HANNAH WOOD

State Director

Hannah Wood earned her Master’s degree in Project Management (2024) as well as a Master's degree in Public Administration (2014) and Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and English (2011) from UNM. Hannah was a participant in Youth and Government from 2004-2006, serving in the Legislative, Judicial, and Executive branches. She fell in love with Youth & Government at her first conference in 2004, and recently celebrated 20 years of involvement with the program. Since 2006, Hannah has served as an alumni advisor and volunteer, and was a founding member and President of the YMCA NM Youth and Government Alumni Association at UNM from 2008-2011. In 2015, Hannah joined YMCA staff to support the program in an official capacity, and became State Director in 2020. Hannah also lectures part-time in the Political Science department at UNM and works full-time as a Project Leader. Hannah loves supporting New Mexico youth, spending time with her dogs, working outdoors on the cattle ranch where she grew up, and working to promote civic engagement and education.

Email: info@nmyag.com

MARA MADUEÑA-MUCHOW

State Coordinator

Mara Madueña-Muchow earned her Master’s degree in Secondary Education (2014) and Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and History (2007) from UNM. Mara was a participant in Youth and Government when she was in high school, participating in the Legislative branch, as well as Media. Mara is currently a high school teacher and it was through the impassioned request of a student that she became involved with NMYAG as an Delegation Advisor for her school. Her experience in her first year as a Delegation Advisor was so impactful for her and her students, she has since dedicated more time to the program by assisting the State Director with a variety of program elements. She believes this program encourages civic virtue in a very personal way for the young people who participate and has first-hand seen it change young peoples' lives.

Email: info@nmyag.com

ALEXA WARNEK

Northern New Mexico Regional Development Coordinator

Alexa Warnek earned a double bachelor’s degree in Communications and Art History from Western Washington University in 2014. A dedicated alumna of the Washington State Youth and Government program, Alexa participated as a student from 2005 to 2010, holding leadership roles including Postmaster General, Vice Committee Chair, and Youth Secretary of State. Her commitment to the program continued well beyond graduation; she served as a State Office Volunteer, the Secretary of State Program Area Lead, and eventually the Interim Program Director for the Washington State Office in 2017. Upon moving to New Mexico in May 2025, Alexa immediately engaged with the New Mexico Youth and Government program, offering her expertise and enthusiasm. Currently, through the MissionSquare Grant, she serves as the Northern Regional Development Coordinator with the Family YMCA in Los Alamos. Professionally, Alexa works full-time for an association management firm based in Seattle. In her free time, she enjoys exploring New Mexico’s landscapes with her dog and spending as much time as possible on the water.

Email: northern@nmyag.com

JASMINE McKINNEY

Southern New Mexico Regional Development Coordinator

Jasmine McKinney serves as the Southern Regional Development Coordinator for New Mexico Youth & Government. In this role, she supports the growth and development of delegations across southern New Mexico, working with communities from Silver City to Las Cruces, where she is currently based. Jasmine also assists with program logistics and supports the Middle School Youth & Government Conference. Having been involved with Youth & Government as a student, state officer, alumna, and now staff member, she brings a deep understanding of the program and a passion for helping new delegations get started and thrive.

Outside of Youth & Government, Jasmine is a student at New Mexico State University majoring in Secondary Education with a focus in Social Studies and a minor in History. She is a HEST Senator for ASNMSU and an active member of Alpha Xi Delta, where she holds multiple leadership roles. Jasmine values being involved in diverse communities and looks forward to working with students, advisors, and schools throughout southern New Mexico. She is always happy to connect and support Youth & Government participants—y’all are truly yagtastic!

Email: southern@nmyag.com

MARY GARCIA

UNM Intern

Mary Garcia is currently a student at UNM, studying international studies, political science, and Chinese language. Although she did not get a chance to participate in Youth and Government in High School, she was a part of her school's Model UN delegation all 4 years, becoming Vice President her Senior year. She also participated in the Santa Fe Counsel on International Relations in her sophomore year of High School. Mary is projected to graduate with her bachelor's degree May of 2027, and then apply for law school.

Email: central@nmyag.com