Kasey is joining the MPP Program with an interest in Environmental Policy. She has done several research projects as well as a Symposium under the Texas State University system about the harmful effects of fracking in the Chaco Canyon in New Mexico. Her policy interest also lies in her admiration for the outdoors. She is an avid hiker, runner, and cyclist and believes it is in everyone's best interest to protect the land that we live on. Kasey played collegiate soccer for two years at Sul Ross State University and finished her degree at UNM in Albuquerque where she was born and raised. She has a dog named Koda that is her running and hiking buddy! 

Darlene has lived in New Mexico for nearly 20 years; she grew up in Durango, Mexico and Socorro, NM before moving to Albuquerque. In 2017, she graduated from UNM with a BA in Chemistry and BS in Psychology. Darlene is a Research Scientist at UNM’s Cradle to Career Policy Institute (CCPI). Currently she is part of CCPI’s early childhood team where she is involved in numerous projects regarding childcare access. She has experience with data analysis and data collection through both interviews and surveys. Darlene’s policy interests are in health equity, education, and immigrants’ rights. Outside of work, Darlene serves on the Board of Directors for MANA de Albuquerque and enjoys spending time with her two Jack Russells. Check out Darlene's policy blog!

Natasha is a tribal member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe. She received her Bachelor of Science in Family and Child Studies and minor in Psychology from the University of New Mexico. She has also earned her Mental Health First Aid certificate from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. She previously worked for the State of New Mexico in several settings, as a child support legal assistant, family assistance analyst, and as a CYFD intake worker. Most recently, Natasha returned to New Mexico from Delaware, where she worked with substance exposed infants and their families. With a wider lens, she is focused on giving back to her community by providing appropriate supportive services and encouragement. Natasha has been dedicated to helping families obtain sustainable living and will continue to do so at higher capacities by pursing her Master’s in Public Policy. In her free time, Natasha enjoys spending time with her family in outdoor activities, playing music, and eating New Mexico’s traditional foods.

Cayley was born in Salt Lake City and grew up between California and Washington State. They currently live in a small town near Seattle when not at school. They graduated with their BA in Criminology from UNM. They currently work with the Global Education Office helping incoming exchange students. Cayley enjoys playing games with friends, spending time with family, and walking their 2 dogs. 

Kevin was born in Columbus, OH, and grew up in Denver, CO, and Galveston, TX.  He served five years in the US Navy as a photographer.  Afterward, he spent 28 years in Information Technology in roles ranging from Data Communication Analyst to Enterprise Monitoring System Engineer. Kevin has a BA in Anthropology (ethnology) from UNM. While getting that degree, courses in Transitional Justice and Global Reparations sparked a keen interest in policy, which led him to the MPP program.  His ultimate goal is to be a policy wonk and participate in the state and national policy processes. His primary policy interests are artificial intelligence, urban planning, and election administration. Kevin enjoys movies and podcasts and loves photography and working in a photo darkroom but has yet to find a darkroom since moving to Albuquerque, so if you know of one, or think you can stump him with Star Trek trivia, he can be reached at kwm@unm.edu.

Bane is a retired law enforcement officer and a former Marine 1st Lieutenant who served in the Operation Iraqi Freedom war. He has made New Mexico his home and resided here for 36 years.  For the last 15 years, Bane has had the privilege of working at the University of New Mexico. Bane’s policy interests revolve around fostering better relationships among people by finding common ground across race, color, and religion, hoping to put aside our differences and come together through kindness. Bane is passionate about promoting cultural development within our societies and believes that kindness is the foundation upon which all these aspirations can be realized. He is a second-year student at UNM working on a dual master's degree in Public Policy and Public Administration. In his spare time, Bane is a blacksmithing artist and finds joy in rock hounding to source materials for his unique artwork.

Isaiah was born in Albuquerque and raised in the North Valley area. He graduated and received his bachelor's in Government at New Mexico State University. During his time at NMSU, he was elected the College of Democrats' President his senior year, interned for Mayor Tim Keller of Albuquerque, and worked as a Residental Assistant for student housing at the university. Since graduation, he has spent the last three months interning for the Congressional Office for Senator Martin Heinrich. Currently, he is working on a Congressional election campaign for Gabe Vasquez and then plans to return to work for Senator Martin Heinrich's Albuquerque office after the election. Isaiah enjoys being active, attending concerts, and spending time with his family. He has aspirations of traveling the world and is dedicated to serving the community and people of New Mexico. Check out Isaiah's policy blog!