Andrea Romero — The speaker addresses the chair and makes a suggestion about who the witness should consult.
Andrea Romero — The chair is addressed as the speaker transitions to the next senator and responds to the discussion.
Andrea Romero — Senator Lopez is referenced as the next speaker and is thanked for highlighting the need.
Andrea Romero — Senator Bergman is identified as the next senator to speak, though the name may be slightly uncertain in the transcript.
Andrea Romero — Senator Lopez says the money is available.
Andrea Romero — Senator Bergman thanks the witness and says his question about startup cost has been answered.
Andrea Romero — The chair is addressed while the witness answers a staffing question.
Andrea Romero — Likely a transcription error for a senator's name; the speaker thanks this senator for the question.
Andrea Romero — Senator Townsend is acknowledged as the next speaker.
Andrea Romero — Senator Brantley is referenced in connection with putting funding into HB 2.
Andrea Romero — Senator Lopez is referenced as agreeing that funding should be put into HB 2.
Andrea Romero — Senator Stewart is referenced in a comparison about political views.
Andrea Romero — Likely a transcription error for a senator's name; the speaker is introduced as the next speaker.
Andrea Romero — The speaker thanks the senator and then transitions to the next speaker.
Andrea Romero — The speaker addresses the chair while emphasizing that the focus must be on the child.
Andrea Romero — The speaker addresses the chair while discussing the child-centered approach.
Ms. Walters — Ms. Walters is identified as having pertinent information.
Ms. Walters — Ms. Walters is thanked for coming by and for a prior discussion about providing detail on CYFD.
Ms. Walters — Referenced as someone who cheered in college with the senator.
HB2 — The senator suggests putting funding into HB 2 to make the office happen.
Raymundo Lara — Senator Bergman congratulated the nominee, thanked them for visiting his office, and asked when they would start if appointed. He then asked whether the nominee expected any difficulty obtaining information from CYFD and whether they would be able to get the information needed to be successful in the role. He concluded by emphasizing that the position would require a budget to work effectively and suggested that any bill should include the necessary appropriation.
Raymundo Lara — Expressed strong support for Grace Herrera and said he looks forward to working with her at New Mexico Highlands.
Raymundo Lara — Referenced as someone Grace may know; speaker notes Grace has worked with Deacon Campos in the past.
Raymundo Lara — Asked how Grace will stay connected to undergraduate students while pursuing her master's degree.
Raymundo Lara — Listed by the chair as the next senator to speak.
Raymundo Lara — Listed by the chair as a forthcoming speaker; name uncertain in transcript.
Raymundo Lara — Listed by the chair as a forthcoming speaker; likely a mis-transcription of a senator's name.
Raymundo Lara — Thanked for bringing forward Ms. Herrera.
Raymundo Lara — Thanked by the speaker at the end of remarks.
Raymundo Lara — Thanked for bringing the conferees; likely a mis-transcription of Senator Campos.
Raymundo Lara — Thanked for professionalism in bringing the conferees; likely intended to be Senator Campos.
Raymundo Lara — Moved to adopt the confirmation and advance Grace Margaret Herrera to the Senate floor for full confirmation.
Raymundo Lara — Asked whether they want to say something before adjournment; name uncertain.
Alan Martinez — Thanked for sponsored legislation in the House addressing memorandums of understanding.
Gail Armstrong — Thanked for sponsored legislation in the House addressing memorandums of understanding.
Javier Martínez — Called up as the next person to speak.
Javier Martínez — Referenced as often talking about the theme that Las Vegas and New Mexico Highlands are one community.
Javier Martínez — Thanked for bringing forward Ms. Luna.
Javier Martínez — Asked to remain as the next appointment is called.
Javier Martínez — Thanked and referenced as the sponsor/introducer as the committee moves to the next appointment.
Elaine Luna — Elaine Luna presented her background and deep ties to New Mexico Highlands University and Las Vegas, describing her upbringing in Española, her family, and her career in social work and community service. She explained her prior service as a regent, her welcome and collaboration with fellow board members, and her commitment to the responsibilities of governance. Luna emphasized student-centered priorities, including housing, food, mental and physical health, and making students feel supported and at home. She also highlighted her work with other regents, the university president, and related coalitions, and closed by expressing gratitude to the senator, her husband David, the committee, and the opportunity to continue serving the university and community.
Neil Wolf, President of New Mexico Highlands University — Introduced himself and spoke in support of Regent Luna and the one-community theme.
Grace Herrera — Grace Herrera is introduced as a former small business owner, former foster youth, and current student worker at New Mexico Highlands University who returned to school through the Opportunity Scholarship. She explains that coming back to education was the best decision she ever made, describes her work at the Student Success Center where students know her as "Miss Grace" and come to her for help, snacks, and conversation, and shares how she connects with students from diverse backgrounds. She also notes that she will graduate alongside her daughter and grandson, and emphasizes her commitment as student regent to representing both traditional and non-traditional students and making sure every Highland student feels valued.
Ray Serrera — Ray Serrera is introduced and then begins emotional testimony, describing his loving foster parents and expressing a desire to give back.
Dawn — Referenced in a likely transcription error as the appointment being discussed; identity is uncertain.
Joshua Hernandez — Likely a transcription error referring to a senator who previously commented on Grace; exact identity uncertain.
Caroline Montoya — Caroline Montoya is introduced as one of the upcoming speakers, then she begins her testimony by identifying herself as the Director of Student Success at New Mexico Highlands University and starts supportive remarks for Ms. Grace.
President Wolf — Identified as one of the supporters who will speak next.
Regent Sanchez — Identified as one of the supporters who will speak next.
Ms. Grace — The speaker offers a strong endorsement of Ms. Grace, describing her journey from being a student to becoming a welcoming, supportive presence at the Success Center who encourages and uplifts students. The remarks emphasize her leadership, sense of belonging she creates on campus, and the strength she has gained through personal struggles, arguing that these qualities make her well suited to serve as the student voice on the Board of Regents.