Democrats,
DPNM's Rising Star Gala has a long tradition of recognizing up and coming leaders who exemplify Democratic values in their communities✨. This year, we're proud to honor:
NM Representative Yanira Gurrola
NM Senator Leo Jaramillo
NM Representative Michelle Paulene Abeyta
Don't miss out on tickets for our Rising Star Gala today.
Get to know more about NM Representative Michelle Paulene Abeyta, first term State Representative who's already established herself as a mover and shaker in the Roundhouse!
Representative Michelle “Paulene” Abeyta represents House District 69, covering mostly rural and tribal areas of Bernalillo, McKinley, Valencia, San Juan, Socorro, and Cibola counties. Paulene is a proud member of the Navajo Nation from To’hajiilee, where she lives with her husband Chad and four children. Paulene is a legal practitioner by trade and holds a bachelor’s degree in Native American Studies and Communication from UNM and a law degree from the University of Arizona.
Although in her first term, Paulene has been dedicated to community service for years, serving on multiple boards, including the Navajo Nation Bar Association Board of Bar Commissioners, National Native American Bar Association Board, and her local health and school boards. Paulene has already established herself as one of the legislature’s leading voices on CYFD reform, child well-being, and helping families get ahead. She is the Chairwoman for the Office of the Child Advocate selection committee.
In her first legislative session, Paulene also sponsored bills targeted at cleaning up contaminated waste sites, allowing students to wear their tribal regalia at school graduations, and establishing the Turquoise Alert system to notify New Mexicans of missing indigenous individuals. She sits on the House Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Committee and Judiciary Committee.
