CNPE Staff
Annie Sánchez, Director
Annie joined CNPE in 2015 as our Communications Manager, where she oversaw the development of our digital goals and strategy, website content and design, database and online communications. In 2016, she became Director of our program and is focused on reinforcing our infrastructures and business operations, as well as expanding our Education Program so it reaches more nonprofit professionals throughout the state.
Before joining CNPE, Annie worked in nonprofit development, online communications, website management and volunteer management. She gained her foundation for nonprofit work at the George H. Heyman, Jr. Center for Philanthropy and Fundraising at New York University.
Annie was born in Albuquerque, grew up in Santa Fe, has lived in 5 other U.S. cities and has traveled to nearly 20 countries, having backpacked across most of them. She returned home to New Mexico in 2012 and has loved exploring all that our amazing state has to offer. When out of the office, she can be found on the bosque in Albuquerque or out discovering new areas of the state. Contact Annie
Kira Luna, Education Manager
Kira joined CNPE in 2016 as our Education Manager. She oversees the wide variety of trainings offered throughout the year, and connects the nonprofit community to information and resources.
Before joining us, Kira worked as the Prevention Education Specialist at the Rape Crisis Center of Central New Mexico and as the Volunteer Coordinator at the International Folk Art Alliance. Her passion for strengthening the social sector led her to the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network where she served as the Program Innovations Coordinator LaunchPad Fellow from 2014-2015.
Kira actively volunteers in the community and serves as an advisory member for the Nonprofit Quarterly’s article series on equity, diversity, and justice. She enjoys mentoring youth, dancing to live Latin music, and being outdoors. Contact Kira
Amanda Douglas, Communications Manager
Amanda joined CNPE in 2017 as the Communications Manager. She oversees online communications, digital strategy, database and website projects. Before joining CNPE, Amanda worked as the Resource Development Director for Crossroads for Women where she developed a deep respect for nonprofit organizations as vital providers of support in our community. In her free time, Amanda can be found sharing a bag of gummie bears with her very wise 8 year old son, Joseph and hiking the beautiful NM trails with their goofy German Shepherd, Ben. Contact Amanda
Larry Alei, Encore Fellowship Program Director
Larry Alei joined CNPE in 2015 as the Encore Fellowship Program Director .
Before joining us, Larry worked in a variety of business and management positions at Intel Corp. for 26 years, then served as an Encore Fellow with WESST in 2013-2014. Larry was instrumental in developing the strategic plan and business model for WESST’s Comcast Digital Media Studio. Larry has a long track record of community service, including stints on the UNM Anderson Schools’ foundation board and on the Board of Directors for Junior Achievement of New Mexico. He currently serves as a governor’s appointee on the State of New Mexico Technology Research Collaborative, and as president of his church’s board of directors.
Larry is a father of two who enjoys the outdoors. He is also an A/V professional who provides services for concerts, presentations, weddings, and other events. Contact Larry
Roberta Garcia, Special Projects Manager
Roberta joined CNPE in 2016 as an Encore Fellow and became part of our permanent staff in 2017.
She is utilizing more than 30 years of corporate experience as a Human Resources professional from Intel Corporation by supporting CNPE's robust initiatives. Roberta has a vast understanding of process-driven management philosophy and project management techniques. She is a Lean Six Sigma certified Green Belt applying lean methodologies to CNPE's systems and operating procedures.
Roberta is a native New Mexican who enjoys traveling and spending time camping with her family, as well as pampering their pet Chihuahuas who rule the house. She is also a passionate foodie who loves discovering restaurants, enjoying culinary and artistic endeavors and entertaining family and close friends. Her motto is, “Nothing we do is more important than developing and empowering people in maximizing their performance and helping others shine.” Contact Roberta
Emma Garcia, Program Assistant
Emma joined CNPE in 2017 as a work study fellow from the University of New Mexico. She assists CNPE with the training program and several database projects.
Prior to arriving in New Mexico to pursue a master’s in biomedical engineering, she worked at a biotechnology startup in Montana wrangling ranchers, various pathogens, and multiple databases into developing new products for animal health. In her spare time, she can be seen rummaging through local bookstores, hiking in the mountains, or trying out a new recipe in her kitchen. Contact Emma
Kyran Berlin, Communications Assistant
Kyran Berlin joined CNPE in September 2017 as a Communications Assistant through the UNM work study program. Before joining CNPE, she volunteered at Roadrunner Food Bank helping to prepare meals for the underfed. She recently acted as a production assistant at One Hill Productions in Los Angeles, CA during the summer of 2017.
Kyran is an alumnus of Sandia High School who strongly believes in the ability of artistic expression to bring people together from all walks of life. She enjoys drawing, painting, and listening to music and finds fulfillment in spending time with friends, family, and two rescue cats. Contact Kyran