Outstanding Women of Valencia County:

Yvonne Sanchez

Published March 13, 2025 - 5:00 a.m. Modified March 13, 2025 - 12:25 p.m.

Yvonne Sanchez is an insurance agent and financial advisor with Rio Grande Financial Network, a business she established with her mother, Grace, in Los Lunas.

She holds a bachelor’s degree from New Mexico State University, and is a member of the University of New Mexico-Valencia Campus’ Development board of directors.

He parents are the late Apolonio and Grace Sanchez.

How do you stay motivated and inspired as a leader?

“It can be very challenging, but when you see that you have helped someone out to achieve their goals it is so motivating. Sometimes you need to shake things up a little and not get mundane in your work.”

Who was/is your role model or mentor?

“My role models were my parents, Apolonio and Grace Sanchez. They taught me to always lend a hand and help others. They encouraged me and supported me in anything I took on.

“With every board position I served on, they were my biggest supporters. They taught me to always work hard but to help out your friends and community.”

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

“I do enjoy it in a different way. I have been in this business for 30 years and have been in business in Valencia County for 25 years, and I look back at how business has grown and the impact we have had on our community.

“I think I have more flexibility now with my schedule and am learning to enjoy myself. In the beginning, it was lots of long hours and working on weekends, too.

“When my mom passed away over a year ago, it was difficult not having her to run ideas by. I would have and still have people and clients tell me what an impact she had on them. She taught me that in business and life that sometimes we just need to sit and listen to our customers and be there for them.

“I think that sense of pride in the business that we built and the relationships we built give me so much joy.”

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

“I think just being two women who started their own business was life-changing. We had to build up our business from scratch. In the beginning, we did everything from going door to door, making cold-calls, cleaning our own office and volunteering in the community.”

What is one of your accomplishments that you are most proud of?

“Building a business with my mom that I am so proud of. It has not only been about building up a business and being successful at it, but also to make a difference in our community.

“The last 10 years, we started contributing to an endowment at UNM-VC for scholarships. I am so proud that since 2018, we have given out several scholarships in the name of my parents.”

How do you define success in life?

“I would define it by the quality of people that I am surround by. I am blessed with an amazing niece and nephew, cousins, friends and aunties who have supported me through good and bad times.”