Barbara Jordan, Interim Executive Director
It is with great pride and vigor that Barbara steps up and accepts the role of Interim Executive Director of Emerge New Mexico. Barbara is a proud graduate of Emerge NM Class of 2021 and previously ran for Mayor of Rio Rancho in March 2022.
Barbara Jordan joined the United States Air Force in December of 1997 with only the clothes she had on. She faithfully served over 20 years with her top-secret security clearance. She retired as a Combat Veteran. She was embedded with the Explosive Ordinance Team (EOD) while serving in Afghanistan, She describes this time as one of the hardest but best times of her life. After serving four years in Alice Springs, Australia, New Mexico was her last assignment and is now the place she proudly calls home.
Barbara founded People Requiring Equality within Systemic Systems (PRESS) New Mexico which highlights the systems within systems of social injustice in New Mexico and abroad. Barbara is a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer, and mother of one son, 16 Air Force children who call and know her as mom, and three fur babies.
Barbara has the foresight to analyze problems and see solutions. She is a consensus builder who welcomes everyone’s ideas. She anticipates the needs of others and possesses the creativity to find ingenious solutions that work. She has a doggedness and tireless spirit. The bottom line is that Barbara sees and serves everyone.