Hello new and experienced delegates! My name is Landen Kessler, and I am currently a senior at Santa Fe High School. This will be my fourth and final year in YAG, and I can’t wait to be your 2026 New Mexico Youth Governor! With my past experience writing bills, being a committee chair, and fostering ideas in debate, I look forward to expanding our NMYAG family by encouraging the utmost growth within us all. I hope that throughout the year everyone has the chance to change, adapt, and bloom into their perspectives and mindsets while allowing different beliefs and traditions to bud. We are at our core what we believe, and being able to express our beliefs in a safe and growth-oriented space is of the utmost importance to me. Throughout the year I’m deeply committed to creating a place of differing, yet encouraging, perspectives that we not only grow off of but collectively make our own. 

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Outside of YAG, I sing in the Santa Fe Opera Young Voices program and the Santa Fe Symphony, and I work independently with both Berklee College of Music and Lamont School of Music to explore different repertoire, music selections, and technical qualities of voice in opera. I am also a giant advocate for “Opera Makes Sense,” a conceptual program that is designed to teach kids K-5 about the interconnecting spheres of opera and modern music. Additionally, I love to fence, play the piano and guitar, and write poems in my spare time. But without any further ado, I can’t wait to see everyone throughout the season to both prep for Conference and just have fun in between. If you have questions about any of the branches or you just have an inquiry about anything YAG-related, don’t be afraid to ask. See you all soon!!!

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Contact: governor@nmyag.com

Hello everyone! My name is Miller Millea, and I’m incredibly honored and excited to serve as your 2026 New Mexico Youth Lieutenant Governor. I’m currently a senior at East Mountain High School in Sandia Park, and this marks my fourth year participating in Youth and Government.

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Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of engaging with a number of incredible YMCA programs, including the Conference on National Affairs, the Changemakers Summit, State Advocacy, and the National Youth Advocate Program. These experiences have shaped my leadership style and prepared me to effectively guide the Senate while fostering a legislative space that is safe, inclusive, and collaborative. My goal is to create a chamber where delegates feel confident raising their placards, sharing their ideas, and engaging in meaningful discourse.

Outside of Youth and Government, I serve as the captain of our nationally ranked Speech and Debate team and as president of our National Honor Society chapter. I’m also a core member of the New Mexico Activities Association Student Leadership Advisory Council and the Chief Editor of East Mountain’s yearbook. These roles reflect my passion for advocacy, creativity, and public speaking, all of which I hope to bring to the table during our conference. When I’m not busy with school or student leadership, you can probably find me writing music, playing instruments, skiing, or watching movies.

I can’t wait to meet all of you, especially our amazing senators! Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions, ideas, or just want to connect. Let’s make this a memorable and impactful year!

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Contact: legislative@nmyag.com

Hey y'all! I'm Jacob Malagon, and I’m honored to serve as your Speaker of the House. As a junior at Cottonwood Classical Preparatory School, I bring a deep passion for debate and a commitment to open dialogue. I look forward to uniting our diverse voices and guiding our legislative sessions so that every idea is heard and every debate is enriched by thoughtful discussion.

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Throughout high school, I've immersed myself in Speech and Debate, Model United Nations, Mock Trial, and Science Olympiad—each experience sharpening my communication skills and leadership abilities. My time at CONA and Speech and Debate Nationals has broadened my perspective, preparing me to steer our House with both fairness and enthusiasm.

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I’m dedicated to creating an environment where collaboration thrives and every participant feels empowered to contribute meaningfully. Whether you have suggestions, questions, or complaints, please know that my door is always open. Together, we can make this conference a transformative journey of intellectual growth and impactful dialogue.

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​Contact: legislative@nmyag.com

Hello everyone! My name is Quinn Blakeslee and I am currently a senior at Santa Fe High School. This is my third year in Youth and Government and I am beyond honored to serve as your 2026 Chief Justice. This past summer, I attended the National Judicial Competition (NJC) and think it's a great opportunity for all judicial participants. I have also been a student intern at a law firm for the past few months and am happy to bring and share my experiences to you all. I hope to expand the judicial branch this year and make it easier to jump into! That being said, outside of YAG, I participate in National Honors Society, Model United Nations, and Varsity Lacrosse. I have also done various programs such as Peace Ambassadors and the Youth Leadership Diplomacy Program to help expand my knowledge of the world and how I can contribute. Please reach out if you have any questions or just wanna chat :)​

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Contact: judicial@nmyag.com

Hello everyone! My name is Ana Choe and I’m so excited to be serving as your 2026 Secretary of State! I am a senior at the Albuquerque Institute of Math and Science and this is my fourth year in the Youth and Government program. I’ve previously participated in the program as the 2025 State Auditor, a Middle School Conference leader, a 2025 Conference of National Affairs (CONA) delegate, and a legislative branch delegate. Starting in YAG as a freshman and serving in this role as a senior, I am truly honored to hold this position and uplift the future YAG leadership. I hope to promote inclusivity and transparency, while also ensuring a fair and organized election process. 

Outside of YAG, I am the co-president of my school’s DECA chapter as well as being an active participant in Model United Nations, my school’s theater group, National Honor Society, and HOSA. I also enjoy doing volunteer work, specifically related to child psychology and education. I also love to play the piano, draw, paint, and improve my foreign language skills when I have free time! I look forward to meeting and connecting with each and every one of you in this YAG-tastic program! Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions, concerns, or thoughts!

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Contact: sos@nmyag.com

Contact: ag@nmyag.com

Hello! My name is Kumail Askari, and I’m honored to be serving as the NMYAG 2026 State Auditor. I’m a junior at La Cueva High School, and this will be my second year participating in the Youth and Government program. I’ve attended the Conference on National Affairs once and have also participated in the National Judicial Competition. I look forward to serving as the State Auditor to the best of my ability, assisting all those in the task force and offering support to others outside of it as well.

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Outside of Youth and Government, I am an active member of speech and debate and a participant in Model UN. I also spend time coaching the middle school tennis team at Desert Ridge Middle School. In my free time, I love playing casual sports like pickleball, golf, and spikeball, cracking jokes, and listening to people talk about their day. I enjoy being part of conversations and sharing fun experiences. I’m so excited for the 2026 Conference, and if you see me around, feel free to say hi!

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Contact: taskforce@nmyag.com

My name is Anirudh Nanda, and I am thrilled to be your 2026 Youth and Government Treasurer. I am a junior at Albuquerque Institute of Math and Science, and this will be my third year with the Youth and Government program. I am looking forward to being a part of this year's Task Force committee and continuing to support the annual Task Force bill that helps all YAG delegates. 

Outside of Youth and Government, I participate in Model United Nations, FIRST Robotics, DECA, National Honors Society, and more. In my free time, I do STEM outreach/volunteering, play the clarinet, and watch movies. I hope to have an amazing conference, see you all soon!

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Contact: taskforce@nmyag.com

​Hi everyone! My name is Maya Harris, and I am honored to serve as your 2026 Land Commissioner! I am currently a senior at Santa Fe High School and have been participating in YAG for four years. I have been the Co-President of the Santa Fe High School delegation for the past two years and served as a 2025 House committee chair. As your Land Commissioner, I hope to uplift new and returning delegates navigating the legislative process. I want to expand the Task Force branch while fostering an inclusive and educational experience for all participants.

In addition to YAG, I am a member of my school's marching and concert bands. I also volunteer with my school’s National Honor Society and compete with our Science Bowl Club, and am a founding member of the Dream Reenactment Club at Santa Fe High, where we delve into the subconscious minds of students through dynamic storytelling and vivid discussion of dreams. Outside of school, I am the president of the Santa Fe Temple Beth Shalom youth group, a flutist in the Santa Fe Youth Symphony Orchestra, and a part of a small chamber group for flute, oboe, and clarinet. I love listening to music, hanging out with friends, and making jewelry in my free time. I look forward to a great Youth and Government year and meeting everyone! Feel free to reach out with any questions or thoughts about the program or my role!

Contact: taskforce@nmyag.com

Hi everyone! My name is Selah Souza-Kennedy and I am so grateful to serve as your 2026 media director! I am a senior at East Mountain High School and this will be my third year in YAG. In these years I have been in media as well as being able to attend the Conference on National affairs (CONA). I am excited to work alongside with the media team this year to capture not only the energy of conference but get everyone’s perspectives! 

Outside of Youth and Government, I am also media director for East Mountain’s student council and NHS, along with this I participate in MESA, NSTEM, volleyball, and have a passion for painting. I can’t wait to meet all the delegates at conference! Don’t hesitate to reach out with any media questions! 

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Contact: media@nmyag.com

Hi everyone! My name is Makenna Hatten, and I’m honored to serve as your 2025 Chief Lobbyist. I’m a senior at Moriarty High School, and this is my fourth year in the Youth and Government program. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege to serve as a State Advocate, attend national conferences like CONA (twice!) and the YMCA Changemakers Summit, and represent New Mexico internationally at the Model International Criminal Court in Poland.

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Outside of YAG, I serve as the president of both National Honor Society and Student Council, compete year-round as a varsity athlete in soccer and tennis, and tutor my peers in math and science. I’m also pursuing an associate’s degree in psychology with future plans to work in criminal investigation or criminology—fields that allow me to channel my passion for justice and public service.

As your Chief Lobbyist, I’m here to guide you through the entire lobbying process—from learning how to effectively advocate for or against bills, to helping you build persuasive arguments and make your voice heard. Whether you're new to lobbying or looking to sharpen your skills, my job is to support you, answer your questions, and make sure you feel confident and prepared. Don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m excited to work with you and help make this conference your best yet!

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Contact: lobbyist@nmyag.com