Leaders of Enchantment

What happens when New Mexico's brightest innovators, creatives, entrepreneurs, and leaders come together on one of the world's biggest stages? In this special two-part series of Leaders of Enchantment , Cameron Ward traveled to New Mexico House during South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, Texas, where she sat down with six remarkable guests over two fast-paced days. From investors and healthcare in...

What happens when New Mexico's brightest innovators, creatives, entrepreneurs, and leaders come together on one of the world's biggest stages? In this special two-part series of Leaders of Enchantment , Cameron Ward traveled to New Mexico House during South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, Texas, where she sat down with six remarkable guests over two fast-paced days. From investors and healthcare in...

The Art and Business of Creativity: George Alexander, Artist in Santa Fe In this episode of Leaders of Enchantment , we sit down with Santa Fe-based artist George Alexander to discuss his creative journey and the realities of building a life as a working artist in New Mexico. George shares how his artistic practice developed over time, the inspirations behind his work, and the ups and downs of a c...

The Art and Business of Creativity: George Alexander, Artist in Santa Fe In this episode of Leaders of Enchantment , we sit down with Santa Fe-based artist George Alexander to discuss his creative journey and the realities of building a life as a working artist in New Mexico. George shares how his artistic practice developed over time, the inspirations behind his work, and the ups and downs of a c...

In this episode of Leaders of Enchantment , we sit down with Kat Bloom, the founder of Bloom Records, Vault Studios, and Media Lab, creative hubs helping shape Albuquerque’s independent music and media scene. Kat shares her journey as a musician, producer, and entrepreneur building platforms for artists to record, collaborate, and grow their careers. From running a record label to developing a med...

In this episode of Leaders of Enchantment , we sit down with Kat Bloom, the founder of Bloom Records, Vault Studios, and Media Lab, creative hubs helping shape Albuquerque’s independent music and media scene. Kat shares her journey as a musician, producer, and entrepreneur building platforms for artists to record, collaborate, and grow their careers. From running a record label to developing a med...

From Santa Fe Artists to Global Phenomenon: Vince Kadlubek In this episode of Leaders of Enchantment, we sit down with Vince Kadlubek, the co-founder of Meow Wolf, the groundbreaking arts and entertainment company that transformed an underground art collective into a globally recognized immersive experience. Vince shares the story behind Meow Wolf’s beginnings in Santa Fe and how a group of experi...

From Santa Fe Artists to Global Phenomenon: Vince Kadlubek In this episode of Leaders of Enchantment, we sit down with Vince Kadlubek, the co-founder of Meow Wolf, the groundbreaking arts and entertainment company that transformed an underground art collective into a globally recognized immersive experience. Vince shares the story behind Meow Wolf’s beginnings in Santa Fe and how a group of experi...

In this episode of Leaders of Enchantment, we mark a new chapter for the podcast as Cameron Ward (Cam) steps into the role of host. As a creative producer, cultural advocate, and founder of Art Off the Rails, Cameron shares her vision for the future of the show and why building stronger creative communities across New Mexico matters now more than ever. This conversation also explores Cameron’s bac...

In this episode of Leaders of Enchantment, we mark a new chapter for the podcast as Cameron Ward (Cam) steps into the role of host. As a creative producer, cultural advocate, and founder of Art Off the Rails, Cameron shares her vision for the future of the show and why building stronger creative communities across New Mexico matters now more than ever. This conversation also explores Cameron’s bac...

Victoria Archuleta  is the Senior Economic Developer for the Village of Los Lunas, where she focuses on creating meaningful impact by supporting local businesses, entrepreneurs, and community organizations. With a collaborative,relationship-driven approach, she works across public, energy, hospitality, and technology sectors to help drive sustainable economic growth and long-term opportunity. With...

Victoria Archuleta  is the Senior Economic Developer for the Village of Los Lunas, where she focuses on creating meaningful impact by supporting local businesses, entrepreneurs, and community organizations. With a collaborative,relationship-driven approach, she works across public, energy, hospitality, and technology sectors to help drive sustainable economic growth and long-term opportunity. With...

Ward Hendon is an investor, teacher, and entrepreneur whose career has followed a deliberately unconventional path. He began in legal practice before founding and exiting a pioneering tech-enabled legal services company, then shifted into teaching MBA students, law students, and incarcerated individuals. Along the way, Ward has invested in emerging businesses, served on boards, and mentored entrep...

Ward Hendon is an investor, teacher, and entrepreneur whose career has followed a deliberately unconventional path. He began in legal practice before founding and exiting a pioneering tech-enabled legal services company, then shifted into teaching MBA students, law students, and incarcerated individuals. Along the way, Ward has invested in emerging businesses, served on boards, and mentored entrep...

Drew Tulchin is a driving force behind New Mexico’smodern entrepreneurial and impact-investing ecosystem. As Managing Partner of UpSpring Associates, Drew has spent more than twodecades in impact investing, helping build companies that prioritize purposealongside profit. He is President of New Mexico Angels and a General Partner inthe NM Vintage Fund — now the state’s most active venture fund — wh...

Drew Tulchin is a driving force behind NewMexico’s modern entrepreneurial and impact-investing ecosystem. As Managing Partner of UpSpring Associates, Drew has spent more than twodecades in impact investing, helping build companies that prioritize purposealongside profit. He is President of New Mexico Angels and a General Partner inthe NM Vintage Fund — now the state’s most active venture fund — wh...

Akilah, also known as  Glittering World Girl , isan artist, technologist, and cultural bearer from the Navajo Nation. Hercreative path began early, watching her grandparents—unilingual Navajospeakers—left with television programming only available in English. Thatmoment sparked her lifelong commitment to create media that honors Indigenousways of life and preserves Native cultures and languages. H...

AKILAH MARTINEZ Akilah, also known as  Glittering World Girl , isan artist, technologist, and cultural bearer from the Navajo Nation. Hercreative path began early, watching her grandparents—unilingual Navajospeakers—left with television programming only available in English. Thatmoment sparked her lifelong commitment to create media that honors Indigenousways of life and preserves Native cultures...

In this episode, we sit down with  MonicaJojola , President and founder of  Montech Inc. , an award-winning SBA 8(a)certified, Woman-Owned, and American Indian corporation providing professionaland technical support services nationwide. Since launching Montech in 2011,Monica has built a fast-growing company with federal contracts across multiplestates, earning recognition as one of New Mexico’s Fa...

In this episode, we sit down with  MonicaJojola , President and founder of  Montech Inc. , an award-winning SBA 8(a)certified, Woman-Owned, and American Indian corporation providing professionaland technical support services nationwide. Since launching Montech in 2011,Monica has built a fast-growing company with federal contracts across multiplestates, earning recognition as one of New Mexico’s Fa...

Colby Wilson leads the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central New Mexico as CEO (Chief EncouragementOfficer), where he oversees programs that help local youth develop leadership, academic success and life skills. An MA graduate of Seattle Pacific University. Colby has devoted more than 18 years to the Boys & Girls Clubs movement — holding senior leadership posts around the country. Before moving to New Mex...

Colby Wilson leads theBoys & Girls Clubs of Central New Mexico as CEO (Chief Encouragement Officer), where he oversees programs that help local youth develop leadership, academic success and life skills. An MA graduate of Seattle Pacific University, Colby has devoted more than 18 years to the Boys & Girls Clubs movement —holding senior leadership posts around the country. Before moving to New Mexi...

Brian Adams — Investing in New Mexico’s FutureThrough Energy, Mobility & Innovation Brian Adams is the Co-Founder and Managing Partnerof  UP.Abundance , a New Mexico–focused venture fund and an investment strategy of the global firm  UP.Partners . A“boomerang” New Mexican, Brian returned to the state in 2022 after 13 years in Seattle, bringing with him deep experience in startups, venture capital,...

Emily K. Howard is the founder and president of  CheetahStrategy , a strategic planning and brand consulting firm she launched in 2021. Beginning  January 1, 2025 , she will step into a new role as the  Executive Director of the Economic Forum of Albuquerque ,succeeding Kathie Winograd. Emily brings years of experience across  marketing,tourism, and strategic planning , having worked with organiza...

Emily K. Howard is the founder and president of  CheetahStrategy , a strategic planning and brand consulting firm she launched in 2021. Beginning  January 1, 2025 , she will step into a new role as the  Executive Director of the Economic Forum of Albuquerque , succeeding Kathie Winograd. Emily brings years of experience across  marketing,tourism, and strategic planning , having worked with organiz...