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Meet the Team

The African American Community and Business Leader Liaison position was established in 2020 to help with two-way communication with the African American community, business, and youth leaders within the City.

Scott Carreathers was appointed by Mayor Keller in July 2020 and was the first person appointed to this position. He was succeeded by Nichole Rogers, who served in the role from April 2021 until May 2023. Nichole was succeed by Neema Pickett who is currently serving in the role.  

 

About the African American Community Liaison

Headshot of Neema Pickett.

Neema hails from the rolling hills of Altadena California, where she grew up on a 24 acre working ranch.

As a teenager their family relocated to New Mexico after her mother attended an environmental conference for indigenous women and fell in love with the Albuquerque skies.

With roots in showmanship and rodeo, Neema’s paternal roots channel the world famous Bill Pickett Rodeo.

When she founded Kamaria Creations Wellness Retreat more than 25 years ago, Neema Kamaria Hanifa Pickett’s intention was to create space for Black people to feel supported through internal and external healing modalities.

Neema also believes that entrepreneurship is the way to move families from poverty to financial freedom. Her passion for building community wealth led her to join the Women’s Business Center in New Mexico, where she supported the community to achieve its entrepreneurial goals through consulting, training and lending. Her work within the state of New Mexico and at the National level earned her the honor of National Business Advisor of the Year from the Association of Women’s Business Centers and the SBA’s prestigious 2023 Business Center of the Year award. Recently Neema was selected as a WK Kellogg Foundation Community Leader and will serve as a fellow through 2025.

Neema is a dynamic leader with I&D program development and workshop/training facilitation experience. Recognized for demonstrating a natural aptitude for strengthening diversity, inclusion, equity, and anti-racism practices, as well as for overseeing HR and employee management operations and executing impactful, data-driven decisions, she brings a passion to the Albuquerque Office of Black Community Engagement.

Her Professional focal points include program management, cultural sensitivity and equity training, team leadership, public speaking, human resources, data analysis, refugee services management, and integrative health. Neema also serves on the board of the Albuquerque Bless Fund, providing grants to Black-owned businesses.

Neema holds a bachelor’s in clinical psychology and evolutionary anthropology, with a minor in international business. Additionally, she is a licensed cosmetologist and educator. 

Neema hails from the rolling hills of Altadena California, where she grew up on a 24 acre working ranch.

As a teenager their family relocated to New Mexico after her mother attended an environmental conference for indigenous women and fell in love with the Albuquerque skies.

With roots in showmanship and rodeo, Neema’s paternal roots channel the world famous Bill Pickett Rodeo.

When she founded Kamaria Creations Wellness Retreat more than 25 years ago, Neema Kamaria Hanifa Pickett’s intention was to create space for Black people to feel supported through internal and external healing modalities.

Neema also believes that entrepreneurship is the way to move families from poverty to financial freedom. Her passion for building community wealth led her to join the Women’s Business Center in New Mexico, where she supported the community to achieve its entrepreneurial goals through consulting, training and lending. Her work within the state of New Mexico and at the National level earned her the honor of National Business Advisor of the Year from the Association of Women’s Business Centers and the SBA’s prestigious 2023 Business Center of the Year award. Recently Neema was selected as a WK Kellogg Foundation Community Leader and will serve as a fellow through 2025.

Neema is a dynamic leader with I&D program development and workshop/training facilitation experience. Recognized for demonstrating a natural aptitude for strengthening diversity, inclusion, equity, and anti-racism practices, as well as for overseeing HR and employee management operations and executing impactful, data-driven decisions, she brings a passion to the Albuquerque Office of Black Community Engagement.

Her Professional focal points include program management, cultural sensitivity and equity training, team leadership, public speaking, human resources, data analysis, refugee services management, and integrative health.

Neema also serves on the board of the Albuquerque Bless Fund, providing grants to Black-owned businesses.

Neema holds a bachelor’s in clinical psychology and evolutionary anthropology, with a minor in international business. Additionally, she is a licensed cosmetologist and educator.

In her spare time, you’ll find Neema in her garden or cuddling with miniature horses and goats.

Colleagues describe Neema as a progressive, driven, down-to-earth, equity-focused and leadership expert who can be relied on to offer superior solutions that deliver impactful results.

She is thrilled to join the team at the Office of Equity and Inclusion and will work hard provide continued support to the community.