Mayor Keller and First Lady Kistin Keller Recognize Albuquerque’s Outstanding Volunteers
Mayor Tim Keller, First Lady Elizabeth Kistin Keller, and the Albuquerque Volunteers Advisory Board hosted the ninth annual Mayor’s Day of Volunteer Recognition. The event brought together community members and partners to celebrate individual volunteers and volunteer groups whose impact has helped to strengthen and support Albuquerque. These volunteers ran food drives, provided quality time as tutors, support for the immigrant and refugee community, and even decades-long support of youth volunteering in our schools and with unhoused individuals.
“I am honored to be a part of recognizing such outstanding volunteers in the Albuquerque,” said Michele Montoya, Chair of the Albuquerque Volunteers Advisory Board. “Their time, effort and passion for making this city great continues to inspire me and others.”
“Our city is full of individuals and groups who devote their time to making Albuquerque a better place for all of the families who call this place home,” said First Lady Elizabeth Kistin Keller. “It’s so important that we take time to honor them, highlight their work, and learn from them to find our own unique way to serve our communities.”
This year’s award recipients are:
- National Service Individual – Grandma Frances Sanchez
- Volunteer Group of the Year – Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Commission
- Youth Volunteer of the Year – Ryan Anish McKee
- Older Adult Volunteer – James Jackson
- Volunteer of the Year - Cilena Trujillo
- Lifetime achievement Award – Ruth Montoya
“This event, and the people we recognized, are a powerful reminder of the commitment to service that runs deep in our community,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “The stories of these dedicated volunteers and groups showcase the One Albuquerque spirit, and remind us of what’s possible when we work together to support our neighbors and build a safer, more inclusive Albuquerque.”
“The Serve New Mexico Commission and AmeriCorps New Mexico is proud to be a partner with the 2024 Mayor’s Day of Volunteer Recognition,” said Kristin Hsueh, Executive Director of Serve NM Commission. “We recognize the vital role that volunteers play in addressing our communities needs and are excited to celebrate their impact and importance. “