May Newsletter

This May, we are celebrating graduates who had the courage to start over. Students like Christy, who returned to school to pursue a new career, and alumn Ebony, who is now thriving in her field and mentoring others. Both came to Santa Fe Community College (SFCC) looking for a new beginning. With the support from the Santa Fe Community College Foundation (SFCCF), caring guidance counselors, and a strong community, they found the confidence to move forward in their new path. Their stories show what is possible when students feel supported and connected.

As we prepare for commencement, we are reminded that there are so many students like Christy and Ebony, each with their own story and each reaching a major milestone. The ceremony will honor 546 graduates who completed in fall 2024 or will complete this spring semester or summer term. This represents a 23% increase in the number of graduates over the same period last year. With continued support from our donors, even more students will have the opportunity to reach graduation in the years ahead.

Ebony and Christy’s Path to New Beginnings

Ebony Monroe and Christy Jacobs first met through the Santa Fe Community College Foundation. Over the years, the two have fostered a friendship while attending the SFCC Paralegal Networking Group, a group that Ebony founded. Ebony and Christy have known each other for years, but only now are they realizing how much their stories mirror each other.

Both had long term communications careers in different states and after 20 years of working in their fields, decided to make the decision to change their career paths. For one reason or another, both found themselves at SFCC and have followed the inner calling to become paralegals.

At first, Ebony was nervous about the change. “I didn’t have a lot of direction,” she admitted. She knew she had a strong desire to help others but was not sure which path to take. “I felt a lot of passion for the field,” she said, “but I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do.” With the help of SFCC’s guidance counselors, Ebony was introduced to different aspects of law and discovered opportunities she had not considered before. Once she began pursuing the paralegal track, Ebony’s nerves subsided and she knew she’d found her path.

On her journey, Ebony received not only financial support but also mentorship through SFCCF. After graduating, she joined the Foundation as a staff member, where she continued to grow her skills in supporting others. Working at SFCCF gave Ebony the opportunity to be involved on campus.

“I learned so much about the campus,” Ebony remembers fondly. “Talking to students like me and getting to know them deepened my appreciation for SFCC. I did my schooling online, so it was good to see other students and the campus in person.”

Ebony now works as a paralegal at a family law practice, supporting families across New Mexico. She continues to mentor newcomers to the field and stays closely connected to SFCC through the Paralegal Networking Group.

Similar to Ebony, the guidance counselors helped shape Christy’s path, recommending she work toward an associate’s degree in paralegal studies. Christy joined the Paralegal Networking Group to understand more about the profession and to gain support from others like her. Being introduced to Ebony by SFCCF helped Christy to understand more about the kind of support she could get from professors, students, and the Foundation.

Through her studies, skills she has learned, and connections she has made, she landed an internship at the New Mexico Public Defender’s Office. “I don’t know that I would’ve been able to do that on my own,” she said. “Being a student at SFCC gives you that edge to find a career here in Santa Fe.” She plans to continue after graduation and says “what I am learning is priceless.”

Both Ebony and Christy felt unsure of the path they were going to take. Changing careers so far into their journeys made them nervous. Being introduced to each other by SFCCF gave them the support they needed to feel comfortable and confident in their new paths. With financial support, helpful guidance, and community, SFCCF unlocks new opportunities and futures for those looking to make big changes.

“Santa Fe Community College and Foundation are entry points to the world,” Christy says.

Your support helps students like Christy and Ebony take the next step in their journey. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a meaningful impact on the lives of our students.

When students like Ebony and Christy take the leap to pursue something new, they are not doing it alone. The Foundation provides a support system that helps them feel seen, capable, and confident in their next steps.  We are only able to continue this work because of the generosity of our donors. Every contribution helps us open more doors, provide more support, and expand the opportunities available to our students.

If you believe in creating opportunity and investing in the futures of our students, consider making a gift today. Your support helps students take bold steps and find the connections that carry them forward.

Kelly A. Marquez, MBA
Executive Director
kelly.marquez@sfcc.edu