Governing Board President
Contact:
Email: Coming Soon

Meet Patricia Watkins, our Governing Board President.

Mrs. Patricia Watkins has been a dedicated member of the Inspira STEAM Academy Governing Board, bringing both professional training and deeply personal experience to her leadership role. Born and raised in Las Cruces, New Mexico, Mrs. Watkins plays a key role in guiding the vision and direction of the Governing Board while helping shape the future of Inspira STEAM Academy.

Mrs. Watkins earned her Associate’s Degree in Automotive, Diesel, Industrial, and Power Generation from the Universal Technical Institute. She is currently attending Northern New Mexico College to complete her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, reflecting her continued commitment to learning and child development.

As a mother of three children with Autism, Mrs. Watkins developed a strong passion for educational advocacy through her own family’s journey. Her search for the best educational environments for her children highlighted the importance of individualized support, smaller class sizes, and meaningful relationships between students and teachers. These experiences fueled her belief in charter schools and their ability to meet diverse student needs.

Mrs. Watkins has actively demonstrated her dedication to students and families through her involvement in the Parent Ambassador Program with Public Charter Schools of New Mexico (PCSNM). Her advocacy efforts include authoring an article featured in the PCSNM January Newsletter. She has also served on multiple committees, including the Equity Council, Parent Advisory Committee (PAC), Technology Committee, and Sunshine Committee. In addition, she participates in the Region 9 teacher mentee program, further strengthening her connection to education and community leadership.

Mrs. Watkins’ motivation for serving as Governing Board President is rooted in her vision for Las Cruces and its students. She is deeply committed to helping create an educational environment that honors and supports the community’s bilingual culture while ensuring that all children feel valued and empowered. Her passion lies in watching students flourish, regardless of the language they speak, and in supporting opportunities for children to explore and understand the world through a STEAM-focused lens.

When asked why she serves the Inspira STEAM Academy Governing Board, Mrs. Watkins shares,
“I want to help create a school environment that truly supports all children and families in our community. Every child deserves to feel understood, challenged, and inspired. Inspira STEAM Academy represents the kind of opportunity Las Cruces needs — one that values our bilingual culture and helps students grow with confidence and curiosity.”

Governing Board Vice-President
Contact:
Email: Coming Soon

Meet Enrique Avalos III, our Governing Board Vice President.

Mr. Enrique Avalos, Founder, was born in El Paso, Texas, and had the unique opportunity to live in different parts of the country throughout his childhood. These experiences helped shape his broad perspective on education, culture, and community. He has called New Mexico home since 2009, when he began his academic journey at New Mexico State University.

Mr. Avalos earned a Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), along with a Bachelor of Science in Education in Secondary Education—Social Studies. His strong academic foundation reflects a deep commitment to language development, culturally responsive teaching, and student-centered learning.

He currently holds multiple Texas Educator Certifications, including English Language Arts and Reading/Social Studies Grades (4–8), Social Studies Grades (7–12), and an English as a Second Language Supplemental Certification Grades (4–12). His diverse credentials highlight both his instructional expertise and his dedication to supporting multilingual learners.

As Governing Board Vice President, Mr. Avalos contributes valuable insight into bilingual education, curriculum, and student engagement. His background in language acquisition and social studies education provides an important lens for shaping policies and decisions that support academic excellence and equitable learning environments.

Mr. Avalos chose to join Inspira STEAM Academy because of his strong belief in the need for authentic, high-quality bilingual instruction in Las Cruces. He is passionate about ensuring that bilingual education is implemented with both fidelity and purpose, creating meaningful opportunities for students to thrive academically and linguistically.

When asked why he serves the Inspira STEAM Academy Governing Board, Mr. Avalos shares,
“Many places say they have bilingual programs, but it’s definitely not done with fidelity and has started to lack a bit of heart as well. I believe our students deserve an educational experience that truly honors language, culture, and identity while maintaining high academic expectations.”

Governing Board Secretary
Contact:
Email: Coming Soon

Meet Joy Chavez, our Governing Board Secretary.

Ms. Joy Chavez serves as the Deputy Emergency Manager for Doña Ana County, where she provides strategic leadership in emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and community resilience initiatives. In this role, she works closely with local, state, and federal partners to strengthen coordinated response efforts, enhance disaster recovery operations, and support the safety and well-being of residents throughout the region.

With a professional background spanning emergency management and public health, Joy brings extensive experience in multi-agency coordination, community engagement, and program development with a focus on supporting vulnerable and underserved populations. She is widely recognized for her collaborative leadership style, strong organizational skills, and commitment to building sustainable systems that improve readiness and recovery across Southern New Mexico.

Joy is currently pursuing a Master of Public Health at New Mexico State University, further strengthening her expertise in community health, prevention, and public service. Her academic work complements her professional experience and reflects her dedication to improving outcomes for families and communities.

As Governing Board Secretary, Joy plays a vital role in supporting board governance, organizational effectiveness, and transparent communication. Her experience in coordination, planning, and policy implementation provides valuable insight into the systems, structures, and partnerships necessary for a successful and resilient educational institution.

Joy’s decision to serve on the Inspira STEAM Academy Governing Board reflects her deep commitment to community well-being and long-term impact. She is passionate about supporting initiatives that create opportunity, strengthen families, and empower future generations through education.

When asked why she serves the Inspira STEAM Academy Governing Board, Joy shares,
“Strong schools are foundational to strong communities. I believe in supporting educational opportunities that help students thrive, build confidence, and develop the skills they need for the future. Inspira STEAM Academy represents an investment in both children and the long-term resilience of our community.”

Governing Board Treasurer
Contact:
Email: Coming Soon

Meet Tania S. Silva, our Governing Board Treasurer.

Ms. Tania S. Silva is a nationally recognized immigration attorney and Founder & CEO of The Immigration Force PLLC, where she leads a high-performing legal team delivering strategic representation in complex immigration matters. With more than 15 years of experience, she has built a reputation for bold advocacy, systems-driven leadership, and a deep commitment to serving immigrant communities.

Licensed to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court and multiple federal jurisdictions, Tania has litigated high-stakes cases across U.S. immigration courts, including removal defense, asylum, waivers, and humanitarian relief. Her expertise spans both litigation and strategic case development, where she is known for combining rigorous legal analysis with compassionate, client-centered advocacy.

Tania’s professional impact extends beyond the courtroom. She is the host of a weekly live television and radio program on immigration law broadcast throughout Latin America and streamed globally, where she educates and empowers audiences through accessible legal guidance. As a bilingual legal communicator with nearly one million social media followers, she has become a trusted public-facing educator and advocate.

Her academic background includes a Juris Doctor from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Foreign Languages from the University of New Mexico. She is the recipient of numerous honors, including Outstanding Young Lawyer of the Year from the State Bar of New Mexico and the Michael Maggio Pro Bono Honoree Award from the American Immigration Lawyers Association.

As a General Governing Board Member, Tania brings a unique blend of legal expertise, strategic thinking, and organizational leadership. Her experience in high-stakes decision-making, systems development, and community engagement provides valuable perspective as Inspira STEAM Academy continues to grow and strengthen its impact.

When asked why she serves the Inspira STEAM Academy Governing Board, Tania shares,
“I see my role on the board as a steady source of support and perspective. I’m committed to showing up prepared and engaged. I care deeply about rigor, excellence, and global-mindedness as everyday practices, not just ideals. I hope to contribute by asking thoughtful questions, supporting strong systems, and helping the school grow with purpose. I also bring a strong network and a resourceful mindset, and I’m happy to make connections or open doors that can support the school’s growth and mission.”

Governing Board Member
Contact:
Email: Coming Soon

Meet Matthew Garcia, our general board member.

Mr. Matt has been a dedicated Inspira STEAM Academy Board Member since March of 2025, bringing diverse experiences to the team. He serves as a board member, supporting in shaping the vision and mission of the Governing Board as well as the direction Inspira STEAM Academy will take. 

With a strong background in engineering, Matt has spent years working in different managerial roles. His expertise in leadership and engineering is instrumental in advancing the mission and vision of Inspira STEAM Academy. A graduate of New Mexico State University, Matt holds degrees in Criminal Justice and Mechanical Engineering.   

His diverse experience ranges from managing complex projects with Hakes Brothers and Superior Solar to demonstrating leadership and problem-solving skills at the United States Postal Service, providing a strong foundation in planning, execution, and stakeholder communication. Matt's dedication to organization and collaborative leadership, along with a personal history of engagement in STEAM-related activities from a young age, fuels his commitment to establishing a high-quality STEAM-focused educational opportunity.

When asked why he serves the Inspira STEAM Academy Governing Board, Matt shares,
“I want to make sure the students of Las Cruces are receiving the education they deserve. Having the choice to go to a school where the classes are smaller, and students get to learn hands-on about engineering and science, is great because of the resources we have here in town.“

Governing Board Member
Contact:
Email: Coming Soon

Meet Susana Tapia-Harper, our General Governing Board Member.

Mrs. Susana Tapia-Harper has been a dedicated member of the Inspira STEAM Academy Governing Board since March of 2025, bringing a wealth of passion, leadership, and professional expertise to the team. She serves as a general board member, playing an important role in shaping the vision and mission of the Governing Board as well as helping guide the direction of Inspira STEAM Academy.

With a strong background in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Susana has spent years serving in various managerial roles throughout the organization. Her combined expertise in science and management provides valuable insight into strategic planning, problem-solving, and organizational effectiveness. Her professional experience has been instrumental in supporting the mission and vision of Inspira STEAM Academy.

A graduate of New Mexico State University, Susana holds a degree in Chemical Engineering and has pursued numerous specialized certifications and professional trainings, including Varian Basic Vacuum Practice, Leak Rate Test and Measurement, Analytical Chemistry, Laboratory Safety and Health, Analysis and Interpretation of Mass Spectral Data, and the Toxicologist for Chemists Short Course. Her technical knowledge and analytical mindset contribute a strong STEM-focused perspective to the board’s work.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Susana is deeply committed to her family and community. She is actively involved in supporting her children’s education and is passionate about preserving language, culture, and opportunity for future generations. She values the importance of bilingualism and strives to ensure her children grow up bilingual and socially responsible.

Susana’s decision to serve on the Inspira STEAM Academy Governing Board is rooted in her belief in the school’s mission and its potential impact on the Las Cruces community. She is a strong advocate for authentic bilingual education and meaningful learning opportunities for students.

When asked why she serves the Inspira STEAM Academy Governing Board, Susana shares,
“When I looked for a school for my children, I didn’t find a school that truly taught Spanish. I visited classrooms around Las Cruces, and none of them had a solid foundation in Spanish. Inspira will be teaching students Spanish, which is exactly what I wanted for my children. I am happy to support a project that will benefit the children of Las Cruces.”

General Non-Voting Governing Board Member
Contact:
Email: Coming Soon

Meet Jose Manuel Arrellano Cuvarrubias, our Non-Voting General Governing Board Member.

Mr. Jose Manuel Arrellano Cuvarrubias, fondly known as “Mr. Manny,” serves as a Non-Voting General Member of the Inspira STEAM Academy Governing Board. He has been actively involved in supporting the board’s work and the broader mission of Inspira STEAM Academy, demonstrating a strong commitment to educational opportunity and community growth.

Mr. Arrellano is deeply connected to the Las Cruces community and has spent years working with students through enrichment and after-school programs. As a dedicated chess coach, he has guided students in developing critical thinking, patience, problem-solving skills, and strategic decision-making — abilities that strongly align with the core principles of STEAM education. His work with young learners reflects a passion for mentorship and student development beyond the traditional classroom.

Through his involvement with Inspira STEAM Academy, Mr. Arrellano contributes a valuable community-centered perspective and a genuine dedication to student success. His consistent engagement and willingness to support the board’s mission highlight his belief in expanding meaningful educational opportunities for families in the region.

When asked why he serves the Inspira STEAM Academy Governing Board, Mr. Manny shares,
“Having choice in the community is very important. From all the years I have lived in our community, I have seen Spanish being spoken everywhere. Why not support the new generation with Spanish, but also with STEAM? Our students deserve opportunities that reflect both who we are and where the future is going.”