​ERNEST RODRIGUEZ-NAAZ
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

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Ernest Rodriguez-Naaz is a distinguished leader with over 20 years of experience in nonprofit management and fundraising. As CEO of the National Hispanic Cultural Center Foundation, Ernest is dedicated to celebrating and preserving Hispanic heritage and culture.

He has a stellar track record in fundraising, having secured over $1.5 million in grants, including a notable $100,000 for Adelante’s GiveABQ. His leadership has driven impactful initiatives, such as launching GiveABQ, a nonprofit resource center, and overseeing successful campaigns at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History Foundation.
A proud advocate for cultural preservation and education, Ernest envisions positioning the NHCC Foundation as a national leader in these fields. He holds a master’s degree in public administration from Columbia University and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Baruch College, City University of New York.

In addition to his professional achievements, Ernest is an active member of the United Way Hispano Philanthropic Society and founder of the HPS Leadership Speaker Series. He has contributed his expertise to numerous boards, including the American Society of Radiologic Technicians Foundation.
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Through his vision and leadership, Ernest Rodriguez-Naaz is committed to advancing the NHCC Foundation’s mission of promoting Hispanic culture and supporting its vibrant community.

​AIMEE HOPKINS
VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING AND PROGRAMS

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Coming Soon!

MELISSA ARMIJO
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

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Melissa Armijo’s first role at the National Hispanic Cultural Center Foundation was as its Executive Administrator from 2019 thru 2022. In May 2022 she transitioned and is now serving as the Chief Operations Officer where she helps raise money for the National Hispanic Cultural Center’s many programs dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Hispanic culture, arts, and humanities. Prior to coming to the NHCCF she served as the Special Assistant to the Dean of Students at the University of New Mexico.
 
Melissa attended both New Mexico State University and the University of New Mexico where she obtained certifications in Women in Leadership and Non-Profit Management from UNM’s Anderson School of Management. She is a graduate of Emerge New Mexico which is an organization that trains Democratic women to run for office. Melissa’s most recent political achievement was being elected as a Public Education Commissioner in 2020. She won the primary election with over 73% of the vote in District 1 which spans the entire South Valley and the West Side all the way to Paseo del Norte. She currently is serving her third term as a commissioner and her second term as Secretary of the Commission. She also serves as the Board President of the Mark Armijo Academy Charter High School, a charter school serving at promise youth which was re-named after her late husband Mark who passed away in 2015. She is the co-founder and serves as the Vice President of the Armijo Family Scholarship Fund where she has helped raise and distribute more than $140,000 in scholarships to New Mexico students who are majoring in education and STEM fields. She is also on the board of Youth Development Incorporated and is serving a second term as Vice Chair. Melissa previously served as the Board President of the Gutierrez Hubbell House Alliance, and on the CNM Governing Board. She served in various roles with Las Mujeres, Inc., and helped raise more than $250,000 for scholarships for New Mexico women to attend New Mexico universities.
 
Melissa is a lifelong resident of Albuquerque’s South Valley who has spent her professional and volunteer career dedicated to her community. Melissa and late husband Mark have two adult children, Aja and Christian, who she says are her most impressive accomplishments. Christian graduated in December of 2018 with a Bachelor’s degree from the College of Fine Arts at the University of New Mexico and Aja completed her Master’s degree at UNM’s department of Speech & Hearing Sciences in May of 2017.

​​ALICIA LUCERO
FINANCE MANAGER

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Alicia assumed her role as Finance Manager at the NHCC Foundation in June 2023. A proud native of New Mexico, she hails from the historic Barelas neighborhood, home to the NHCC. Alicia is currently pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Accounting and Sociology at Eastern New Mexico University.
At the NHCC Foundation, Alicia takes charge of managing grant proposals and reports in collaboration with NHCC, overseeing financial transactions, and assisting with financial audits. She plays a pivotal role in nurturing relationships with key stakeholders and potential donors while supporting our team in event planning and execution.
With a career spanning various aspects of the health insurance industry, Alicia has proven her prowess as a collaborative force, adept at cultivating strategic relationships and providing invaluable analytics to drive team success. Alicia also contributes to her community as the Co-chair of the Young Agent Group at the Independent Insurance Agents of New Mexico (IIANM). She holds insurance licenses for Accident, Health or Sickness, and Life insurance from the State of New Mexico.
In her free time, Alicia enjoys spending time with family and friends, enjoys reading, indulges in crafting, and explores new destinations through travel.