You Can Do It, Mija!

You Can Do It, Mija! is a mentorship program at UNM-Taos that connects students and community members across multiple generations—from teens to elders—and uplifts the many diverse experiences of being a woman in Taos.

The Mija Program serves UNM-Taos students and high school students, engaging women from the Taos community as mentors, and recognizing mentees of all ages as future leaders with valuable perspectives and skills to offer. UNM-Taos students can have opportunities to serve as peer mentors for each other, and as mentors for high school students.

Through one-on-one mentoring, high school programming, and community gatherings, as well as leadership training and skill-shares on campus, Taoseñas of all ages build reciprocal relationships that grow into a network of opportunity and resilience. The Mija Program is designed to support women in deepening their confidence, discovering their strengths, and realizing their visions for the future—together.

What Mija Means

Mija—a term of endearment derived from the Spanish mi hija (my daughter)—carries deep cultural significance across Northern New Mexico. Beyond its literal translation, mija is used affectionately among family, friends, and community members to express care, encouragement, and belonging.

In our region’s intertwined Hispanic, Indigenous, and multicultural traditions, it reflects intergenerational connection and the ways women nurture, guide, and uplift one another. The You Can Do It, Mija! Program embraces this spirit of warmth and empowerment, creating a supportive space where young women are reminded: you are seen, you are valued, and you can do it, mija.

Student Participation

Join our Community

The Mija Program hosts events on campus and around the Taos area, including community speakers, meals, workshops, cultural events, and opportunities for one-on-one mentorship. Get in touch with us through the interest form below if you’d like to receive invitations to Mija Program events and mentorship opportunities.

Become a Peer Mentor

Peer Mentors for the Mija Program work on a team to offer mentorship to other UNM-Taos students and high school students, as well as to create and facilitate events on and off campus. Would you like to build your mentorship and leadership skills and contribute to a growing women’s community? Apply for a Peer Mentor position with the Mija Program. If you are not eligible for a federal work-study benefit, you can join as a volunteer Peer Mentor or attend our hosted events by filling out the Interest Form above.

Community Participation

Become a Mentor

Build a relationship with a mentee for a minimum of one academic semester and attend program events as you are able. Receive training and program support from UNM-Taos for your mentoring relationship.

Become a Presenter

Lead a workshop or tell your story as part of high school programming or an event for UNM-Taos students. We welcome experiential workshops in any specialty, as well as presenters and speakers on topics from the arts to business to life skills, health, personal development, civic engagement, and culture.

Become a Friend of Mija

Receive invitations to program events and community gatherings.