New Mexico Women in Trades 2026 Summit

Explore High-Paying, In-Demand Careers! Hear from our amazing guest speaker -Linda Alvarado!

New Mexico Women in Trades 2026 Summit
Cumbre de Mujeres en Oficios de Nuevo México 2026

Join us on Saturday, March 21, for a family-friendly Women in Trades event at CNM! Discover exciting career opportunities in skilled trades such as industrial automation, HVAC, plumbing, culinary, and more—all while enjoying food, fun, and hands-on activities for all ages.

¡Acompáñennos el sábado, 21 de marzo, para un evento de amistad y de familia de mujeres en los oficios en CNM! Descubran emocionantes oportunidades profesionales en el campo de oficios especializados tales como automatización industrial, sistemas de HVAC, fontanería, culinario, y más—todo mientras disfrutan de comida, diversión, y actividades prácticas para todas las edades.

✔ Hands-on demonstrations
✔ Meet employers & learn about job opportunities
✔ Explore education & training programs
✔ Financial aid & career resources available
✔ Food, games, and family-friendly fun!

• Demostraciones prácticas
• Reúnanse con empleadores & aprendan sobre oportunidades laborales
• Exploren programas de educación y de capacitación
• Recursos disponibles sobre ayuda financiera & carreras
• ¡Comida, juegos, y diversión para la familia y amistades!

Whether you’re considering a new career or introducing the next generation to the trades, this event is the perfect opportunity to learn, connect, and get inspired!

¡Ya sea que estén considerando una nueva carrera o presentando la próxima generación al campo de oficios, este evento es la oportunidad perfecta para aprender, formar conexiones, e inspirarse!

📅 Date: Saturday, March 21
📍 Location: CNM Main Campus, TTC Building, 941 Buena Vista SE Albuquerque, NM 87106

Event Schedule (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM)

1:00 PM | Check-in Begins & Welcome

• Attendee check-in begins
• Guest Speaker: Linda Alvarado – 1:15 PM
• Attendees directed to hands-on demos, employer tables, and community partner resources

2:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Interactive Experiences

• Hands-on Demonstrations (Industrial Automation, Drones, HVAC, Plumbing, Culinary, and more)
• Employer & Partner Networking Tables (Industry representatives share job & training info)
• CNM Resource Tables (Recruitment, Financial Aid, WCS, HR, WATT, SkillsUSA)
• Youth & Family Activities (Interactive experiences for younger attendees - coloring books, solar cars, Explora!)

EMPLOYERS interested in showcasing your company? Sign up to host a table or demonstration! New Mexico Women In Trades Summit: Employer Registration Form.

Come see our Guest Speaker - Linda Alvarado

Community Leader; Education Advocate; CEO of Alvarado Construction & National Women's Hall of Famer; First Latino Owner of a Major League Baseball Team

Linda Alvarado

Linda Alvarado is President and Chief Executive Officer of Alvarado Construction Inc., a commercial general contractor, construction manager, development, design/build, and property management firm. Based in Denver, the company has offices in several cities. Alvarado Construction has developed and constructed projects across the United States and internationally.

Alvarado has a successful track record building a diverse portfolio of commercial, industrial, Fortune 500, government, military, office, energy, utility, hotel, restaurant, education, hospitality, healthcare, manufacturing, mixed use, retail, telecommunications, research laboratories, mixed use, residential, convention centers, public venues, arenas, and sports stadiums.

Some of Alvarado’s projects include the Denver Broncos Empowercom Stadium at Mile High, the Phoenix and Colorado Convention Centers, the 37 story Hyatt Civic Center Hotel and Kirkland AFB high-energy research facility. Alvarado Construction was the Lead Construction Manager and General Contractor for the extensive remodel and restoration of the Pepsi Center as the venue for the 2008 Democratic National Convention.

In keeping with breaking non-traditional roles, Linda Alvarado made history in 1991 as the first Hispanic (male or female) owner of a Major League Baseball Franchise when Denver was chosen for a new National League expansion team. As an owner of The Colorado Rockies, her role is also significant as it marked the first time that any woman was involved in a bid for ownership of a major league baseball team.

Linda Alvarado is a member of the board of Limbach Holdings. Inc. She previously served on the Board of Directors of several public companies in diverse industries, including 3M Company, Pitney Bowes, Mayo Clinic, Pepsi Bottling Group, Lennox International, Qwest Communications, Cyprus Amex Minerals, Engelhard Corporation, and the United Banks of Colorado.

She is a founding member and past Chairman of the Board of the Denver Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and appointed a Commissioner of the White House Initiative for Hispanic Excellence in Education. She has served on the Board of Trustees of The Rose Community Foundation, Qwest Communications Foundation, the Taco Bell Foundation and founding member of The Colorado Latino Community Foundation.

Her leadership in business, civic, and charitable organizations has been acknowledged with numerous awards for achievement. Named one of the “100 Most Influential Hispanics in America” by Hispanic Business Magazine and Latino Leaders Magazine and voted by viewers as the “Most Inspiring Latino in America” for the American Latino Television Awards. She was also featured in the 2016 and 2017 Georgia Pacific Company BRAWNY Media Campaign Celebrating Women’s History Month.

She has been acknowledged as the first recipient of The United States Hispanic Chambers of Commerce “Ultimate Latina in Business Award” and “Business Woman of the Year” awards National Association of Construction Enterprises “Outstanding Woman in Construction” The Director’s Choice Award “Outstanding Director of Fortune 500 Companies, The National Society of Hispanic MBA's "Brillante Award", The National Association of Minority Engineers “Visionary Award”

She is an inductee in the National Women’s Hall of Fame, Latino International Sports Hall of Fame and the Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame.

Linda Alvarado is the focus of many articles in newspapers, books, business publications, educational curriculums, civics texts, on the cover of several national magazines and featured in numerous media broadcasts. She has set high standards as a successful business owner and her accomplishments have opened doors for other women, men, and people from diverse backgrounds to have opportunities to enter new careers.

Check out the employers and community organizations who will be tabling at this event! Scroll below to see the full list of participants and learn who you can connect with.

Education

• Los Alamos Public Schools
• CNM – Recruiting
• CNM – Financial Aid and Scholarships Services

Film, Media & Creative Industries

• Inspirado Films
• Katharsis Media INC
• New Mexico Women in Film

Trades, Construction & Energy

• IBEW Local 611
• LIUNA Local 16
• The Specialist Electrical
• Women in Construction
• NextEra Energy
• NMDWS & State Apprenticeship Office

Workforce Development & Career Services

• New Mexico Solutions
• WCCNM and AJC Partners in Central

Community & Social Services

• Road Runner Food Bank
• FIRST/THRIVE (Services for the formerly incarcerated)
• McKinney-Vento (Homeless Assistance)
• UNIDOS

Government & Public Services

• City of Albuquerque – ABQ Ride Transit

Leadership & Professional Organizations

• Women in Leadership