Reflections from the NM Workforce Pathways Exchange

In November 2025, I attended the Workforce Pathways Exchange, hosted by Coalitions and Collaboratives (COCO) and facilitated by PowerCorpsPHL. The gathering brought together employers and workforce partners from across the state to share experiences, challenges, and ideas for strengthening natural resource career pathways. It was designed to support a resilient workforce in forestry, watershed restoration, conservation, wildland fire, agriculture, and related fields. 

Learning from PowerCorpsPHL was a highlight. Their approach centers on connecting people to meaningful careers, advancing community wellbeing, and building leadership through service. Their reflections on best practices and lessons learned were deeply relevant to the work happening here in New Mexico. 

Through rich and grounded conversations about the needs of our state, I was reminded of the values that guide our work to help build a restoration economy, one where caring for the land also supports the people who call it home. Across the state, a network of training programs, crews, organizations, and collaboratives is working toward healthier forests and watersheds while also supporting sustainable and meaningful careers for New Mexicans. Workforce development is not separate from this; it is foundational to adaptive management and to the long-term health of our landscapes.

I left the Exchange feeling grateful and encouraged. The challenges facing natural resource management in New Mexico are real, but so is the dedication of the partners doing this work. I was inspired by those leading creative, community-centered workforce programs, including the University of New Mexico ARID Institute, The Semilla Project, Native Workforce Partners, and the Forest Stewards Guild. Together, we are moving toward a people-centered approach to preparing future conservation and restoration professionals and, at the same time, strengthening the bonds between land stewardship and livelihoods in New Mexico.