Season 2
EP 11 – DALE DEKKER
EP 11 TEASER – DALE DEKKER
EP 16 – CASH ALLRED
EP12 - RAPHAEL “RAFE” MARTINEZ
Season 1
EP 10 - JAYMIE ROYBAL
EP 9 – MEREDITH DIXON
EP 9 TEASER – MEREDITH DIXON
EP 8 – AMANDA ARAGON
EP 8 TEASER – AMANDA ARAGON
Dale Dekker is a founding Partner of Dekker (formerly known as Dekker/Perich/Sabatini or D/P/S), a prominent architecture, engineering, and planning firm with over 190 employees and offices across the Southwest. Dekker, rooted in a legacy dating back to 1959, is ranked among Architectural Record’s top 140 U.S. firms and is one of Albuquerque’s largest private businesses. With a focus on socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable design, Dale has led projects ranging from high-tech research facilities for Sandia National Labs and the University of New Mexico to award-winning school designs and large-scale master plans like the UNM Master Plan Update. Dale actively contributes to economic development, education, and sustainability through his service on boards and commissions. He is Chair of the New Mexico Bioscience Authority, a member of the State Workforce Development Board, and serves on the Executive Committee of AREA-Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance. He is also a National Board Member of NAIOP, a past Chair of its New Mexico chapter, and has held leadership roles with the Urban Land Institute and the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce.
Dale Dekker is a founding Partner of Dekker (formerly known as Dekker/Perich/Sabatini or D/P/S), a prominent architecture, engineering, and planning firm with over 190 employees and offices across the Southwest. Dekker, rooted in a legacy dating back to 1959, is ranked among Architectural Record’s top 140 U.S. firms and is one of Albuquerque’s largest private businesses. With a focus on socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable design, Dale has led projects ranging from high-tech research facilities for Sandia National Labs and the University of New Mexico to award-winning school designs and large-scale master plans like the UNM Master Plan Update. Dale actively contributes to economic development, education, and sustainability through his service on boards and commissions. He is Chair of the New Mexico Bioscience Authority, a member of the State Workforce Development Board, and serves on the Executive Committee of AREA-Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance. He is also a National Board Member of NAIOP, a past Chair of its New Mexico chapter, and has held leadership roles with the Urban Land Institute and the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce.
Cash Allred is a principal on the investment team at Antler, where he helps identify, fund, and support the next generation of visionary founders. His passion for entrepreneurship and technology has been a driving force throughout his career, shaping his unique approach to venture capital. Before joining Antler, Cash was a tech-focused investor at Sweater, the first early-stage VC fund accessible to the public, where he played a key role in democratizing venture investment. Prior to that, he gained hands-on experience in both technical and investment roles, working as a data engineer at Lucid Software and as an impact investment associate at an early-stage impact fund. With a background that bridges technical expertise and investment acumen, Cash has developed a keen eye for identifying high-potential startups and guiding them toward meaningful growth. He holds a BS in Information Systems from Brigham Young University, where he honed his ability to analyze complex data and leverage technology to drive strategic decisions. Beyond his work in venture capital, Cash is deeply interested in the intersection of technology, impact, and the evolving landscape of startup funding. His journey reflects a commitment to pushing boundaries—whether it’s through investing in disruptive technologies or rethinking how venture capital can be more inclusive.
Raphael Martinez is an Executive Director at Albuquerque Sign Language Academy based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Previously, Raphael was a Director of Student Support at ACE Leadership High School and also held positions at West Mesa High School. Raphael received a Master of Secondary Education and Teaching degree from The University of New Mexico. Raphael “Rafe” Martinez is a 30-plus-year educator who has experienced a variety of leadership opportunities. As a former classroom English teacher, head coach of multiple sports teams, dean of students, and current head of school for the Albuquerque Sign Language Academy (ASLA), Rafe has grown to understand and embrace the importance of strong, effective leadership in pursuit of organizational excellence. Taking several profound lessons from his diverse leadership experiences, Rafe has led the ASLA to national acclaim. The ASLA is regarded as a national leader in deaf and special education reform. It is the only state-certified ASL-English Dual Language School in the United States, serving deaf and hearing students through a highly inclusive and supportive learning program. Additionally, the ASLA works closely with several national post-secondary partners to continually develop its innovative program. Partners include Penn State University, the University of Minnesota, the University of Arizona, New Mexico Highlands University, McLean Hospital (Harvard), and, of course, the University of New Mexico.
Jaymie Roybal is an attorney and proud native New Mexican. She received her bachelor’s degree (2012: political science and signed language interpreting) and her law degree (2016) both from the University of New Mexico. As a lawyer, she has worked in all three branches of the federal government: first, as a judicial law clerk in the United States Judiciary; next, as a Special Advisor in the United States Senate for Senator Martin Heinrich (NM); and since 2019 as an Assistant United States Attorney for the United States Department of Justice. She specializes in prosecuting crimes of violence, including firearms-based offenses, and crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children. Roybal previously served as the President of the University of New Mexico Alumni Association Board of Directors (2023-2024). She was recognized by Albuquerque Business First as a 40 Under 40 honoree in 2020.
Meredith Dixon is an American politician and businesswoman who has served as a member of the New Mexico House of Representatives for the 20th district since January 19, 2021. Elected in 2020, she has focused on addressing community concerns and creating impactful legislation. Born in Ossining, New York, Meredith pursued her education with a strong focus on global policy and political economy. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Global Policy Studies from Chatham University in 1999 and a Master of Arts in International Political Economy from the University of Pittsburgh in 2002. As the founder of Blue Advantage Partners, a New Mexico-based political consulting and fundraising firm, Meredith has built a reputation for effective strategy and community engagement. Her professional experience includes serving as an aide to Senator Tom Udall and New Mexico State House Speaker Brian Egolf, where she gained valuable insights into public policy and leadership. In 2020, Meredith entered the political arena, declaring her candidacy for the New Mexico House of Representatives after incumbent Abbas Akhil announced his retirement. She won the general election, defeating her opponent, Republican Michael Hendricks, and has since been a steadfast advocate for the residents of District 20. Meredith is also deeply rooted in her community. She and her husband, Kevin, an engineer at Sandia Labs, are proud to raise their two daughters, Madeleine (13) and Elizabeth (11), in the heart of Albuquerque.
Meredith Dixon: State Representative, Entrepreneur, and Community Advocate Meredith Dixon is an American politician and businesswoman who has served as a member of the New Mexico House of Representatives for the 20th district since January 19, 2021. Elected in 2020, she has focused on addressing community concerns and creating impactful legislation. Born in Ossining, New York, Meredith pursued her education with a strong focus on global policy and political economy. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Global Policy Studies from Chatham University in 1999 and a Master of Arts in International Political Economy from the University of Pittsburgh in 2002. As the founder of Blue Advantage Partners, a New Mexico-based political consulting and fundraising firm, Meredith has built a reputation for effective strategy and community engagement. Her professional experience includes serving as an aide to Senator Tom Udall and New Mexico State House Speaker Brian Egolf, where she gained valuable insights into public policy and leadership. In 2020, Meredith entered the political arena, declaring her candidacy for the New Mexico House of Representatives after incumbent Abbas Akhil announced his retirement. She won the general election, defeating her opponent, Republican Michael Hendricks, and has since been a steadfast advocate for the residents of District 20. Meredith is also deeply rooted in her community. She and her husband, Kevin, an engineer at Sandia Labs, are proud to raise their two daughters, Madeleine (13) and Elizabeth (11), in the heart of Albuquerque.
Amanda Aragon was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she grew up surrounded by a large, close-knit extended family. A proud graduate of Rio Rancho High School, Amanda became the first in her family to attend and graduate from college, earning a degree in International Business and Spanish from the University of Tulsa. Amanda's professional journey began in the corporate world as a supply chain coordinator for ConocoPhillips in Houston, Texas. She later returned to her home state to advance her career with ConocoPhillips as a supply chain lead and eventually as the Director of Stakeholder Relations for New Mexico. After six years of success in the energy sector, Amanda transitioned to public service, taking on the role of Director of Strategic Outreach at the New Mexico Public Education Department. This experience deepened her commitment to educational improvement and inspired her to engage a broader network of stakeholders in advocating for positive change. Amanda's passion for education led to the creation of NewMexicoKidsCAN, an organization dedicated to enhancing the education system in New Mexico.
Amanda Aragon was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she grew up surrounded by a large, close-knit extended family. A proud graduate of Rio Rancho High School, Amanda became the first in her family to attend and graduate from college, earning a degree in International Business and Spanish from the University of Tulsa. Amanda's professional journey began in the corporate world as a supply chain coordinator for ConocoPhillips in Houston, Texas. She later returned to her home state to advance her career with ConocoPhillips as a supply chain lead and eventually as the Director of Stakeholder Relations for New Mexico. After six years of success in the energy sector, Amanda transitioned to public service, taking on the role of Director of Strategic Outreach at the New Mexico Public Education Department. This experience deepened her commitment to educational improvement and inspired her to engage a broader network of stakeholders in advocating for positive change. Amanda's passion for education led to the creation of NewMexicoKidsCAN, an organization dedicated to enhancing the education system in New Mexico.
Richard Pitino enters his fourth season as head coach of the New Mexico Lobos, having guided the program to its first Mountain West Championship and NCAA Tournament appearance in a decade during the 2023-24 season. Since taking over in 2021, Pitino has led a remarkable turnaround, improving the Lobos from a No. 303 NET ranking to 26 wins, a Mountain West title, and a top-25 AP ranking last season. With over 200 career wins, Pitino has established himself as one of college basketball’s top young coaches. Before coming to New Mexico, he spent eight seasons at Minnesota, where he led the Golden Gophers to two NCAA Tournament appearances and an NIT Championship. Pitino also has extensive experience as an assistant coach, highlighted by multiple deep NCAA Tournament runs, including a Final Four and two Elite Eight appearances at Louisville while working alongside his Hall of Fame father, Rick Pitino. In addition to his success on the court, Pitino has revitalized fan support for the Lobos, with New Mexico ranking among the top programs nationally in attendance. Originally from Boston, Pitino holds a degree in history from Providence College. He and his wife, Jill, have three children: Ava, Zoe, and Jack.