Meet the 2005 Young Women of Promise

The 2005 Young Women of Promise are a remarkable group of young women. This year’s honorees were chosen for the award due to their dedicated, innovative, passionate, and enthusiastic spirit and hard work in their communities. Their interests and causes are varied and far-reaching. The commitments they have made and the goals they have set for themselves are impressive.

Their combined volunteer/community service hours number in the thousands. All are excellent, high-achieving students, and the demands on their time are tremendous. They must all be experts on organization and multi-tasking. They recognize and appreciate the opportunities they have been given by devoted and proud families. Nearly every girl nominated (and there were more than 50) mentioned the positive influence of their mother, dad, sister, brother,
aunt, grandmother or teachers, counselors, and mentors, and thanked them for their support.

Their success is a source of pride to us, and certainly to all those around them who have witnessed their maturing into such gracious and conscientious young women.

We know that their dreams, plans, and ambitions will make our communities stronger, healthier, and more tolerant.

D.J. JONES, Keynote Speaker
D.J. Jones, who lost both her parents to heart disease, is honoring them and their love for children by working to give back to the community and the country her parents loved. D.J. has recently started a nonprofit organization called The Posey Foundation to raise money and awareness by promoting heart disease prevention, help for pediatric
cancer victims, and a scholarship fund for underprivileged kids.

D.J. and her 800 lb. motorcycle (Big Bertha) are doing a Posey Foundation 50 State “Dream Power
Ride.” She will be performing motivational “Dream Power” lectures to schools and hospitals along the
way! Something for kids of all ages! Contact D.J. and The Posey Foundation at www.poseyfoundation.com.

BEV RAINEY, Emcee
Bev Rainey is regional director of production for Clear Channel Communications, responsible for commercial production for seven stations in Albuquerque and Clear Channel production departments in Santa Fe, Gallup, and Farmington.

Bev hosts a popular mid-day program on KBQI
Big I 107, leading Arbitron ratings in most demographics
in metro Albuquerque. Bev takes part in
many local community service projects and fundraisers,
including a recent event held by Albuquerque Clear Channel radio stations to collect
donations for victims of Hurricane Katrina. On
September 1, more than 124,000 pounds of food
were collected for the Roadrunner Food Bank, and
over $174,000 for the American Red Cross.

BRITTA ANDERSON, 18
Graduate of: Albuquerque Academy Carleton College, Northfield, MN, Freshman
Parents: Steve and Lindi Anderson
Nominated by: Claretta Griego
Clubs/organizations/sports:
Equestrian competitions and events
Singer/harpist in Christian band
Classics Club

Volunteer work/community service:
ESL tutoring for local Spanish speakers
Monthly outings for Special Olympics
Harry Mease Award
Project Share
Harps for Hospice
Grant writing for hospice patients
Vista Care Hospice
Muscular Dystrophy Phone-a-Thon
Save the Bosque
Senior Citizen Thanksgiving dinners
Tidman Therapy Farms, equestrian facility for disabled children
Sweatstop, student organization against sweatshops

In view of all the world problems we face today, what could you do to affect social change?
Kindness and positive attitude go a long way. If I make an effort to be as aware of my neighbors’ needs as of my own and to live in a responsible and loving way, I can be my own social change, even on the minutest scale. Through nonprofit organizations and a commitment to community service, we can work on the world’s problems.

AMY KRISTEN BAACK, 17
Albuquerque Academy, Senior Albuquerque, NM
Parents: Dr. Bret Baack and Elena Sandoval-Baack
Nominated by: Judith Jenkins
Clubs/organizations/sports:
International Thespian Society Troupe
Director of a play, titled This is a Test
School dance troup recitals, ballet, jazz, hip hop, and modern
School events and assemblies
Community Service Club
Author/editor, The Community Chronicle
Senior Class Officer

Volunteer work/community service:
I was involved in many of my school’s community service club projects, including Senior Citizen Yard Clean-up, the Diversity Day booth, Meals on Wheels, Weems Artfest, Ronald McDonald House, Project Share, Special Olympics, and Candygrams (a Valentine’s Day fundraiser for the tsunami relief efforts). I was a volunteer at my church (Faith Lutheran Church) and a Cherry Hills Branch Library Summer Youth Assistant. Teacher’s Assistant for Albuquerque Academy’s drama department, stage manager for the summer stock class production of The Wizard of Oz.
I helped with classes on acting, stage makeup, and technical production.

ANGELA BAKER, 16
Albuquerque Academy, Junior, Corrales, NM
Parents: John and Elaine Baker
Nominated by:Mike Coltrin
Clubs/organizations/sports:
Sandia Presbyterian Church youth group
Albuquerque Academy Varsity Volleyball team
Albuquerque Academy Varsity Tennis
Albuquerque Academy Student Senate
Piano, nine years
Photography

Volunteer work/community service:
Village at Alameda
Worked at an assisted living facility
Helped with various social events
Sandia Presbyterian Church mission trips
Student youth groups
Helped build houses for families in need in Tijuana, Mexico

In view of all the world problems we face today, what could you do to affect social change?
In response to the world problems that we face today, it is important that I become a leader. I have been fortunate to see many leaders in my life and have seen how a good leader can change someone’s life.

ADRIENNE COE, 18
New Mexico State University, Freshman, Roger, NM
Parents: Wayne and Donna Travis; Gaylord and Gail Coe
Nominated by: Alta Elder
Clubs/organizations/sports:
Varsity basketball, volleyball, track
Fellowship of Christian Athletes
Business Professionals of America
FFA officer of the year, Dairy Proficiency award, Horse Proficiency award
President of the Parliamentary Law team
President senior year of the National
Honor Society
4-H, showing sheep, dairy heifers, and horses,
Officer of 4-H for six years and president three times

Volunteer work/community service:
FFA and 4-H have provided many opportunities to participate in events such as roadside clean-up, fairground clean-up, concession stand, rodeo, Meals on Wheels, singing Christmas carols at the nursing home, and participating in the adopt-a-grandparent program. Also, I have over 500 hours of community service at a local vet clinic. As a student member of a community block grant committee, I took pictures and built a PowerPoint presentation for the community block grant, and the committee received the grant.

STACY DANIELS, 16
Valley High School, Junior, Albuquerque, NM
Parents: Donny and Leticia Daniels
Nominated by: Lucille Roybal
Clubs/organizations/sports:
Valley High School Senate
Freshman vice president
Sophomore treasurer
Sophomore cabinet
Valley Academy senate
Valley Academy secretary

Volunteer work/community service:
Barrett House
Friends of Rancho de Ninos
Rio Grande Streetscape
Thanksgiving food drive
Walk for the Cure
Christmas giving tree, clothing, and food donations

In view of all the world problems we face today, what could you do to affect social change?
Everyone needs a positive role model. I love to help others and I hope that some day I inspire someone or help change someone’s life for the better. Is there anything else you would like to tell us about yourself? I would like to thank my family, especially my parents, for encouraging me. Also, I want to thank New Mexico WOMAN. This award encourages me to keep doing my best.

SARA ESQUIBEL, 16
Santa Fe High School, Junior, Santa Fe, NM
Parents: Linda Esquibel and Seferino Esquibel (deceased)
Nominated by: Donna Mifflin
Clubs/organizations/sports:
Mariachi
Cheerleading
Rodeo Club
Honor Society
Student Government
Rotary Club

Volunteer work/community service:
Teach violin to elementary and junior high school students
Cheer clinic coach, Wood Gormley
Elementary School Cheer Squad
Performed in a passion play
Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Conference
Habitat for Humanity
Rancho de las Golondrinas
Santa Fe Fiesta Council
Youth Mariachi Workshops/Concert
Sociedad Folklorica

In view of all the world problems we face today, what could you do to affect social change?
One of the biggest problems in society is the high crime rate. Many individuals who turn to crime have low selfesteem. I hope to help young girls achieve some success. I hope that small successes will lead to a better society.

CASSANDRA ESTE VON TOLEDO, 18
University of Arizona, Freshman, Jemez Pueblo, NM
Parents: Stephanie Yepa-Toldeo and James “Ernie” Toledo
Nominated by: Diane Samson
Clubs/organizations/sports:
National Honor Society
MESA
Mentorship Program
Basketball
Softball
Volleyball
Grammy Nominee in 2002 and 2005
Grammy Award winner 2004 and attended the
Grammy Award Ceremony
Traditional Native American Pow-Wow drum group, Black Eagle.

Volunteer work/community service:
Volunteer middle school basketball coach
Tribal activities within the pueblo
Student mentor, advanced math
Student Technician, Los Alamos National Laboratory

In view of all the world problems we face today, what could you do to affect social change?
With my cultural heritage, I can help all Native people to get a better knowledge of what college is and what it has to offer. I want to be a role model and help my Native people reach their full potential.

LAUREN LANKFORD, 16
Alamogordo High School, Junior Holloman AFB, NM
Parents: Mark and Doris Lankford
Nominated by: MSgt. Mark and Doris Lankford
Clubs/organizations/sports:
Holloman AFB youth and teen center
Keystone Club
Holloman AFB Family Services

Volunteer work/community service:
Keep Alamogordo Beautiful
Airman Atic
National and regional leadership conferences

In view of all the world problems we face today, what could you do to affect social change?
Help others become aware of cultural diversity to promote healthy communities and mentor youth to plant the seeds of change and acceptance of diversity.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us about yourself?
I am an Air Force “brat” and have been able to travel across the United States, to Hawaii, and Guam. We have been stationed at Holloman for eight years. As a military family, we have been given the opportunity to meet people from all over the world. My entire family volunteers to better our world.

NICOLA MARTINEZ, 18
New Mexico Military Institute, Freshman, Prewitt, NM
Parents: Theresa and Melton Martinez
Nominated by: Rebecca Knowles
Clubs/Organizations/Sports:
Volleyball
Peer Assistance and Leadership
Protecting You/ Protecting Me
Health advocate
Student Council
Horseback riding

Volunteer work/community service:
Eastern Navajo Uranium Workers
Youth Peer Tutor
Fundraising for community service activity
Adopt-a-highway litter control
Little League volunteer manager
American Red Cross Volunteer
Teach third grade students

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
My teacher, mentor, counselor, and friend Rebecca Knowles is the most up-beat and positive as well as supportive person in my life and I really appreciate her. Shi ma, my teacher: I will remember what you taught me and I will teach others, I will show others the kindness and goodness that you showed me. I will be the change that you and I discussed. I will always remember. I will listen with all my heart and love with all my soul, because you are the change I hope to see soon in the world, in life, and in love. I will always remember you.

HAYLEY OTTO, 17
La Cueva High School, Junior Albuquerque, NM
Parents: William and Elizabeth Otto
Nominated by: Elizabeth Otto
Clubs/organizations/sports:
La Cueva High School speech and debate,
Anime Club
Creative Writing Club
Purple belt in combat hapkido, a Korean martial art
Senior Girl Scout

Volunteer work/community service:
Cherry Hills Branch Library summer reading program
Leader’s aide for Brownie and Junior Girl Scouts
Helped organize a day camp for Girl Scouts
Collected nearly 500 pounds of
supplies for the tsunami victims in Indonesia

In view of all the world’s problems we face today, what could you do to affect social change?
If everyone in this world acted with some degree of honesty and fairness, we would have far fewer problems. I believe that it is my duty to help support those less fortunate, both humans and animals. Along with this, I believe that if I avoid judging those who do no real harm, I am doing a great service.