Meet the 2004 Young Women of Promise

Photos by Kyle Zimmerman

The criterion for nominees for the Young Women of Promise Awards is that each girl must demonstrate a commitment to her community and to New Mexico through volunteer efforts and initiatives. The Young Women of Promise of 2004 are devoting their time, energy, and enthusiasm to organizations and projects in their communities, as well as starting their own initiatives for action when they perceive a need. Our honorees are contributing their talents and hard work to activities that promise a better future for all of us. They demonstrate strong leadership abilities, creativity, and visions for the future. Their accomplishments are greater each year; their understanding of the world as we now know it is extraordinary, as is the understanding of what they want to change and how they want to change it. They have no fear, and we admire them. They will make, we are certain, an impact on the future of all of us, their fellow New Mexicans.

Beverly Rainey Emcee
Beverly Rainey was born 28 years ago in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, yet she could easily be mistaken for one of our Young Women of Promise, or, when identical twin sister, Stephanie Barnett is nearby, two of the Young Women of Promise. Bev moved to Albuquerque in 1991, graduated from West Mesa High School, and received an academic scholarship to UNM.

Bev has been involved in Albuquerque radio for nine years. She began on-air work for 94 Rock and Classic Rock 104.1, then became imaging director and overnight DJ on 100.3 The Peak. Currently she hosts a popular 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. program on the Big I 107, leading Arbitron ratings in most demographics in the Albuquerque Metro area. Bev has taken part in the Big I’s annual radiothon for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which raised over $200,000 last year.

Bev is regional director of production for 18 stations in N.M. for Clear Channel Radio. She is responsible for commercial production for seven stations in Albuquerque and works with Clear Channel production departments in Santa Fe, Gallup, and Farmington to meet sales and programming needs. Bev enjoys providing radio and TV voice-overs for local and national businesses and owns a small production house with her husband, Jason Rainey (the Rainman) who is morning show producer of the T.J. Trout show on 94 Rock.

Bev is enthusiastic and articulate and believes that our Young Women of Promise have the strength in their voices and hearts to make a difference in the world. She plans to remain in the Albuquerque radio market, entertaining all those willing to listen!

D.J.Jones Keynote Speaker
We all have an image of what a woman motorcycle rider looks like. D.J. Jones is doing her best to change it. Tall and elegant in her black leathers and Divaskinz shirt and jacket, she looks more like a model than a motorcycle mama. She projects an aura of confidence, comfortable with who she is. But who is she? Clothing designer? Motorcycle rider? Personal trainer? Motivational Speaker? Wife? Mother? She’s all of that and so much more.

Born in Denton, Texas, Damita Jo is the oldest of four children who grew up in a small town in Oklahoma. While she says there’s “nothing like” small town living, it wasn’t easy being the only black kid in her class. Or being responsible for supporting her younger brother and sisters when her father died of heart disease and her mother was incapacitated with the same.

The messages she received at school were about the things she couldn’t do. They only served to motivate her to get top grades, become an avid reader, and be the best she could be whether playing flute or basketball. She overcame all the negativity and studied architecture at Connor College in Oklahoma. Then she sang rock and roll, and when it came time to leave that life, she became a personal trainer. She took all the couldn’ts and turned them into coulds.

Her positive outlook, outgoing and effervescent character, and personal philosophy, “Dream It, See It, You Can Achieve It!” have landed her on several TV programs and a soon-to-be released documentary.

20, Albuquerque Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute, Sophomore Parents: Jaylene Adakai Sanchez, Raymond E. Wright Sr. Brothers: Kenneth, 8, Raymond, 14 Nominated By: Frank Adakai Clubs/Organizations/Sports: Four Winds Lodge secretary, Chairperson Miss Indian New Mexico Committee, New Mexico Council of American Indians, Wellness and Healing Skills Training Conference committee, Bureau of Land Management- Public Affairs, Women’s Northern Traditional Dance Community service: Junior Civitan, Social Welfare in New Mexico, New Years Sobriety, and Thanksgiving Powwows What could you do to effect social change? I was Miss Indian New Mexico 2002-2003 and had the opportunity to travel all over New Mexico, visit other reservations, and participate in community functions. I am Rosebud Sioux, Turtle Mountain Ojibawa, and Dine’ (Navajo). I would try to bring everyone together to see that we are equal and deserve respect. I would love to see people work out differences without violence. The world would be a better place. Who is your most influential role model? My family has taught me much to help me succeed in life. They have picked me up when I have fallen, dusted me off, and sent me back into the world.	19, Las Cruces El Paso Community College, Sophomore Parents: Elizabeth Barela and Mike Barela Jr. Brothers: Michael, 15, and Joseph, 8 Nominated by: Rosemary Kirby Clubs/Organizations/Sports: El Paso Community College softball team, student government Community service: Letters From Home-donations, projects, and letters to soldiers What could you do to effect social change? When the New Mexico Army National Guard 642nd Maintenance Co. was deployed, people throughout New Mexico were affected. I organized and promoted the idea of Letters From Home. I believe there are two kinds of people in life, those who wait for something to happen, and those who go out and make something happen… and I have never been a patient person. Who is your most influential role model? I get my strength and work ethic from my mother. I get my “Never Quit” attitude and leadership skills from my father. My boyfriend, Jacob Gonzales is with the New Mexico National Guard in Iraq. If he is fighting a war, then I can do just about anything. Ms. Rosemary Kirby has given me great advice and sharpened my “people skills.”	19, Mesilla New Mexico State University, Sophomore Parents: Marshall and Beverly Clayshulte Brother: Michael, 16 Nominated by: Velma Boone and Carolina Glaze Clubs/Organizations/Sports: National Deans Honor Roll, Gamma Beta Phi, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Crimson Scholar-New Mexico State, senior and junior class vice presi-dent, freshman class president, Southern New Mexico State Fair Board, National and Global Young Leaders Community service: Miss New Mexico Teen USA, 2003, Children’s Miracle Network, Coats for Kids, Toys for Tots, Mesilla Valley Youth, Salvation Army Dress-A-Child, Center for Battered Children, Wheelchair Basketball, National Organization for Ovarian Cancer What could you do to effect social change? Today’s youth need to take responsibility for their actions. Drugs, teen pregnancy, and alcoholism have serious consequences. I feel that it is my turn to teach the principles, integrity, and ethics I learned from my parents. Tell us about yourself, family, or friends. I am setting up a non-profit foundation to assist adults with terminal cancer. I have spent many hours at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, visiting my grandfather and others undergoing treatment. My goal for this foundation is to make many seemingly impossible last wishes to come true!
18, Albuquerque The University of New Mexico, Freshman Parents: Robert and Gerrie Gallegos Sisters: Veronica, 16, and Alexandra,12 Nominated by: Melissa LaBate Clubs/Organizations/Sports: Student Council, senior class president, Key Club president, National Honor Society secretary, campus ministry, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Youth in Action Community service: Muscular Dystrophy Association, The Cody Unser First Step Foundation, Roadrunner Food Bank, Barrett House, Joy Junction, Born to Run, Right to Life of New Mexico, Rio Grande Library, Catholic School Foundation, Albuquerque Help for the Homeless, March of Dimes, St. Jude’s Research Hospital Work experience: Last summer I was a camp counselor for the Muscular Dystrophy Summer Camp. I currently work for Lovelace Sandia Health System as a physical therapy technician. What could you do to effect social change? I believe that touching one person can make a difference. When we share what we have with others we can do our part to change the world. Who is your most influential role model? My parents are such wonderful people. They have always supported me and shared their love with me. They have taught me what it means to be a good person.	15, Albuquerque Albuquerque Academy, 10th Grade Parents: Tim and Carolyn Spinney Sister: Sarah, 11 Nominated by: Suzanne Winsor Clubs/Organizations/Sports: Girl Scouts, cross-country, swimming (summer, winter) AWANA (a national Christian organization) Community service: Day camp for girls, Project Linus, donations for children whose parents are in jail, Cherry Hills Library, Ding Dong Ditch-providing necessities for families, teaching Bible lessons What hobbies do you enjoy? I read, write, knit, garden, sew, paint, draw, make jewelry, and cross-stitch. I love doing things with my hands. Who is your most influential role model? Lance Armstrong is a great sports role model for me. He’s gone through cancer and survived. Instead of feeling sorry for himself, he’s gone out again and broken world records. That’s amazing. Tell us about yourself, family, or friends: I want to thank the people who stood by me through a recent surgery. Family, friends and all their support were a great comfort through a very hard time. You know who you are! I want to thank my leaders in Girl Scouts, AWANA, and at Vertical who’ve laughed with me, listened to me, and taught me lessons I’ll never forget. Thanks.	18, Alamagordo Alamogordo High School, 12th Grade Parents: Robert and Dina Thornton Sisters: Chiffon, 31, Tiara, 18, (Tempest’s twin sister) Brothers: Tres, 28, Voight, 27, Jeff, 16 Nominated by: Voight and Chiffon Thornton Clubs/Organizations/Sports: Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honor Society-secretary, Chamber of Commerce junior ambassador, volleyball Community service: Candy StriperGerald Champion Hospital, Gus Macker basketball tournament volunteer, Church Fiesta-Immaculate Conception Church, volleyball camp, Alamogordo Family Recreation Center What could you do to effect social change? I want to work as a Registered Nutritionist. Obesity affects society and our children. I can help educate people on how to eat properly, maintain a quality diet, and give them a better chance to live longer. Who is your most influential role model? My twin sister, Tiara, is positive, understanding, and hard working. She expresses her opinions passionately and never lets anyone sway her. I want to thank Tiara for teaching me to tackle my fears head on. Tell us about yourself or your family: I want to thank my family for inspiring me, and encouraging me to keep working and never give up. I want to thank New Mexico WOMAN for selecting me for this award.
15, Albuquerque Laurel Springs School, on-line, 10th Grade Parents: Tony L. King and Ramona King Brothers: Vincent, 13, Malcolm, 10 Nominated by: Bernice Reed Clubs/Organizations/Sports: Intel computer club-house, Young Eagles Tuskegee Airmen Institute, National Association of Black Storytellers, Kung Fu, Prairie Dog Pals, Wild Life Rescue, Farmington Library, National Youth Storytelling Olympics, Digifest, Catch a Story Productions, National, Smoky Mountain, Taos, and Four Corners Storytelling Festivals. Community service: Community theater, NMNHS Museum’s Diversity Day, “Teen Headliners of New Mexico,” South Broadway Cultural Center Tellabration, Westside Community Center, Project Love The Believers Center. What hobbies do you enjoy? Painting, animation, puppetry, jazz violin, and dance allow me to express myself in a way that isn’t possible with words. What could you do to effect social change? With all the war and hatred humankind faces everyday, I think it’s important to remember the things that are universal – like music, art, and stories. When I tell stories or paint, I expose my own humanity so others can see that we’re not much different from one another. My goal is to promote peace and respect in the community.	13, Holloman AFB Holloman Middle School, 8th Grade Parents: Mark and Doris Lankford Sisters: Jennifer, 17, Lauren, 15 Nominated by: TSgt. and Mrs. Mark Lankford Clubs/Organizations/Sports: Youth Empowerment Association-Youth Center, Family Services (Holloman AFB), basketball, running, baseball, soccer Community service: Girl Scouts, Keep Alamogordo Beautiful What could you do to effect social change? I can help promote programs that enhance community awareness and involvement. Organizations such as Boys and Girls Clubs and Youth Empowerment Association are avenues in which young people can become involved and make a difference. Who is your most influential role model? My family. As a military “brat” I have been exposed to many cultures and people. My parents and siblings all volunteer in our community. With my family’s support and encouragement I have become a responsible young person with the desire to help others. Tell us about yourself, or your family. My family and I are currently stationed at Holloman AFB. Our previous assignment was Andersen AFB, Guam. My mom is a full time volunteer with Holloman’s Family Services. We enjoy spending time together and frequenting San Diego, California.	18, Albuquerque Vanderbilt University, Freshman Parents: Alfonso Sevilla and Carol Carriaga Sisters: Rafaelita Sevilla-Price, 28, Charlene Sevilla, 23 Nominated by: Jerry T. Chavez Clubs/Organizations/Sports: Student Senate, Student body president, Mayoral Youth Advisory Council, Valley Governance Council, soccer, speech and debate team, Principal’s Advisory Council, Mentorship- Socioeconomic Diversity and its Effect on Complex Learning Styles Community Service: Literacy tutor, Thanksgiving food drive, Bosque restoration, Shouting for a Little Voice: Aplastic Anemia Awareness, blanket, clothes, book, and blood drives, South Valley Soccer League, VIP Soccer League, Walk for Diabetes, Kid’s College- Bernalillo County Parks and Recreation What could you do to effect social change? I believe the most essential element for success is passion. My goal is to spark change so that I may always maintain the passion to keep growing, learning, and achieving my best. Who is your most influential role model? Anne Young, my U.S. History and Government teacher, instilled in me the wonderful appreciation of perspective. She reminds me that great people surround us everyday. Jerry Chavez, my activities director in high school, is an awesome role model. He saw me as a freshman in 2000 and helped make me into student body president in 2004.
15, Albuquerque La Cueva High School, 10th Grade Parents: Suzanne and Duke Winsor Brother: Andrew, 12 Nominated by: Suzanne J. Winsor Clubs/Organizations/Sports: Girl Scouts, AYSO, United States Figure Skating Association, La Cueva speech and debate team, La Cueva Bear Truth (Bible Club) Covenant Presbyterian Church, youth choir Community service: Desert Ridge Middle School Leadership Club, Empty Bowls to feed the homeless, ACES (All Children Exercise simultaneously), Project Linus, Children, Youth and Families Department What could you do to effect social change? I try to set a good example. I am a good student. I do not drink or smoke and I help others, both old and young, whose needs are often overlooked because they cannot speak for themselves. Tell us about yourself, family, or friends. When I went to camp I met Jenna deCastro. We were climbing a mountain and in the middle of a pile of rocks. Jenna knew the rock was about to fall and saved our lives. I was too stunned to recognize the enormity of it. Later, I evaluated my life and myself. The most important thing in my life is church.