Outstanding Women of Valencia County:

Lilly B. Irvin-Vitela

Published March 13, 2025 - 5:00 a.m. Modified March 13, 2025 - 12:22 p.m.

Lilly B. Irvin-Vitela is the president and owner of Community Connects Consulting in Peralta. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of New Mexico as a Presidential Scholar.

She graduated with a bachelor of arts in political science and philosophy and is an alumnus of the General Honors Program. Lilly also earned a masters in community and regional planning from the University of New Mexico School of Architecture and Planning.

She is a mother of two adult children and she’s a wife. She is also a daughter, sister, auntie, cousin, niece, godmother and dog mama to three. Lilly has made family with friends who are like siblings and is the honorary auntie to many.

She is the vice president of New Mexico Voters First and the treasurer of the New Mexico Local News Fund.

What motivates your community involvement and being an active presence in the community?

“I genuinely believe that, together, we have everything it takes to solve problems and create healthier communities by working together.”

What advice do you have for aspiring women looking to advance their careers?

“Do what you are passionate about and nurture that with principled relationships and strong business practices.”

Do you enjoy your job as much today as when you started?

“Every day I am thankful for doing work that is aligned with my values and allows me to meet and get to know people across New Mexico and the country. I’m always learning and growing. Through my work, I also get to witness and support learning and growth in and among others.

“As I’ve become older, I’ve had the privilege of being super choosy about who I work with and what I work on professionally. There is tremendous satisfaction and joy in supporting people to make a positive difference.”

Who was/is your role model or mentor?

“I’ve been blessed with many teachers and mentors in school and across my professional life. However, my maternal grandmother’s faith, deep understanding and commitment to community, and courage to work toward healing and justice is probably my most significant influence.”

Have you had any life-changing experiences that led you to where you are today?

“I grew up in a family like many New Mexico families. There was both love and struggle, beauty and brutality, deep connection and despair. Through it all we’ve loved one another, tried to lift each other up, and worked toward healing when we’ve fallen short.

“That complexity gave me the capacity to see people, places, situations, and policy issues from many perspectives and with profound empathy. I think that has made me who I am and led me to a life of service.”

What legacy do you want to leave?

“Among my family and friends, I hope the legacy I’m building is one of love, understanding, dignity, and connection. I hope that people who have worked with me professionally have felt more connected to their own values, beliefs, and capacity to make positive changes in their personal and community lives.”