SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Transportation, in partnership with the Office of the Governor, has named 14 high school students as the 2025–2026 Land of Enchantment Young Ambassadors, a new statewide leadership program focused on preventing litter and graffiti while promoting community pride.
The Young Ambassadors initiative is part of NMDOT’s Que Linda program and the Governor’s youth-focused #KeepLitterOut campaign and aims to empower youth to lead local beautification efforts across New Mexico. More than 150 students applied for the inaugural program, which builds leadership, project management, and civic engagement skills.
“We have heard the concerns of young people in New Mexico about the impact litter has on our state,” said NMDOT Secretary Ricky Serna. “We saw the opportunity to start this program to support their drive to get involved and make change.”
Ambassadors were selected by a committee based on their demonstrated life skills and teamwork developed through participation in clubs or events, their strong interest in leadership and project management, their genuine passion for environmental issues, and their eagerness to take on leadership roles that contribute to enhancing the beauty of New Mexico.
The ambassadors represent communities from across the state, reflecting New Mexico’s diverse voices and shared commitment to keeping the Land of Enchantment clean and beautiful.
This marks the first year of the program, which will continue through the 2025–2026 school year.
Each ambassador committed to a 9-month program and will organize a beautification event in their district and complete a capstone project designed to create sustainable solutions to litter and graffiti issues in their communities. Students will receive a $3k stipend upon completion of the fellowship and projects.
The 2025–2026 Land of Enchantment Young Ambassadors are:
Albuquerque
- Oluchi Akwani, Volcano Vista High School, Albuquerque — A senior dedicated to community service and public health advocacy, passionate about making New Mexico even more beautiful.
- Sahba Ghasempour, Early College Academy, Albuquerque — A STEM-focused student leader pursuing a future in forensic pathology and community service.
- Kate Watkins, Albuquerque High School, Albuquerque — A junior who combines her love for art and environmental advocacy to support anti-litter efforts.
Carson
- Flora Mack, Taos High School, Carson — A senior and Eco Club founder driven to promote environmental sustainability and beautify Taos County.
Chacon
- Evangeline “Vange” Duran, Mora High School, Chacon — A junior active in Student Council and athletics who believes in giving back and representing her community with pride.
Clovis
- Madalynn Casey, Clovis High School, Clovis — A student leader and FFA officer dedicated to protecting New Mexico’s natural spaces through the #KeepLitterOut campaign.
Farmington
- Susonia Nezwood, San Juan College High School, Farmington — A dual-enrollment junior pursuing a degree in chemistry and eager to beautify her community.
Grants
- Reilly Burress, Grants High School, Grants — A junior athlete passionate about environmental science and implementing recycling programs in her school.
Jemez Pueblo
- Kenn Dejan, Jemez Valley High School, Jemez Pueblo — A senior and STEMarts Lab Youth Ambassador focused on combining art, technology, and leadership to inspire environmental action.
Lemitar
- Breanne Lucero, Socorro High School, Lemitar — A junior and active FFA and 4-H member committed to protecting wildlife and promoting sustainable agriculture.
Roswell
- Sophia Royo-Begueria, Goddard High School, Roswell — A senior class president and bilingual scholar-athlete dedicated to leadership, education, and service.
Santa Fe
- Elise Gutierrez, St. Michael’s High School, Santa Fe — A student body president and youth civic leader passionate about public service and youth advocacy.
Vado
- Jordyn Campion, Centennial High School, Vado — A junior and Teen Miss Earth USA titleholder who leads environmental initiatives through her “Love Your Mother Earth” campaign.
Wagon Mound
- Benito Armijo Jr., Wagon Mound Public Schools, Wagon Mound — A senior who strives to inspire others to maintain a clean environment and preserve the beauty of his hometown.