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OUTSTANDING WOMEN OF VALENCIA COUNTY
Nancy Jo Gonzales
Nancy Jo Gonzales is the deputy village administrator for the village of Los Lunas. She holds a master’s of public administration from the University of New Mexico and a bachelor of arts from St. Edward’s University.
Her immediate family includes her wife, Courtney, and their son, Julian.
Gonzales sits on the Mid-Region Council of Governments board of directors and is a board member for the Opioid Remediation Collaborative of New Mexico.
What advice do you have for aspiring women looking to advance their careers?
“You belong in every room you choose to walk into. You don’t have to change who you are to succeed. The things that make you different are your strengths. You have every right to be at the table, and there aren’t enough women at the table as it is.”
If you could say one thing to your younger self or give them one piece of advice what would it be?
“Try not to worry so much. I spent so much of my younger years worrying and stressing about what to do, how to do it or what I should have done, that I missed being in the moment. Also, be nicer to your parents.”
What motivates your community involvement and being an active presence in the community?
“When you say ‘community,’ I hear ‘people.’ The people here have provided so much for me throughout my life, and continue to do so, that I am compelled to give back. It’s what makes me who I am — how could I not give back?”
Have you had any life-changing experiences that led you to where you are today?
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“I had the opportunity to spend about 10 years outside of New Mexico. I experienced different ways of seeing the world and seeing each other. But what it really helped me see was myself. Being away didn’t change where I wanted to eventually settle down. In fact, it made home that much more important to me.”
What goal(s) are you working toward right now?
“Professionally, I am working to build more trust between the village of Los Lunas and the community. It’s a lofty goal, but worthwhile. You’ll see this in things like ‘In the Loop’ and social media engagement. Personally, I am still trying to make it on to ‘Jeopardy.’”
What is one of your accomplishments that you are most proud of?
“I am blessed to say that my life is full of things that make me proud, but nothing quite like being a mom to our son, Julian. No achievement is more important to me than being a mother. He is the greatest thing I have ever done.”
