibly powerful to me.
I was able to see myself in their experiences, and the advice they gave me is something I will take with me no matter where I go.
Stepping Outside My Comfort Zone
Although the bill did not get heard, speaking with a Republican legislator and standing in front of them as my full self, because we both want safety for our children and success for our community, was something I never thought I would do.
Although I was very anxious, I was incredibly moved by her meeting me where I was and giving me her card.
“It gave me hope that we can have a diverse, sustainable, safe, and loving future together.”
It just takes getting out of our comfort zone for a little bit.
Small Moments That Mattered
Getting to deliver snacks and having staff members remember my name and give gratitude because they were running around trying to get committee rooms ready and did not have time to have a snack or coffee that morning.
My favorite day was giving Valentine’s Day cards and seeing full grown adults get excited about candy.
“It is simple things that bring us together, and it is simple things that give us joy.”
What I Learned
I also appreciate all the learning opportunities I had. My opportunity to learn about the different agencies within our state and the ways that their policies affect my everyday life, as well as my neighbors.
I think we all learn how a bill becomes a law in school, but we do not always learn what a bill actually tells you or leaves out, and how that affects you as a citizen.
Learning who did not feel connected to us in our queer experience in New Mexico was an educational moment as well.
“I learned not to explain my existence and to walk into rooms knowing that I am there because I deserve to be there.”
I am a person that believes that our community is strengthened by adversity and diversity.
Being in Community
I greatly appreciated the opportunity to meet with partner organizations that are doing direct service for all of us, all around the state. One such organization was at the New Mexico LGBTQ Roundtable, where I sat at a table where everyone on staff was also experiencing something that they were serving others for.
I loved knowing that the people who were advocating for me, and my former students and families, understood us. I also loved being able to shadow the ACLU’s team and learn how the way things are written into law can be applied.
A Moment I Will Never Forget
“I do not know how to put into words how empowering it felt to know it would be part of public record.”
Although it was difficult at times listening to legislators debate bills and understanding how their arguments are formed, it was incredibly important to see how information can be used to harm or help others.
Being able to contribute to public comment for bills that are important in my daily life, and being there when the Immigrant Safety Act passed, is something I will never forget.
Years in the making to make life safer for everyone in this state, and hopefully across the world.
I will also never forget the opportunity to contribute to EQNM’s public comment for the Immigrant Safety Act, hearing my words being spoken in favor of something that will protect others and end suffering for some.
Moving Forward
I feel like I am leaving this experience not a new person, but a person who knows what she is made of.
This opportunity is why I decided to continue my education and receive my board certification for chaplaincy.
“I want to continue to advocate for others while being entirely myself, loudly and proudly.”