NewMexicoKidsCAN Action Fund is a 501c(4) organization that works to support the bold education policies New Mexico’s students urgently need. Our goal is to create an education system in New Mexico that is world-class and excellent for all students so that they can be the future leaders New Mexico needs.
NewMexicoKidsCAN Action Fund supports bold education policies that make a real difference for New Mexico kids. We are steadfast in our belief that our students deserve better, and we are relentless in our pursuit of the educational systems and policies they deserve.
Amanda Aragon Bernabe
Executive Director
Amanda was born and raised in Albuquerque, NM and grew up surrounded by a large and close-knit extended family. Upon graduation from Rio Rancho High School, Amanda left New Mexico to attend the University of Tulsa. There she obtained a degree in international business and Spanish, becoming the first person in her family to graduate from college.
After college, Amanda began a corporate career working as a supply chain coordinator for ConocoPhillips in Houston, TX. After working in Houston, Amanda returned to New Mexico to continue her career with ConocoPhillips as a supply chain lead and eventually as director of stakeholder relations for New Mexico. While working in Farmington, Amanda completed the Leadership New Mexico Connect Program and was named Albuquerque Business First’s top business professional under 30.
After six years in the energy sector, Amanda sought to serve her home state of New Mexico and accepted a job as the director of strategic outreach for the New Mexico Public Education Department. After completing the 50CAN Education Advocacy Fellowship in 2017, she launched NewMexicoKidsCAN as the founding executive director in 2018.
Tarin Nix
Political Director
Tarin Nix is a New Mexico public policy and advocacy leader with more than two decades of experience spanning education policy, government, political strategy, and community engagement. Tarin has led over 100 political campaigns, issue advocacy efforts, and policy initiatives through her firm, Voter Research. Before being hired as Political Director for NewMexicoKidsCAN, Nix served as Deputy Commissioner at the New Mexico State Land Office nearly eight years under Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard.
Earlier in her career, Tarin served as chief analyst for the New Mexico House Education Committee, working at the intersection of education policy and the legislative process. Tarin’s commitment to public service extends into her community. She serves on the boards of Santa Fe Habitat for Humanity and the Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area and has previously held leadership roles with the League of Women Voters.
Tarin holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and women’s studies from the University of Alabama and a Master of Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin, where she specialized in public policy and nonprofit management.