Latest news with #SantaFe-based
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New Mexico Foundation's new CEO makes quite an impression
One of my tasks as the business reporter at The Santa Fe New Mexican is to keep tabs on what's happening in the state's nonprofit community, which explains why I spoke last week with Justin Kii Huenemann, the new president and CEO at the New Mexico Foundation for a profile in our June 4 edition. Justin Kii Huenemann Justin Kii Huenemann, the new president and CEO of the New Mexico Foundation, says the organization faces unique challenges and opportunities as the only statewide community foundation in New Mexico. The Santa Fe-based community foundation lists collaboration and sustainability as two key elements in its core values, and it is clear that Huenemann plans to continue emphasizing both during his tenure. Citing his upbringing on the Navajo Nation near Tsaile, Ariz., he talked about how the landscape of that area has shaped his perspective on the world as an adult. Not surprisingly, he said he tends to take the long view in his approach to managing organizations, especially those that have experienced a recent leadership void. 'The sky's not falling,' he said, describing the message he likes to convey to his new staff in those situations. Huenemann had to hit the ground running in his new position, but he nevertheless made time to spend at least an hour conversing with each member of his staff within two weeks of his arrival. He described himself as an active listener, adding that the most important job of his foundation is to avoid creating barriers for its partners. But the thing he said that impressed me the most was when he described community foundations as 'a privileged environment within a privileged sector,' a reminder to himself to remain cognizant of how different a given situation can look to someone on the outside. As someone who spent the last 10 years living just off the Navajo Nation in San Juan County, a remote and often overlooked corner of New Mexico, I felt like I understood well what he was trying to say. And I have little doubt that Huenemann's term at the foundation will be a successful one.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New Mexico Foundation's new CEO makes quite an impression
One of my tasks as the business reporter at The Santa Fe New Mexican is to keep tabs on what's happening in the state's nonprofit community, which explains why I spoke last week with Justin Kii Huenemann, the new president and CEO at the New Mexico Foundation for a profile in our June 4 edition. Justin Kii Huenemann Justin Kii Huenemann, the new president and CEO of the New Mexico Foundation, says the organization faces unique challenges and opportunities as the only statewide community foundation in New Mexico. The Santa Fe-based community foundation lists collaboration and sustainability as two key elements in its core values, and it is clear that Huenemann plans to continue emphasizing both during his tenure. Citing his upbringing on the Navajo Nation near Tsaile, Ariz., he talked about how the landscape of that area has shaped his perspective on the world as an adult. Not surprisingly, he said he tends to take the long view in his approach to managing organizations, especially those that have experienced a recent leadership void. 'The sky's not falling,' he said, describing the message he likes to convey to his new staff in those situations. Huenemann had to hit the ground running in his new position, but he nevertheless made time to spend at least an hour conversing with each member of his staff within two weeks of his arrival. He described himself as an active listener, adding that the most important job of his foundation is to avoid creating barriers for its partners. But the thing he said that impressed me the most was when he described community foundations as 'a privileged environment within a privileged sector,' a reminder to himself to remain cognizant of how different a given situation can look to someone on the outside. As someone who spent the last 10 years living just off the Navajo Nation in San Juan County, a remote and often overlooked corner of New Mexico, I felt like I understood well what he was trying to say. And I have little doubt that Huenemann's term at the foundation will be a successful one.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
This Santa Fe arts college could lose almost all its federal funding. Here's why.
Jun. 4—The Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA), one of the few post-secondary institutions in New Mexico's capital city, could see its funding slashed by almost 80% as the Trump administration eyes further cuts to higher education institutions, public education and now those that are affiliated with tribes. The Santa Fe-based art school, which serves over 1,000 students and has a staff of over 100 people, 79% and 42% of whom are Native American, respectively, could lose some $13.4 million in federal funding of its overall budget of roughly $17 million. On Tuesday, ProPublica reported that the Trump administration, via a budget request on its way to Congress from the Department of the Interior, was looking to cut 90% of funding for the 37 tribal colleges and universities across the country — one of which is IAIA. The cuts are part of a broader Trump Administration push to cut programs targeted at diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and other programs the administration deems wasteful, such as foreign aid. The administration has touted some $2.3 billion in savings from DEI cuts and $8.3 billion in savings annually that went to some of the poorest nations in the world. "We will terminate every diversity, equity, and inclusion program across the entire federal government," Trump said in an executive order promising to eliminate every government program helping "underrepresented" populations in the U.S. U.S. Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., who is an ex officio non-voting member on the IAIA board of trustees, did not respond to a request for comment Wednesday. IAIA President Robert Martin said in a phone interview Wednesday that they had been bracing for the cuts. "We knew it was going to happen sometime but to tell you the truth, we were hoping that somehow we were going to remain in the budget," he told the Journal. "We were trying to make sure this didn't happen, but it has happened, and we're well-prepared to deal with it, and we're confident that we're going to prevail in the end." Martin expressed confidence that the school would remain funded through the coming fiscal year, stating that he's been reassured by the New Mexico congressional delegation that "they are going to fund us at the level of funding that we requested" and that the presidential administration's proposed cuts could meet legal challenges. Still, Martin acknowledged that the looming cuts could have an impact on the campus community. "It is scary, but I think they want to instill fear, and these are challenging times for all of us," Martin said. "Uncertainty creates a lot of stress and anxiety among our faculty, staff and students." The Bureau of Indian Education Central Office, a department housed within the Department of the Interior, did not respond to a request for comment Wednesday. "We know federal funding cuts have already hit New Mexico's higher education institutions. Currently, the New Mexico Higher Education Department is working closely with all public colleges and universities throughout the state, including the state's four tribal colleges, to track changes that may impact current and future federal funding," Auriella Ortiz, spokesperson for the New Mexico Higher Education Department, wrote in a statement. "During these unpredictable times, we will continue to support students at the Institute of American Indian Arts and other tribal colleges across the state." In March, Martin penned a campus-wide letter ahead of spring break addressing federal concerns and wrote "During my more than 17-year tenure as President, IAIA's budget has been reduced only once." He also noted additional reasons for students and staff to remain optimistic and pointed to some actions the school was taking to mitigate federal effects. "We have drawn down the maximum allowable funding amounts for each of our federal grants. Given the intent of several of the Executive Orders to terminate federal workers and programs, freeze federal hiring, reduce federal funding, and pausing certain federal grants," Martin wrote. "We must remain vigilant."
Hospitality Net
27-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Casetta Launches Hotel Willa in Taos, New Mexico
In the high desert of northern New Mexico, where the light has long lured painters and poets, a new kind of refuge quietly emerges. Meet Hotel Willa—the latest addition to Casetta's growing constellation of design-forward boutique stays, and the brand's first foray into the American Southwest. Tucked at the edge of the Downtown Taos Historic District and framed by views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the 50-room retreat reimagines a 1960s adobe-style motor lodge with a reverence for place and a contemporary sensibility. Earth-toned minimalism meets layered cultural storytelling here: from an Artist in Residency program and gallery activated in partnership with The Paseo Project, to Juliette, the hotel's marquee dining concept helmed by celebrated chef Johnny Ortiz-Concha and Maida Branch of SIEMPRE Design, where each dish is a love letter to the local landscape. Part sanctuary, part salon, Willa is poised to become both a community hub and a destination unto itself—rooted in heritage, designed for now. A Distinct Design-Forward Boutique Getaway in the Heart of Taos' Vibrant Art Scene Hotel Willa reimagines a 1960s adobe-style motor lodge through the lens of contemporary design, marking a striking new addition to Casetta's portfolio of adaptive reuse properties. Conceived in collaboration with Los Angeles-based architecture and interiors studio Electric Bowery, the property pays quiet homage to the vernacular architecture of the Southwest—think hand-troweled terracotta walls, original wood vigas, arched thresholds, and sculptural adobe details—while layering in a modern sensibility. A muted palette of sun-bleached neutrals, earth tones, and gemstone-inspired accents nods to the surrounding New Mexico landscape, creating a mood that is both grounded and luminous. Public spaces include a gallery-style lobby dotted with foraged, flowering branches, a serene pool deck landscaped by local studio, Etvernal, and The Store at Willa, a retail destination curated in partnership with Santa Fe-based, SOTE. Each space is designed as invitations to linger, converse, and exchange ideas. Throughout, artisanal craftsmanship anchors the aesthetic: handwoven textiles, bespoke furnishings, and curated local artworks breathe texture and authenticity into every corner. Guest rooms continue the narrative, with layouts that prioritize both character and comfort—some featuring kiva-style fireplaces, others opening onto private patios with views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. An original adobe residence has been thoughtfully preserved and reimagined into a set of interconnected suites, marrying historic charm with understated luxury. The result is a hospitality experience that feels intimate, inherently place-driven, and utterly of the moment. In line with Casetta's deep commitment to sustainability, Hotel Willa partnered with Taos Initiative for Life Together (TiLT)—a local nonprofit focused on community development and environmental stewardship—and architect Doug Eichelberger on an inventive project to build its parking lot walls from 2,000 pounds of repurposed plastic waste. As part of TiLT's Repurposing Plastic Project, which has diverted over 70,000 pounds of material from landfills since 2020, the walls are reinforced, finished with stucco, and demonstrate how discarded resources can become high-performance building materials: lightweight, waterproof, insulating, and long-lasting. This collaboration offers a compelling model for transforming local waste into meaningful infrastructure. Rooted in Ritual, Raised in Taos:JulietteMakes It's Dining Debut at Hotel Willa Tucked within the newly opened Hotel Willa, Juliette isn't just one of the most anticipated new dining destinations in Northern New Mexico—it's a soulful expression of land, lineage, and deeply personal cooking. Helmed by chef and artist Johnny Ortiz-Concha in collaboration with his partner, Maida Branch of SIEMPRE Design, Juliette celebrates the extraordinary beauty and nurturing energy of the matriarch, and is named in homage to Ortiz-Concha's mother, who lived just beyond the hotel for much of her life. Bread for the table is home-baked by Ortiz-Concha's younger sister, Allysa Ortiz. Food is served and plated on ceramics made by Taos-based, Logan Wannamaker. The space—earth-toned, inviting, quietly reverent—feels more like an ancestral kitchen than a conventional dining room. And that's exactly the point. A rising force in the new American culinary landscape, James Beard Award-nominated Chef Ortiz-Concha shapes a profoundly expressive culinary vision that is as much about memory as it is about terroir. Born and raised in Taos Pueblo—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the U.S.—Ortiz-Concha brings a reverent intimacy to the plate, one informed by generational tradition, seasonal intuition, and a lifelong connection to the destination, channeling a culinary philosophy steeped in ceremony, sustainability, and Indigenous traditions with fine-dining finesse. The menu unfolds like a conversation between inheritance and modernity—wild-foraged herbs steep into broths with the cadence of ritual. Coal-roasted vegetables, pulled from the hotel's edible garden, share space with nose-to-tail preparations that reflect a deep respect for the entirety of the animal. Heirloom staples—many sourced from nearby farms and ranches—anchor the kitchen's ethos of place and season. Communal by design, meals are meant to be shared: delicate small plates of calabacitasand chile-honey glazed proteins give way to heartier fare—perhaps a cast-iron skillet of braised rabbit or blue corn atole spooned warm. Desserts lean rustic and ingredient-driven, while the beverage program offers low-intervention wines, small-batch spirits, local brews, and an elegant array of non-alcoholic options, from herbal remedio teas to house-fermented sodas infused with medicinal plants. Juliette's cuisine is less about spectacle and more about spirit—rooted in place, wrapped in story, and crafted with extraordinary care and intention. Juliette doesn't try to reinvent Northern New Mexico cuisine—it honors it, refines it, and makes it unforgettable. Engaging Experiences, Thoughtful Amenities & Immersive Programming At Hotel Willa, leisure is reimagined as a form of communion—with nature, with self, with the layered cultural rhythms of Taos. The property invites guests to slow down and sink in, offering a curated array of experiences that feel less like amenities and more like rituals: a serene pool and hot tub edged by desert flora; a contrast therapy circuit of sauna and cold plunge; fire pits that flicker to life at dusk, setting the stage for storytelling steeped in local lore. Evenings unfold beneath the town's storied dark skies on a stargazing deck designed for quiet contemplation. True to its setting, Hotel Willa leans into Taos' creative heritage with an Artist-in-Residence program in collaboration with The Paseo Project, a celebrated platform for site-specific, immersive art. The hotel's on-site, 2,000-square-foot gallery rotates with exhibitions from both rising and established talents, creating a living dialogue between guest and place—where inspiration is both the backdrop and the invitation. Activated and managed by The Paseo Project, the gallery serves as a platform for local creatives, beginning with its inaugural exhibition: ON SITE: The Artisans of Hotel Willa—a dynamic group show that brings together a diverse roster of artists whose work is deeply rooted in material, place, and craft. The exhibition celebrates the many hands behind the hotel's transformation, from visual artists to the artisans who contributed to Hotel Willa's plumbing, security, and construction. Featured artists include Paulina Ho, Mark Kemper, Afton Love, Debbie Long, Randy Martinez & Todd Wynward of TILT, Johnny Ortiz-Concha, Dean Pulver, Sean Ratliff, Abby Salsbury, Boramie Sao, Dawning Pollen Shorty, Ky Sturges, Aron John Dubous, Johnny DeFeo, and Izumi Yokoyama. A comprehensive overview of the artists and their work may be found here. A Place to Gather, With Intention At Hotel Willa, community is more than a concept—it's a carefully composed atmosphere. Designed with the modern aesthete and mindful traveler in mind, the property's gathering spaces invite connection, creativity, and a certain Taos-bred ease for all who visit. Under the vast New Mexico sky, events unfold on a sweeping outdoor terrace framed by views of the Couse pasture and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains—ideal for star-lit soirées, artist salons, or group retreats with a cinematic backdrop. For more intimate occasions, The Gallery and the Adobe House offer bespoke environments layered with texture, art, and soul. The latter—a preserved 1960s adobe residence—features a private patio and grilling station for personalized culinary experiences curated by the hotel's in-house team. Whether hosting a 200-guest celebration or a quietly luxe dinner among friends, Hotel Willa's spaces are less about convention and more about creating moments that feel grounded, beautiful, and entirely of place. An Exciting Year Abounds for the Casetta Hotels Brand As part of the Casetta Hotels portfolio—a collection of boutique properties celebrated for breathing new life into historic spaces through modern design, elevated hospitality and a deep commitment to sustainability—Hotel Willa exemplifies the brand's purposeful approach to placemaking. Its opening marks Casetta's continued dedication to preserving the character of architecturally significant buildings while reimagining them for today's discerning traveler. Known for transforming storied structures into intimate, design-forward destinations, Casetta blends preservation with innovation—infusing each project with sustainable practices that honor both place and planet. With acclaimed properties throughout California including The Pearl Hotel in San Diego, Casa Cody in Palm Springs and The Surfrider Malibu, the brand has established a strong presence across Southern California and is expanding beyond. Two new openings are slated for Q2 2025—Hotel Marina Riviera in Big Bear Lake and Hotel Lucile in Silver Lake—with a new hotel in Hudson, New York on the horizon in 2026. Casetta will further foster a sense of community and guest loyalty through the introduction of an exclusive members' club, offering privileged access and bespoke perks across its entire portfolio, including Hotel Willa. For more information, please visit and or follow along on Instagram at @hotelwilla, @ and @casettahotels. Hotel website
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
DocuFilms Celebrates Four Wins at the 2025 Telly Awards for Two Powerful Documentaries About New Mexico
SANTA FE, N.M., May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Santa Fe-based nonprofit production company DocuFilms has been honored with four prestigious Telly Awards, recognizing two of its recent documentary films for their excellence in storytelling, music, and social impact. "Eating History: A Taste of New Mexico," which recently premiered on NMPBS, co-produced with the New Mexico Museum Foundation, earned a Silver Telly Award for Documentary. The film explores the deep and complicated cultural roots and rich culinary traditions that define New Mexico, offering viewers a savory journey through the state's vibrant food heritage. "Moving Arts: Setting Hearts Ablaze," an emotionally resonant film centered on the transformative work of Moving Arts Española, swept three major categories: Silver Telly Award – Documentary Silver Telly Award – Original Score Silver Telly Award – Social Impact Directed by New Mexico native, Zac Cornfield, both films spotlight the power of storytelling to educate, inspire, and uplift communities. "When we began the journey of documenting Moving Arts, I thought we'd be telling the story of a children's arts program," said Cornfield. "Instead, we uncovered a deeper narrative — one about healing, resilience, and the power of creativity to reshape lives. 'Art is Medicine' became our North Star, and this film is both a tribute to that idea and a love letter to filmmaking itself." Michael Campbell, co-founder and Executive Producer of DocuFilms, added:"Our mission has always been to tell powerful stories with lasting impact. These awards reflect the spirit, soul, and creativity of New Mexico — and the extraordinary people who make it what it is." "Moving Arts: Setting Hearts Ablaze" will celebrate its Santa Fe premiere this summer. The Telly Awards honor excellence in video and television across all screens and platforms, celebrating outstanding storytelling in documentaries, branded content, digital series, and more. To learn more about DocuFilms and its upcoming projects, visit Media Contact: Michael Campbell 646-509-5262 395579@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE DocuFilms Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
