Board of Directors

President

Jay Shah received his MBA from UNM in 2018 and is the Director of Marketing at Dreamstyle Remodeling. Jay is a board member of Asian Business Collaborative and the UNM Anderson Alumni Council. Jay has been featured in ABF's 'New Mexicans to Know' Piece as a local leader, named a Forty Under 40 Winner of 2022 by Pro Remodeler Magazine, published 'Financial Literacy for Immigrants & Refugees', and spoke at Professional Remodeler Magazine’s Extreme Lead Gen Summit.

Vice President

Julisa Rodriguez is the Director of Operations at MediaDesk, a marketing agency that works with nonprofits and governmental organizations to make a difference in New Mexico. Aside from YPA, Julisa is a board member of MANA de Albuquerque, a Latina mentorship program. Julisa attended the University of New Mexico, and joined YPA because it is a catalyst for leaders to work towards a better city.

Past President

Kyle Biederwolf is an External Affairs Manager for Comcast, supporting the company’s community relations, digital equity, and external communications work throughout the Mountain West Region. Outside of YPA, he serves on the Boys & Girls Club of Central New Mexico, Adelante Development Center, and UNM Alumni Association Boards. He is a two-time UNM graduate and in 2020 was honored by Albuquerque Business First as a New Mexico 40 Under Forty Honoree.

Treasurer

Arturo H. Lozoya III is an Engagement Specialist at Nusenda Credit Union. Arturo specializes in small business development and financial literacy. Arturo graduated from UNM with his BBA in Entrepreneurship. Arturo also serves as the President for the UNM Young Alumni Board. With a love for community and entrepreneurship, he hopes to build partnerships that continue to shine a light in Albuquerque.

Secretary

Marcela has the great privilege of working for the largest Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in the country, the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce. In her role, she works alongside all three major departments: marketing, membership, and convention & tourism. Marcela is an activist and organizer with experience in political campaigns, public relations, and community outreach. During her spare time, she volunteers for civic engagement efforts and participates in professional development and mentoring programs.

Marketing Chair

Adam Biederwolf received his MBA from the University of New Mexico in 2022 and is an Advertising Account Executive at Albuquerque Business First. Adam is a board member for New Mexico Press Women and the Anderson School of Management Advisory Board.

Social Chair

With a nine-year tenure at the Bureau of Trust Funds Administration (BTFA), Ashkii has been a key figure in supporting the Department of the Interior's trust responsibilities, offering fiduciary guidance, management, and leadership for Native American land held in Tribal Trust. In addition to Federal government service, Ashkii is the owner of La Flora Floristry, a flourishing wedding and event floral business. Ashkii's academic foundation is rooted in Communications, having studied this field at the University of New Mexico.

Membership Chair

Alyc Montoya is a district sales coordinator for the American Family Life Assurance Company (AFLAC). He is enthusiastic about helping local businesses overcome today’s challenges in the workforce, such as: retaining and attracting talent, lowering costs, and creating morale. He hopes to translate his business sense to helping YPA grow with professionals that want be involved in the community, develop leadership skills, and make some friends along the way.

Professional Development Chair

Gabe Gallegos is a seasoned media & communications strategist based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. As Strategy & Partnerships Manager, Gabe develops winning communications strategies and campaign insights for our clients, in addition to building new relationships with partners & projects around the U.S. Previously, he was an integrated media planner and digital media specialist at Basis Technologies, an advertising technology company based in Chicago, where he advised national cause-based organizations on digital marketing strategies. He began his career at SUNNY505, working his way up to serve as Media Director – leading paid media initiatives for clients such as New Mexico Census, New Mexico Secretary of State, and The Education Trust Board of Mexico.

Community Engagement Chair

Olin Ellsworth is a volunteer enthusiast, deeply committed to his community and the world of real estate. “OJ,” as he’s known, is an Associate Broker for Realty One of New Mexico with several years of experience in the field. In addition to helping many locals find their ideal home, his dedication to the community has been demonstrated by long standing commitments to local organizations and a history of volunteer service to others. He proudly serves as a board member of the Duke City Marathon and is an Alumni Advisor to El Paso Kappa Sigma Fraternity. OJ has been elected as the Community Engagement Chair, and he’s looking forward to helping YPA members make strong connections with, and in support of, local community organizations.

Sponsorship Chair

Valeria Ojeda-Avitia is a communications strategist at Precision Strategies. Valeria’s background in researching hard-to-reach and non-traditional audiences informs her approach to supporting communications strategies for many clients. Valeria graduated from American University, earning a bachelor’s in international studies and a Masters of Public Policy focusing on strategic communication.

Member At-Large and City Wide Mixer Chair

Erica Krause Muñoz is Director of Marketing for Optum, a national and local medical group and health network. Before Optum, Erica worked at Presbyterian Healthcare Services for 10 years in various communications and marketing roles. She is a 2010 graduate of The University of New Mexico where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication. In addition to YPA, Erica serves on the board of the UNM Alumni Association. She has also held other board positions through her career, including UNM Young Alumni and NM Public Relations Society.