2024 2nd Annual Social Services Conference

Senator Michael Padilla has served as New Mexico State Senate's Majority Whip three times, representing District 14 since 2013. A central focus of his legislative work is combating poverty in New Mexico. Padilla has played a key role in numerous legislative initiatives, including job creation, economic development, and educational reform,

Senator Michael Padilla has served as New Mexico State Senate's Majority Whip three times, representing District 14 since 2013. A central focus of his legislative work is combating poverty in New Mexico. Padilla has played a key role in numerous legislative initiatives, including job creation, economic development, and educational reform, notably sponsoring the pioneering Hunger Free Students’ Bill of Rights. His efforts have significantly advanced early childhood education, leading to the creation of the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department. Padilla has also championed improvements in child protective services, high-speed internet access, and cybersecurity within the state. Before his political career, he founded Altivus CRM Solutions, demonstrating substantial business success. Raised in a rural farming community by his family, Padilla's early experiences in foster care and diverse family arrangements deeply influenced his commitment to public service and education. He attributes his and his twin sons' successes to the power of early education and resilience.

Dr. Peterson teaches ground and online Integrative Health coursework, has written text, designed curriculum, and directed LMS multi-modal delivery design for Arizona State University. His doctoral research centered on the integration of mindfulness training in academic coursework. Additionally, he leads faculty training and development, m

Dr. Peterson teaches ground and online Integrative Health coursework, has written text, designed curriculum, and directed LMS multi-modal delivery design for Arizona State University. His doctoral research centered on the integration of mindfulness training in academic coursework. Additionally, he leads faculty training and development, mentorships, compliance alignment, and andragogical initiatives for the College of Nursing and Healthcare Professions at Grand Canyon University, as well as instructional design for the College of Nursing and Health Science at United States University. Most recently Dr. Peterson was appointed Commissioner for the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools starting a 3-year term. Prior post-secondary experience includes serving as Dean of Education for Apollo College and Director of Education for Fortis College. 

 Peggy L. Bird (she/her) is of the Sun Clan from Kewa Pueblo, New Mexico. She is mom, grandmother, an advocate/attorney/consultant/human rights activist and works to enhance the sovereignty of indigenous women by ending violence against Native women, both nationally and internationally. She provides training and technical assistance to ad

 Peggy L. Bird (she/her) is of the Sun Clan from Kewa Pueblo, New Mexico. She is mom, grandmother, an advocate/attorney/consultant/human rights activist and works to enhance the sovereignty of indigenous women by ending violence against Native women, both nationally and internationally. She provides training and technical assistance to address violence against Native women and also facilitates comprehensive strategic planning sessions with a Native perspective. Peggy is a co-founder of the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women, Inc., and the Indigenous Women’s Human Rights Collective, Inc. She is a board member of Tewa Women United, Inc., the National American Indian Court Judges Association, and a co-founder of the NCAI Violence Against Native Women Task Force. She is an advisory member to the Building the Fire Fund which supports the work of Indigenous women who are addressing Indigenous reproductive justice rights. She is a recipient of the U.S. Department of Justice National Crime Victims Service Award and the Sunshine Peace Award granted by the Sunshine Lady Foundation and the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. She received her Juris Doctorate from the University of New Mexico School of Law in May 1990, became a member of the State Bar of New Mexico in October 1990, and in May 2018, she received her Doctorate of Philosophy from Arizona State University.