Our Team
Our accomplishments reflect the character of our team.
From the top down, our experienced staff operates in a team-oriented collaborative environment that helps foster small business solutions to share with our clients. We are prodigious learners, meticulous listeners, and natural problem solvers. Our collective experience is our foundation and it grows stronger with every new challenge we face and every new client we help.
Agnes Noonan
President
Prior to joining WESST in 1991, Agnes served as a small business consultant in the United States Peace Corp in Costa Rica and as the Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt. She holds a BA in Political Science from Berea College and a MA in International Affairs from The George Washington University. She has received numerous honors: Top-Performing CEO (2009), Junior Achievement’s New Mexico Business Hall of Fame, (2005); Women of Influence (2005); and New Mexico’s Small Business Advocate of the Year, United States Small Business Administration, (1995). Agnes is particularly passionate about personal and business financial literacy. She loves to read and fantasizes about becoming a beach bum.
Lesly Avitia
Bilingual Program Coordinator, Hobbs
Lesly joined WESST in 2024. She was raised in Chihuahua, Mexico in her early childhood and moved to Hobbs, NM when she was nine years old. Lesly comes from immigrant parents, and the language barrier was a difficult obstacle she had to overcome. She is committed to serving her community by assisting their small businesses and helping them overcome language barriers. Her mother was a strong single mother raising three children, and Lesly aspires to make her proud. Prior to WESST, Lesly gained experience as a sales representative, optician, and bookkeeper. The most important thing in her life is her family. During her free time, she loves to cook, go for evening walks with her fur babies, husband and daughter. She also enjoys helping her mother in her small business and spending quality time with friends and family. Lesly's favorite quote is, "How long should you try? Until" by Jim Rohn.
Adriana Castillo
Regional Manager, Las Cruces
Adriana joined at WESST in January 2024 with a mission - to contribute to WESST's goal of helping women and other diverse groups grow their business. As a first-generation immigrant and first-generation graduate, she overcame barriers to build a six-figure business over the last five years in the United States, and firmly believes that if she was able to do it, anyone can. With three business degrees in marketing, international business, and agricultural Business, coupled with an MBA, Adriana is an experienced professional. Specializing in global consulting for specialized marketing and sales, she has garnered recognition in major media outlets such as Yahoo Finance, and ABC News. Adriana takes pride in assisting digital business owners in achieving substantial financial success, using her signature marketing strategies. She Adriana strongly believes in the transformative power of the right marketing strategy and mindset. Her conviction centers around building businesses that not only fulfill dreams but also create generational wealth, embodying the spirit of perseverance and achievement.
Dawn Facka
Regional Manager, Farmington
Dawn Facka is a long-time resident of San Juan County. Dawn previously worked in the area of workforce development and has several years of experience in community engagement and project development. Dawn holds a master’s degree in public administration from Walden University and a bachelor’s degree in social work from New Mexico Highlands University.
Stevan Flores
Bilingual Business Consultant and Trainer, Albuquerque
Sylvia Garcia
Bilingual Business Consultant and Trainer, Roswell
Sylvia was born in Artesia, NM, raised by her paternal grandmother in a remote, rural area in Texas. Sylvia's time and experience at Presidio High School greatly influenced her perspective on life. She has a diverse, professional work history, ranging from hairdresser to child support financial specialist, and now serves as Business Consultant and Trainer for our Roswell team. Sylvia has found motivation in serving the Hispanic community and is bilingual in both English and Spanish. She is a member of the Board of Directors for the Roswell Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, serving as Acting Treasurer.
Mark Gilboard
Director, WESST Incubator
Mark Gilboard first joined WESST in 2017 after 16+ years as a marketing and advertising research professional with Nielsen Media Research and Clear Channel Outdoor. He focuses on helping people achieve their entrepreneurial dreams with careful and insightful guidance and enthusiasm. Mark returned to WESST in the Fall of 2022, after spending a year helping a local Cannabis company with their sales & marketing as they prepared for the transition to the adult-use market. Mark also has taught college courses in Media, and Communications, at CNM and UNM. He has a master’s degree in Communication from UNM and bachelor’s degrees in both rhetoric and Spanish from Bates College, in Lewiston, Maine.
Rhonda Gilliam-Smith
Regional Manager, Roswell
After living and working in Ohio for most of her life, Rhonda moved to Roswell to enjoy the beauty and serenity the Land of Enchantment has to offer. During her nearly ten year residency in Roswell, she served in several management positions serving the Roswell and Albuquerque communities. She holds a Ph.D. from Miami University of Ohio in Education Administration, a master’s degree in human resource development from Xavier University of Ohio, and a bachelor's degree in communications from Mount St. Joseph University in Cincinnati, Ohio. While earning her education, Rhonda, a wife and mother to two sons, worked almost 20 years as a Pipefitter/Welder. She knows from experience the obstacles and challenges women face in striving to maximize their potential. Throughout her career, Rhonda's passion has always been to uplift marginalized and disenfranchised communities of color and women. She believes that “women hold up more than half of the sky”; therefore, organizations such as WESST play a key role in helping women achieve their financial self-sufficiency through business ownership. As a client of the Roswell Business Center, Rhonda is honored to serve as its Regional Manager.
Janelle Henry
Program Coordinator and Trainer, Farmington
Janelle has been a part of the WESST team since the summer of 2021, joining the dedicated staff in Farmington. After working ten years with a non-profit organization who served senior citizens in San Juan County. She found her way to the Farmington Women’s Business Center at first as the Administrative Assistant then advancing to the Regional Program Coordinator. Where she is happy to assist all who enter the doors with a business dream. She is a member of the Navajo Nation and a long-term resident of the area. Janelle values time with family, friends, and loves traveling with her husband and her fourteen-year-old rescue Yorkie Cami.
Humberto Hijar-Alvidrez
Financial Capability Coach
Humberto joined WESST in 2018 after nearly four years of Business consulting for the Small Business Development Center. Prior to his consulting days, Humberto taught Economics and Mathematics for Dona Ana Community college and El Paso Community College. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business and a Master of Arts in Economics from New Mexico State University. Humberto is passionate about serving his community and assisting in strategic and healthy growth. Humberto relishes his time with his wife Leslie and children – Alessi and Milan – whom love to travel any chance they get in search of new adventures at every occasion.
Lindsey Kay
Vice President of Client Services
Since founding Paws and Stripes in 2010, Lindsey created and led the Albuquerque-based veterans service organization for its entire history as Executive Director. The organization has since grown from a small start-up into an international leader in service dog training and mental health services for veterans and their loved ones. She holds a master’s in social work in leadership and administration from New Mexico Highlands University and is passionate about serving her New Mexico community. In 2024, Lindsey bid farewell to Paws and Stripes to join WESST as the Vice President of Client Services. WESST's dedication to anti-racism, empowerment of women, BIPOC, and those facing poverty, along with their ongoing commitment to helping overcome systemic economic barriers that oppress and harm marginalized communities in New Mexico, resonates deeply with Lindsey's values. Lindsey is a social entrepreneur, animal rescue advocate, casual artist, and avid reader.
Samantha Kimball
Staff Accountant
Samantha is a transplant to the greater Albuquerque area, moving to the 'big city' in 2015. There she fine-tuned her knack and enjoyment for numbers as she explored the accounting sphere of New Mexico, where she found herself drawn into the non-profit realm. Combining her uncanny ability in finding unnoticed details, organization skills, curiosity, and her drive for helping others, Samantha sought out opportunities that would not only bring positive impact on an individualistic level, but on societal level. Understanding the impact that small businesses have on a community from personal experience, Samantha is excited to be part of a non-profit dedicated to serving the community at large as part of WESST’s accounting department.
Katie Knipe
Vice President of Development
Katie Knipe hails from Kingsport, TN and has worked in nonprofit management and arts administration for the past decade. She has dedicated her career to fundraising for organizations whose missions fuel her fire, including those who promote classical music performance and who serve people experiencing homelessness. Katie is grateful for the opportunity to raise support for WESST and help entrepreneurs achieve their dreams. She and her husband Kenney relocated to New Mexico in 2019 to put down roots and they’re grateful to call Edgewood home. As a lifelong clarinetist, Katie has a deep love for music. Katie and Kenney enjoy spending time with their son Miles and their dog and two cats – Apollo, Ares, and Lebowski – while listening to their collection of vinyl records. Katie earned her bachelor’s degree in clarinet performance from Vanderbilt University and her MBA from the University of Cincinnati.
Monica Le Baron
Business Consultant and Trainer, Las Cruces
As a proud Mexican-American and first-generation college graduate, Monica earned her degree in business administration with a minor in family business from Tec de Monterrey on a basketball scholarship and later completed her MBA with honors. She is an accomplished entrepreneur and has helped launch successful businesses in the financial and agriculture sectors. She is the best selling author of Sleep Simplified, a certified yoga therapist, and a reknowned sleep expert who been featured in numerous publications and has helped women worldwide conquer sominia, stress, and anxiety. Fluent in four languages, Monica has lived in China and Sweden, enriching her global perspective. In her free time, she loves immersing herself in historical novels or exploring nature through hiking.
Jennifer Lim
Marketing Director
Jennifer joined WESST in August 2024 as Marketing Director. She is Korean, born and raised in northern New Jersey, and has lived in New Mexico for nearly a decade. Jennifer brings over 15 years of non-profit experience, spanning from career development for the formerly incarcerated in New York to directing communications and media for New Mexico-based reproductive justice organizations.
Cherí Lopez
Vice President of Finance
Cherí Lopez joined WESST in July 2021 as Vice President of Finance. She has held numerous executive leadership roles, playing a critical role in strategic growth development, compliance operational oversight, working with boards of directors, organizational change, business oversight, comprehensive accounting systems, project management, human resources, systems implementation and integration. She focuses on organizations that further education, affordable housing, business ownership and the human spirit. In Albuquerque, she previously worked at Supportive Housing Coalition of New Mexico from 2018 to 2020, as Controller, then Associate Executive Director of Finance and Administration before joining WESST. Cherí holds an EMBA from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, a BBA from the University of North Florida, and AA degree from the Florida Community College at Jacksonville. She loves unique items, crafts, animals and living in a rural part of New Mexico.
Adriana Martinez-Guzman
Special Programs Manager
Adriana is passionate about creating a better community and sharing her knowledge. For the past nine years, she has focused on teaching financial education in New Mexico, coaching people to reach their goals, and supporting them in their journey. Adriana is often humbled and inspired by those around her and strongly believes in the power of diversity. Adriana graduated from New Mexico Highlands University with a Master of Social Work degree. She loves traveling, dancing, exploring the great outdoors, and spending time with her cat and family. Her favorite quote is “it’s never too late to be who you might have been” by Mary Ann Evans (aka George Eliot).
Marcela Mendoza-Palacios
Special Programs Coordinator
Valeria Olave
Regional Manager, Albuquerque
As a native of Albuquerque, Valeria brings a deep understanding of the local market and a passion for supporting New Mexico businesses thrive. She is the proud daughter of immigrant parents and committed to serving the bilingual community in Spanish- her native tongue. Prior to joining WESST, Valeria worked in the banking industry for nearly a decade, managing a diverse portfolio of clients and successfully supporting New Mexico businesses. As part of Valeria's commitment to her community, she proudly serves as Secretary on the Board of Directors for Special Olympics New Mexico. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Wheels Museum and is an active participant of the Hispano Philanthropic Society. Valeria has two children, Jimena and Julian, and a kitten named Daisy. As a proud mother to a child with autism, Valeria is passionate about breaking down barriers and raising awareness about autism and other developmental disabilities. In her free time, she enjoys painting, going to museums, working out, volunteering, trying new breweries, and spending time with her friends and family.
Angelica Ortiz
Loan Analyst
Sara Lynn Osusky
Business Consultant and Trainer, Rio Rancho
Sara is a proud native of Albuquerque and started working with WESST in 2022 as a Business Consultant and Trainer who specializes in digital marketing and social media strategies for small business. She is passionate about life-long learning, helping others, and connecting with her community. Sara received her BA in psychology with a focus in studio arts from the University of New Mexico in 2013. Sara has over 17 years of experience in sales, customer service, print/digital marketing, and project management. She has been actively networking for nine+ years in Albuquerque and currently participates in the Rio Rancho Regional Chamber of Commerce as an Ambassador. In her free time, Sara is an avid foodie, loves crafting, outdoor photography, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Gerrid Parras
Grant Management Specialist
Gerrid was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. As an Albuquerque native, he has a vested interest in the city he has called home his entire life to be the best one it can be. With over 8 years of experience in working in non-profit organizations and over 10 years of experience working in accounting, he hopes to put his talents to help better the community that has given him so much. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of New Mexico. He joined WESST in March 2024 and he is excited for this opportunity for him to learn and grow in a new environment within a new sector of non-profit organizations. In his free-time he enjoys spending time with and taking walks with his K-9 companion. He is also a bit of a foodie and always enjoys a good meal as well as trying new things.
Roseanna Perea
Business Consultant & Trainer, Santa Fe
Roseanna is bilingual and brings a wealth of experience to the WESST team, including Pueblo Human Resources, Corporate Customer Service Management on a local and regional level, plus management experience in the hospitality industry. She has extensive training experience, and is herself an entrepreneur. Roseanna has been recognized for funds raised for Race for the Cure and for her participation in Boxing for Seniors. In her spare time she loves to bowl and read, and she coaches a both girls and boys elementary basketball teams.
Judith Perez
Program Coordinatior, Hobbs
Judith is a New Mexico native and proud first generation in the United States. She is the daughter of immigrant parents and for that she has always been grateful to serve her community. As a certified bilingual interpreter she found passion and a need to help those who struggle due to a language barrier. She later found a new passion for small businesses while working in one for five years, she first hand helped build and support it from the beginning. She is very excited to share her knowledge with every entrepreneur whose dream is to open a small business. During her free time Judith enjoys a good book, exploring the outdoors and spending time with family and friends.
Tom Ragan
Director, Studio at WESST
With over 15 years in the industry, Tom has a rich background of experience delivering authentic, approachable, and attuned documentary-style filmmaking in both short form and feature length productions. These include feature documentaries such as Funny You Never Knew, Mission Blue & Prayer for a Perfect Season, as well as producing, shooting & editing content for companies like USA Today, NFL Player Engagement, Warrior Lacrosse, and UN Women. After 10 years in NYC, he now calls Albuquerque home where he runs The Studio at WESST. Since starting at the Studio in October of 2021, Tom has directed and produced an abundance of commercials for local businesses as well as winning a Telly Award for the WESST 2022 ads campaign.
Nataly Rivas
Executive Assistant
Teresa Rodriguez
Loan Program Coordinator
Teresa was born and raised in Albuquerque. Prior to WESST, she has worked in the sales and customer service industry. She attended The University of New Mexico and graduated with her bachelor's degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing. She comes from an immigrant family and aspires to make them proud as well as support her community in reaching their dreams. In her free time, she likes to go to the gym, dance, travel and try new local food and breweries.
Kevin Sierra Moran
Business Consultant and Trainer, Albuquerque
Kevin Joined WESST in October 2023. He has a bachelor's in business administration from the University of San Diego and has worked in the non-profit sector for over 6 years. As the son of two small business owners, he is excited to connect with and support current and prospective entrepreneurs in New Mexico. Kevin's family is from Durango, Mexico and he is fluent in both English and Spanish. In his free time, he loves exploring nature, baking cookies with his mother, quilting, cricuting, and playing video games.
Wendy Stein
Regional Manager, Santa Fe
As a lifelong entrepreneur, Wendy knows the value of finding a place in the world through business and entrepreneurship. She serves as Regional Manager in Santa Fe, helping WESST's clients learn how to build their businesses. Previously, she worked in education, health and wellness, community development, video game design, and as a copywriter. Wendy practiced acupuncture/herbology for over ten years in the Bay Area, specializing in addressing the needs of underserved populations at public health clinics. She has also taught courses in Chinese Medicine at Everglades University and Business English in Vietnam. She has a Master of Science Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from ACTCM and a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art/Graphic Design from Michigan State University. She is an award-winning Toastmaster, a returned Peace Corps volunteer (Lesotho), an improviser, a meditator, a traveler, and a published wildlife/nature photographer specializing in birds.
C. Sandro Tonini
Vice President of Lending
Sandro came to WESST after hearing about the work WESST did with underserved communities. He developed a passion for teaching and increasing financial capability after a career in retail banking and market research. A trilingual first generation American and personal witness to the American Dream, Sandro takes pride and finds fulfillment in serving marginalized communities. Sandro graduated with honors from the University of New Mexico where he studied operations and marketing. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in finance. In addition to overseeing WESST’s Statewide microloan program, Sandro also directs the statewide implementation of WESST’s “Money Learning Lab”, which uses human centered design to develop and deliver financial capability training for, with, and in the communities of New Mexico.
Dave Vedera
Regional Manager, Rio Rancho
Dave joined as a staff member in 2018, but was no stranger to WESST, having participated on the WESST Board of Directors for six years and serving as the Board Chair in 2013. Dave is a people oriented servant leader with extensive experience in leading, developing and managing high performing teams and organizations at both the corporate and entrepreneurial business level. Dave has a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in organization leadership, from the Anderson School of Management at the University of New Mexico. Dave enjoys building capability, improving internal systems and controls, integrating process improvements and managing complex projects with entrepreneurs and small business owners. Away from WESST, Dave treasures family time, serving on youth mission trips, traveling, cycling, dancing, and enjoying just about every outdoor recreational activity with his wife Karen and their dog Oreo.
Melissa Williams
Loan Operations Officer
Prior to joining WESST, Melissa spent a few years working in the microloan industry. She holds a BS in International Business Administration with an emphasis in Spanish from Missouri State University. At WESST, she helps manage the microloan portfolio.
Contractors
Shirley Bailey
Business Consultant and Trainer, Rio Rancho
Janix Barbosa-Llanos
Business Consultant and Trainer, Albuquerque
Janix joined WESST in April 2024 as a bilingual business consultant, fluent in both Spanish and English, providing services and support to small business owners. She has over ten years of experience in business outreach and partner development and a deep commitment to underserved communities. She is passionate about fostering inclusive economic development and advocating for the needs of local entrepreneurs. Janix has a proven history of collaborating with organizations focused on education and entrepreneurship. She holds a degree in business administration and consistently pursues professional development to stay current with industry trends and best practices. Janix is dedicated to making a positive impact in her community, guiding entrepreneurs through the complexities of business ownership and growth.
Alyssa Begay
Business Consultant and Trainer, Farmington
Yá’át’ééh. Shí éí Alyssa Begay yinishyé,
‘Áshiihíí nishłį́ hashtłʼishnii bashishchiin Tábaahá dashicheii Kinyaa’áanii dashinalí Ákót’éego diné asdzáán nishłį́ Tóta’ kééhasht’į́ Toodí naashá Ahéhee’
Alyssa Begay is Salt Clan born for the Mud Clan. Her maternal grandfather’s first clan is Water’s Edge and her paternal grandfather’s first clan is Towering House. In this way, she is a Navajo woman. Alyssa is a sister, a daughter, a business owner and strives every day to be a good citizen of the world. She graduated from UNM with a BA in Native American Studies where she learned the concept of “Rebuilding Native Nations”. She started with herself and is working in an outward fashion to serve her community in multiple capacities. Community is important to Alyssa, and her goal is to inspire others to pour back into their communities.
Rhonda Lane
Business Consultant and Trainer, Farmington
Patty Sipe
Business Consultant and Trainer, Santa Fe
Patty Sipe is currently a business consultant and trainer at WESST. She is a former executive with AT&T and has 25 years worth of experience experience in various corporate positions and 20 years as an entrepreneur. She holds a master's degree in international business from the University of Texas and multiple undergraduate degrees in business and psychology from Western New Mexico University.
Melanie Waller
Child Care Business Coach & Master Trainer, Las Cruces
Melanie's passion is working with young children, deriving from the years she spent teaching and studying young children in a classroom setting. She has worked in the field of early childhood education for 24+ years and has a Master of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences, with a Specialization in Early Childhood Education. Melanie served as the co-owner and director of Charlotte's Place Pre School/Early Head Start in Las Cruces. She is a Master Level Trainer II in New Mexico and previously served on the New Mexico Early Childhood Association Board of Directors.
Interns
Svetlana Backhaus
Finance Intern
Dominic Charlton
Video Production Intern
Makayla Cogley
Video Production Intern
Makayla joined WESST as an intern in September 2024. She is currently a senior at the University of New Mexico, pursuing a business degree with a concentration in film and interdisciplinary digital arts. Originally from Montana, she is excited to embrace new opportunities in New Mexico. She is extremely passionate about helping others bring their visions to life via creative mediums and collaboration.
Johnathon Wilkins
Finance Intern