About us
Our Mission:
The DowntownABQ MainStreet Initiative is a community redevelopment organization, federally recognized 501-C3 private non-profit, State designated since 2008. Our mission is to promote and support downtown’s economic, social, and creative vitality through community-driven projects and programs.
The Downtown Albuquerque Arts & Cultural District is both a place and a program in action: it is a designated area of 30 blocks in Downtown Albuquerque, and as an initiative of DowntownABQ Mainstreet, the District supports the creative economy of Downtown Albuquerque. We accomplish this through promotional support, funding, and partnerships. The Arts & Cultural District is State designated since 2016.
A vibrant downtown is a symbol of community economic health, local quality of life, pride, and community identity. We support this through a variety of programs and projects. This includes:
Promoting and supporting downtown’s economic, social and creative vitality including its image and appearance through advocacy, projects and business development.
Supporting local MainStreet projects in the City by providing economic development and design assistance, business consultation, and monitoring.
Ensuring progress in all areas of the Four Point Approach: Downtown Design, Economic Positioning, Promotion and Organization.
Utilizing the Department of Economic Development as a resource center for the City in downtown revitalization techniques, and to provide advice and technical assistance whenever possible to downtown property owners and tenants.
Attending, conducting, and/or sponsoring seminars and other educational programs concerning development, redevelopment and improvement of downtown areas.
Promoting and encouraging the implementation of more effective, comprehensive legislative and financing techniques and devices that will further the revitalization of downtown.
Providing a forum for citizens to share knowledge, experiences, and problems to develop programs that will better address issues related to downtown.
Increasing public awareness of the benefits of having an economically strong downtown.
Facilitating communication and co-operation between all sectors representing downtown, including, but not limited to, business, service and retail, property owners, public institutions, residents, and the public.
Assisting and guide private/public entities in the implementation of the “Downtown 2010 Master Plan”.
Learn about this year’s Downtown ABQ MainStreet and Arts & Cultural District 2023 work via our 2023 Year in Review
DowntownABQ MainStreet and Arts
& Cultural District Boundaries
We are a New Mexico MainStreet Community.
The New Mexico Mainstreet program develops local capacity to engage people, rebuild places and revitalize economies, resulting in economically thriving downtowns, greater business and employment opportunities, and a higher quality of life.
OUR BOARD
President: Ashley rammelsberg
Ashley Rammelsberg is a longtime Albuquerque resident, artist, and digital marketing professional. She graduated from UNM with a B.F.A in Fine Art. She has a background working for non-profit organizations to upgrade and streamline their digital communications. For the past 8 years she has worked for New Mexico PBS and she feels passionately about their mission to serve the community through educational content. She also has a background in web development and runs her own web design business. In 2021 she founded her own non-profit, Abq Free Fridge, with the mission to help her community obtain access to fresh, healthy food with as few barriers as possible.
Vice President: Nicholas Cordova
An Albuquerque native, Nic went to UNM for undergrad and CU-Boulder for law school. While living in Colorado and as he traveled to other cities in the US and abroad, he spent a lot of time envying the vibrant social and economic corridors these cities cultivated in their downtown areas. After returning home in 2018, Nic clerked at the NM Court of Appeals and is now practicing as an attorney at the NM Center on Law & Poverty, where he focuses on litigating consumer protection cases and advocating for healthcare reform. He’s lived in the EDo area for four years, and is currently in the process of buying a home in the West Downtown area. “I love our city, but I know it needs strong leadership from organizations such as Downtown ABQ MainStreet to drive its progress forward.”
Secretary: Bethany Tabor
Bethany Tabor is a writer and public engagement specialist. She works as a creative producer and has organized programs at cultural institutions including Pioneer Works and The Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, NY. She now lives in Albuquerque, NM and is a Program Officer for the New Mexico Humanities Council. As a writer she contributes to publications including Hyperallergic, The Coastal Post, and BLUE.
TREASURER: Mario Semiglia
Mario has lived in the Raynolds Addition area of Downtown since the summer of 2017. He works as an Executive Budget and Policy Analyst for the State of New Mexico, advising the state’s judicial agencies on best fiscal practices and advocating for the Judiciary before the New Mexico Legislature. He has also worked for US Senator Martín Heinrich, Mayor Tim Keller’s campaign and the New Mexico House of Representatives. He is an active volunteer in his community through the Downtown Growers Market and also serves as Precinct Chair for his neighborhood within the Democratic Party of New Mexico. Mario is a first-generation son of Ecuadorian immigrants, a proud member of the LGBTQ + community, and a committed public servant. A fierce advocate for Downtown Albuquerque, Mario is dedicated to making Downtown an attractive place to live, work, and recreate.
robert sachs, j.d.
Robby Sachs chose to get involved with MainStreet to assist in moving the needle to create an even more vibrant urban environment in downtown Albuquerque. Robby grew up in Albuquerque but has spent much of the last 10 years living outside of Albuquerque. He went to the University of Southern California for undergrad where he studied business administration with a focus in social entrepreneurship. He then spent a few years living in Washington D.C. and New York City working at a non-profit called the Latino Economic Development Center where he provided technical assistance to clients who were starting or formalizing their businesses. He returned to LA to attend UCLA school of law. Since graduation Robby has been working for the State of New Mexico's Cannabis Control Division, where he helped set up the division, specifically by drafting, implementing, and enforcing cannabis regulations. Robby lived in EDo for about a year and now has a home in West Old Town. While he resides a little west of Downtown, he very much sees a need for in-filling development throughout the central corridor, from west of the Rio Grande to east of Nob Hill. However, a centralized, vibrant downtown is something he views as an anchor to attract further development in the surrounding areas and Albuquerque as a whole. While Robby has spent much of his adult-life elsewhere, he has always viewed Albuquerque as home and is very glad to be back. He hopes to be able to provide experience and perspective in any way to further advance the work that is already underway to make our city even more vibrant.
julia youngs
Julia (She/her) is born and raised in Albuquerque and defines her life’s work at the intersection of people and place, with a vision for thriving, equitable, creative communities for all. She currently serves as a Program Manager for Microsoft’s Entrepreneurship for Positive Impact Program (via Simplicity Consulting). In this role she supports the Entrepreneurship for Positive Impact team to connect impact-driven entrepreneurs with the resources they need to succeed in tackling pressing global problems. In all of her work she is committed to supporting equitable and responsive programming that grows alongside communities. Outside of her professional work, Julia is Doctoral candidate at Oxford University in their Sustainable Urban Development program where her research focuses on the tension between ecofascist and border abolition movements in New Mexico. She has worked for over a decade as a stage manager and community arts organizer. Julia has worked and lived in over two dozen countries and speaks advanced Spanish and Portuguese.
Downtown ABq MainStreet and
Arts & Culture District staff
director:
Danielle schlobohm
Danielle Schlobohm (she/her) has been a vital part of DowntownABQ MainStreet and Arts & Cultural District since 2019, when she joined as the Assistant Manager for the Downtown Growers’ Market. Her journey began with an undergraduate degree from Concordia University in St. Paul, MN, majoring in General Design with minors in Photography and Art History. Following her college years, Danielle immersed herself in the local food scene, working with food co-ops and eventually embarking on a farm internship at Calypso Farm & Ecology Center in Ester, Alaska, where she spent four enriching years.
In 2017, Danielle brought her passion and expertise to Albuquerque, making it her home for the foreseeable future. Her dedication revolves around nurturing Albuquerque community's vitality. She is deeply committed to fostering art, culinary culture, community connections, resource accessibility, and effective organization, all with the goal of ensuring Albuquerque thrives.
special projects manager:
lola bird
Lola, a seasoned professional with over two decades in Downtown, brings a wealth of experience in planning and landscape architecture. Having dedicated 15 years to shaping urban spaces at the City and reputable design firms in Albuquerque, she assumed a leadership role at the Downtown Action Team (DAT).
During her tenure at DAT, Lola oversaw key projects like the Downtown Growers' Market and Downtown Mainstreet, focusing on fostering community connection and pride. Her responsibilities extended to managing programs such as Pop-Up Retail, Community Events, and the DAT newsletter, the Downtown Weekly. Following the termination of the BID, Lola founded the non-profit DowntownAbq MainStreet, later achieving State Designated Arts and Cultural District status after two years.
After a decade of dedicated service, Lola successfully transitioned DowntownAbq MainStreet to new leadership. She continues to contribute to the organization through involvement in projects like the Downtown Growers' Market Expansion and the Downtown Street Tree Program. In her leisure time, Lola enjoys hiking, reading, and balancing the demands of motherhood with three teenagers and three fur babies. Her commitment to community enhancement and Downtown's development remains unwavering.
Albuquerque Artwalk program manager
gabe gallegos
Gabriel Gallegos, a forward-thinking entrepreneur from Las Cruces, New Mexico, holds a Bachelor's degree in Marketing and Business Management. His professional endeavors include serving as the Founder and Director of the Albuquerque Artwalk, a platform focused on promoting local artistic expressions. In addition, Gabriel serves as the Owner and Art Director of the Secret Gallery, where he applies his artistic sensibilities alongside strategic business practices.
In addition to his contributions to the art community, Gabriel Gallegos has emerged as a Creative Placemaking and Marketing Consultant, showcasing his dedication to connecting creativity with community development. Known for his pragmatic approach to artistic entrepreneurship, Gabriel has established himself as a notable figure in the cultural landscape. His commitment to fostering connections between artists and the broader community is evident, leaving an indelible mark. Gabriel's influence extends to the innovative intersection of art and commerce, solidifying his position as a noteworthy force in the field.
MainStreet Program Manager:
shawna brown
Shawna B. (she/they) is a dynamic force of creativity and connection. Boasting an extensive background in both the non-profit and private sectors in Albuquerque, Shawna has donned various leadership hats, from the impactful role of Chief Communications Officer for the Verdes Foundation to the influential position of Deputy Director for the New Mexico Black Leadership Council. Their expertise spans community activation, event planning, strategic planning, and communications, consistently propelling ABQ organizations toward the successful achievement of their mission goals.
Beyond the professional realm, Shawna is a vibrant advocate for vibrant spaces dedicated to Black and Queer joy, expression, and existence. As the driving force behind The Syndicate ABQ, they bring a palpable excitement to the cultural landscape, infusing their passion for community and creativity into every endeavor. Whether navigating the intricacies of strategic planning or curating spaces for celebration, Shawna B. is an inspiring figure dedicated to fostering joy and meaningful connections in Albuquerque.
downtown events manager:
kat cannella
Kathryn "Kat" Cannella is the creative force behind unforgettable events and community connections. Originally hailing from the golden state of California, Kat has been calling Albuquerque home since 2014, embarking on an inspiring journey that led her to earn her B.A. in Communications from the University of New Mexico in 2020.
With a dynamic background in event planning and community engagement, Kat has honed her skills in orchestrating large-scale gatherings, from global conferences to educational symposiums and financial education seminars tailored for minority communities. She is also the creator of “Kickin it with Kat: Black Cinema Nights”- curating nostalgic movie nights showcasing classic Black films at the Guild Cinema in Nob Hill.
Outside of event planning, you’ll find Kat advocating for food access, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, traveling, and enjoying quality time with family, friends, and her spirited pup, Axel Foley.
marketing & communications mangager:
cara fazio
Cara Fazio brings over a decade of experience in marketing and graphic design, acquired through roles in both the public and nonprofit sectors. A Santa Fe native who spent her formative years in the Twin Cities, Cara has called Santa Fe her home for the past nine years. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in Illustration and Communication Arts from the College of Visual Arts in Saint Paul, Minnesota, where she also explored printmaking and letterpress art.
Engaged in the local cooperative food scene for more than 15 years and serving as a teaching artist in Minneapolis public schools for five years, Cara developed a passion for grassroots initiatives and community-driven endeavors. Currently pursuing her Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in School Counseling at New Mexico Highlands University, Cara aims to strengthen her capacity to provide support and advocacy for those in need.
Cara looks forward to applying her skills and enthusiasm to enrich the vibrant culture and economy of downtown Albuquerque.
downtown growers’ market staff
market manager:
LeVar Eady
LeVar Eady’s journey is fueled by his unwavering commitment to cultivating top tier hemp and cannabis, coupled with a mission to empower aspiring entrepreneurs and contribute to the healing of our planet.
His green-thumb saga began in his grandmother’s garden where he first learned the art of growing roses. This initial venture blossomed into a diverse array of plants, including mint, Aloe Vera, cannabis and eventually hemp. His love for cultivating cannabis intensified during his college years, where he pursued a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology at Morehouse College. Imbued with a passion for science and a reverence for nature, he immersed himself in botany, plant science, and ecology courses, expanding his comprehension of the plants he held dear.
The inception of BluRok Farm germinated during this academic journey, rooted in the dual commitment to produce premium hemp and cannabis and establish a business model that empowers others to embark on entrepreneurial ventures. Beyond cultivating crops, his vision encompasses sustainable and regenerative farming pratices.
LeVar isn’t merely on a cultivation endeavor; it’s a testament to the fusion of passion, education, and a profound dedication to healing our planet. Join him on this odyssey where each plant symbolizes more than a product; it embodies a larger purpose - an interweaving of business, nature and community.
admin & finance:
liz skinner
Liz Skinner, a native of Faribault, Minnesota, pursued her undergraduate studies in Wisconsin, obtaining a Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin La-Crosse. Her commitment to community development was evident as she embarked on a role as an Americorps VISTA in Billings, Montana, where she focused on the establishment of community gardens, showcasing her dedication to fostering local initiatives.
With a diverse professional background in various administrative capacities within small businesses and food-focused companies, Liz brought her expertise to Albuquerque in 2017. For nearly five years, she served as the manager of the Downtown Growers Market (DGM), contributing significantly to its success. After a hiatus spent at home with her two children, Liz is rejoining the DGM team, bringing her seasoned skills and strategic approach back to the organization. Beyond her professional achievements, Liz enjoys a range of hobbies, including knitting, outdoor activities with her family, home gardening for culinary pursuits, and maintaining a well-organized lifestyle.
Marketing/Programming/Volunteer Coordinator:
Ash Hatcher
Ash Hatcher, a vibrant 35-year-old who adores books and lives for adventure. Surrounded by her loving family of strong, beautiful women – her mother, stepmother, and four sisters – Ash finds joy in simple pleasures like reading in her garden or biking through her Nob Hill neighborhood.
But Ash's passion extends beyond her personal pursuits. As a dedicated member of the Downtown Growers Market team, she eagerly contributes to her community with enthusiasm and professionalism. With Ash on board, every day is a delightful blend of discovery and service.
Information Booth Coordinator:
Jhoana Perez Lopez
Jhoana Perez Lopez (She/Her/Ella), a passionate advocate hailing from Santa Barbara, California. With a double major in Studio Art and Chicana/o Studies from the University of New Mexico, Jhoana is a first-generation college graduate committed to community-based work.
Having served in various roles from education to art and social media marketing, Jhoana's expertise ensures the smooth functioning of daily operations. Beyond her professional endeavors, she finds joy in playing with her three dogs, reading, gardening, and exploring art in all forms. Since moving to New Mexico, Jhoana has reignited her love for traditional pottery making, photography, weaving, and hiking, while diving back into poetry. With her diverse skill set and unwavering dedication to community, Jhoana is an invaluable asset to any project she undertakes.