Student Government
The mission of UNM-Taos’ Student Government Association (SGA) is to advocate for students, resolve disputes, and ensure individual and collective student rights. We build meaningful relationships with faculty, staff, students and the community based on integrity, honesty, and inclusiveness.
Weekly Meetings
Join us for our weekly meetings, where every voice counts. Whether you’re a student eager to contribute, propose ideas, or simply curious about the discussions shaping our campus community, all are welcome to attend.
Have a topic you’re passionate about? You can request to add it to the agenda and help steer the conversation. Plus, at the start of each meeting, there’s an open floor for students to address the Student Government directly.
Time
Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Location
Padre Martinez Hall—in the small conference room
Project Funds
The Student Government Association provides funding for initiatives on campus that will benefit all students. Examples of funded initiatives include security cameras, a student lounge, and a library fundraiser. If you have a project you would like to fund, download the form and bring your proposal to an open meeting.
Elected Officials
Ashlyn Vigil: President
I grew up here in Taos/Taos Pueblo, NM. I am of both Native American and Hispanic background. I enjoy learning new things and teaching others, especially little ones, as I am an assistant teacher in Pre-K. I strive to be a positive role model and leader in my community. My job has allowed me to connect with families from all around our community, and I really enjoy supporting these families in raising the next generation of leaders.
As a first-generation college student, I want to support my peers in their journey of higher education and inspire those around me to know that anything is possible by paving a new path for those behind me. I have a strong sense of commitment, perseverance and resilience, so I believe that I can make an impact in anything I do.
Alan Hernandez: Vice President
I spent my formative years in Taos, NM, particularly in the Ranchos de Taos area. My passions revolve around music and staying active—whether it’s through exercise, mountain biking, or hiking. What sets me apart is my insatiable curiosity about the world and life itself. I’m driven by a desire for knowledge and a commitment to living life to its fullest potential.
Throughout my journey, I’ve always been dedicated to reaching my goals. I’ve embraced leadership roles in both sports and professional environments. As a general manager at a cleaning company, I was responsible for overseeing key projects, but I never shied away from taking an active role.
Being bilingual allows me to connect with a wider audience, breaking down language barriers to reach those who need assistance. I believe in the power of listening and forming connections with individuals facing challenges beyond their control. My message to them is simple: You can achieve anything if you set your mind to it and work hard.
I am committed to advocating for my peers’ academic needs, as I’ve navigated similar struggles myself. My goal is to inspire my classmates to chase their dreams and realize their potential.
Yoly Alvarado: Secretary
I was born in Mexico and raised In California and later moved to Texas. I became a travel CNA through New Mexico and decided to settle in Taos and continue to pursue my education here at UNM in Pre-Science. My goal is to obtain a BSN. My hobbies include collecting miniature things and vintage books and spending time in nature.
I am proud to be a part of SGA and represent my community of students. I hope to be an example and help and motivate my peers to succeed as well as be an asset to our SGA to bring together new ideas that will support our students and community.
Juan Carlos Rodríguez: Treasurer
I grew up in Taos, NM. My interests are in the medical field. I am LGBTQ and look forward to being part of SGA.
I would make a good representative for the nursing department here in UNM-Taos. I’m currently a nursing student and understand what you’re going through. I have experience in SGA, so I know what to do and what I’m signing up for. I want to be able to provide a smooth transition for new SGA members. And look forward to hopefully serving SGA again in the future.
Chloe Matthews: Senator
I am currently a nursing student in the 2025 cohort at UNM-Taos. I am a transplant out of the Midwest and settled into Taos about two years ago. Rock climbing brought me to Taos and the nursing school and healthcare community is going to keep me here. I am excited about representing students as an SGA Senator.
The primary reason I pursued a position with SGA is to get to know our Taos community, offerings, and to understand what drives our students and community. If you see me around campus, don’t hesitate to say Hi or let me know any concerns you have!
Jesyka G. Pacheco: Senator
Over the past year, I’ve faced significant challenges, including the loss of my home to a fire in May 2023. This event was more than just losing possessions—it was a profound emotional upheaval. Yet, from this experience, I found strength and a renewed sense of purpose.
During a difficult moment on campus, I met Cami Hartman at the Thrive Food & Resource Center. Her compassion inspired me to become a Student Resource Navigator at UNM-Taos. In this role, I’ve had the privilege of helping students navigate their challenges, whether they face financial difficulties, food insecurity, or academic pressures.
My journey has taught me the importance of resilience and community. Every day, I’m driven by the belief that education should be accessible to all, regardless of circumstances. Helping students access vital resources and seeing them succeed brings me immense joy and fulfillment.
As I continue my studies and work at UNM-Taos, I’m filled with hope for our community. Together, we can create a supportive environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
Marteen Vigil: Senator
I live nestled in my family’s cattle ranch in enchanting Taos, NM. It was here where I was born and aspired to better both myself and my community. I have always had an interest in the medical field, as I have previously worked in surgery and cardiopulmonary rehab. I currently have a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and now look to acquire my bachelor’s degree in Nursing.
It is my hope to provide my nursing services to a cardiac department within Taos one day, as it is a service in high demand for our community. Outside of school, I enjoy my time outdoors—whether it be hiking, gardening, ranching, or doing my wildlife and landscape photography. I currently work at UNM as a tutor for nursing and pre-health sciences, so don’t hesitate to ask for help. I hope to serve our school as best I can!
Aubrey Cheatham: Senator
I recently graduated from the Yoga Teacher Training program, offered here at UNM last spring. This semester, I’m finishing up classes to receive my Holistic Health & Healing Arts Certificate, by the end of the fall. While simultaneously taking art classes since fall semester of 2024 to work towards my associate degree in fine arts.
I’m originally from Gwinnett, Georgia and moved to Taos five years ago. I’m also in the TRIO club here at UNM. Since being certified in Yoga, I’ve been teaching locally in a communal setting at a community holistic healing collective, called Mountain Heart Collective. Moving forward in the community, I would like to make an impact on the awareness of personal health and wellness. Striving to provide accessible wellness offerings to the community. I’m excited to be a part of the Student Government to bring healthy changes to our university.
Deazia Cardenas: Senator
I was born and raised in Taos NM. I am involved with the university on three different levels. I am an advisor, a nursing student, and a freshman senator for student government. If you have any questions about advising, nursing or government, I’m happy to answer them.
Become an SGA Officer
Join the Student Government Association! Represent the student body as a member of the SGA. Student government elections are held in the fall. Students currently taking 6 credit hours with a 2.0 GPA are welcome to apply.
As an SGA officer, you’ll serve your fellow students in the following capacities:
- Ambassador: Support your fellow students and positively represent UNM-Taos for university-sponsored activities and events.
- Advocate: Act for the rights of individuals and identified groups of the student body so they can achieve academic success and find opportunities to thrive.
- Leader: Work as a team to achieve identified goals, develop leadership skills, mentor new members and network with professionals/leaders in our community.
- Liaison: Talk with students so that you may understand the needs of students and communicate those needs with campus leadership.
- Recruiter: Identify and invite new members to Student Government with interest in maintaining an active and robust membership.
- Promoter: Share resources and student engagement opportunities, events and activities.
Former Officers
2023–24 SGA
Alyson Martinez: President
Darien Isaacs: Vice President
Juan Carlos Rodriguez: Secretary
Alan P Hernandez Dominguez: Treasurer
Kyle Knyazev-Julinski: Senator
2022–23 SGA
Madelynn Gonzales-Mascareñas: President
Kyle Knyazev-Julinski: Vice President
Sydnie Pino: Secretary
Maximillian Knyazev-Julinski: Treasurer
Logan Martinez: Senator
Marissa Tafoya: Senator
Adrian Rodriguez: Senator
Manuel Baca-Villalobos: Senator
Juan Carlos Rodriguez: Senator
Kenyon Olsen: SGA liaison to the chancellor
Contact Us
Christal Martinez
Student Activities Specialist
cmarti17@unm.edu
Klauer Campus
Padre Martinez Hall
1157 County Rd 110
Ranchos de Taos