The tribal liaisons serve as navigators, dedicated mentors, and connection points for entrepreneurs within tribal communities across the state. They support entrepreneurs by identifying barriers and seeking solutions through resources within the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. They conduct assessments, support the development of strategic efforts for entrepreneurial training, and work with community partners to facilitate the reimagining of entrepreneurship in tribes based on their indigenous roots.
Over the past three years with the help of a grant administered by the U.S. Economic Development Administration, UNM Rainforest Innovations has been able to hire and fund 6 Tribal Liaisons to serve various tribal communities and entrepreneurs throughout the state. Four out of the six Tribal Liaisons are located and have served coal-impacted communities and tribes in New Mexico.
Through a partnership forged with the City of Santa Fe, a seventh tribal liaison has been hired to serve tribal communities and entrepreneurs in the City of Santa Fe and surrounding communities.
The program is currently in transition and 1 out of the 7 tribal liaisons remain contracting with UNM Rainforest Innovations. The other 6 have gone on to focus on scaling their own business ventures as well as working as contractors with other partner organizations in a similar capacity as the role they served with UNM RI.
Serving the City of Santa Fe
UNM Rainforest Innovations, in partnership with the City of Santa Fe Economic Development Department, has hired a Tribal Liaison to serve the City of Santa Fe and surrounding communities.
Deborah Torres
Owner, Than Povi Fine Art Gallery
Deborah Torres is a dedicated advocate for New Mexico’s tribal communities, with extensive experience in tourism, legislative affairs, and community development. As a leader in Native American tourism initiatives, Deborah has worked closely with tribes to promote cultural preservation, economic growth, and meaningful representation. With a deep understanding of tribal governance, policy, and intergovernmental relations, Deborah is committed to fostering strong partnerships between tribal nations and government entities. Additionally, Deborah has played a key role in assisting Native American entrepreneurs in overcoming challenges in starting and growing their businesses, providing guidance on funding opportunities, regulatory processes, and sustainable business strategies.
Previous Tribal Liaisons
Zachariah Ben
Owner, Bidii Baby Foods, LLC
Zach is a member of the Navajo Nation, a sixth-generation traditional farmer and sand painter in Shiprock, New Mexico. He is of the “Giant People,” born for the “Red Running into Water” clan. His maternal grandfather’s clan is the “Red House People,” and his paternal grandfather is of the “Salt People.” Zach has over 10 years of experience in traditional farming and is the owner and founder of Bidii Baby Foods, LLC, a Navajo-registered business that sells organic, indigenous baby foods. In addition to working as a Tribal Liaison, he is a member of the state-led Family Leadership Council where he works with other families to address early childhood issues through action and advocacy.
Heather Gomez
Owner, Big D Flooring and Dulce Base Tipi AirBnB
Heather Gomez is a member of the Jicarilla Apache Nation and resides in Dulce, New Mexico. With a professional background in graphic design, marketing, and journalism, she previously served as Editor of the Jicarilla Chieftain newspaper before joining NPR’s Next Generation Radio in 2022 as a Digital Editor. That same year, she launched Big D Flooring, a rural flooring installation business serving communities across Northern New Mexico and Southwest Colorado. Heather is also the owner of Dulce Base Tipi, a unique lodging experience located on the Jicarilla Apache reservation that also offers exclusive tours for their guests.
Her experience spans federal and tribal partnerships, including work with Tribal Tech LLC on contracts for the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) and the Administration for Native Americans (ANA). She also briefly served as a Tribal Content Developer for the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA).
Heather previously held her position with UNM Rainforest Innovations, where she contributed to Indigenous storytelling, entrepreneurship, and innovation. She currently serves as a Marketing Specialist with the IDRS Acorn Project, where she supports Native entrepreneurs, and as a Tribal Liaison with WESST. She also leads an educational Airbnb webinar series designed to empower Indigenous communities through hosting and cultural tourism
Mytegia Lee
Executive Director, Southwest Native Assets Coalition
Mytegia has a long history working in the commercial banking and financing services industry providing credit analysis, financial education as well as small dollar loan origination and servicing throughout Western New Mexico. Her diligence, attention to detail, and commitment to customer service reflect her sincere interest in helping rural households secure optimal economic opportunities and outcomes. Ms. Lee is bilingual and a skilled silversmith, rancher, and mother of three. She enjoys traveling, physical fitness and photography. She is from the community of Manuelito, New Mexico and is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation.
Scott Tafoya
Owner, Truth Dancer Coaching, LLC
Growing up in Santa Clara Pueblo, Scott graduated from Española Valley High School and was an active member of the Baptist Mission in Santa Clara. Majoring in Psychology and Music, Scott later completed Seminary and pastored in his home church for 6 years before moving on to pastor in other Native communities. Scott was bi-vocational and took on jobs including Director and Business Manager of a Halfway House, owning a mobile auto-glass business in two cities, teaching and directing in branch locations of seminaries and his college alma mater, and driving a school bus. Scott completed his Doctor of Ministry degree in 2010 and the experience inspired him to become a professionally trained coach and establish Truth Dancer Coaching to focus on Native American Leadership Coaching and Training in both secular and church arenas.
Joseph Toledo
Owner, Smash N Crispy Burgers and Project Manager, Smart Tribe 275
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Joseph is a part of Jemez Pueblo and he grew up visiting Jemez and participating in the cultural events and dances. He has taken on many entrepreneurial pursuits over the years, starting a Farmers Market organization with colleagues called Enriched Farms; in 2019 he started Native Harvest Events Inc., a farmers market and special events organization; and then in 2021 he started a successful smashburger company called Smash N Crispy Burgers operating out of Orange County, CA. He currently lives in Jemez Pueblo and works as a Project Manager for an electronic manufacturing company called Smart Tribe Technology. Their goal is to employ Native Americans and have them earn a competitive wage on the reservation. His personal mission is to unite my culture with opportunities to bring prosperity to our Pueblo.
Entrepreneur's Journey Interview Series
Video Series
Questions?
If you would like to learn more or discuss potential opportunities for collaboration with our program, please contact the Program Manager:
Cecilia (Pacheco) Becenti
Program Manager, NMTEEP
UNM Rainforest Innovations