New Mexico State Representative Doreen Gallegos (D-Doña Ana-52), has received the "Distinguished Social Work Alumna of the Year" Award from New Mexico State University. The New Mexico State University School of Social Work recognized Rep. Gallegos for her dedicated service and efforts in the field of social work. Gallegos received her Bachelors degree and her Master's degree in Social Work from NMSU.
"I am deeply touched to receive this recognition" Gallegos said. "I appreciate the hard work every Social Worker does everyday and am humbled for this award."
After graduating from New Mexico State University, Rep. Gallegos worked with youth support agencies and in private practice. She is currently the Executive Director of Mesilla Valley CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), a local nonprofit that advocates for abused and neglected children.
Rep. Gallegos points to her experience with children and families as key to her decision to seek the legislative seat in District 52. During her first year in the House of Representatives, Rep. Gallegos sponsored a bill that would allow additional excused school absences for pregnant students - which would encourage student parents to stay in school yet allows for the realities of parenthood. The legislation, which was passed into law, made national news.
Rep. Gallegos sits on the House Appropriations and Finance Committee and the House Agriculture and Water Resources Committee. She is the chair of the Enrolling and Engrossing Committee. Rep. Gallegos is also vice chair of the interim Disabilities Concerns Subcommittee and a member of the interim Legislative Health and Human Services Committee.
Rep. Gallegos is running unopposed for her second term in the House of Representatives which includes Las Cruces and the City of Anthony.