ILDI Team
Rosa Walker
President & Chief Executive Officer
Phone: 204.940.1700 | Email: [email protected]
Rosa is a member of Peguis First Nation of Manitoba. She is currently the Founder, President and CEO of the Indigenous Leadership Development Institute, Inc. in Manitoba and was responsible for the start-up as the Executive Director of Taking Charge! Inc. – a Federal and Provincial initiative for single parents to transition into the workforce. She was also employed at the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs as Managing Director, Workplace Diversity. Rosa worked with the Bank of Montreal in the capacity of Manager, workplace Equality for Manitoba and Saskatchewan. She received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University o Winnipeg, and is a graduate of the Social Work Diploma Program at Confederation College, Thunder Bay, Ontario.
Rosa was a former Board Member of the National Aboriginal Economic Development Board, the Aboriginal Training and Employment Services, National Aboriginal Youth Association, Inc., and a Member of Inter provincial Association on native Employment, Manitoba Chapter. Board Member of Accreditation Canada,
Amber Sumner
Project Coordinator
Phone: 204.940.1700 | Email: [email protected]
Phone: 204.940.1700 | Email: [email protected]
Amber is a member of Pinaymootang First Nation, Manitoba, Canada. She attained dual degrees in Indigenous Governance and Business Administration from the University of Winnipeg, as well as completed a diploma program at Red River College in Aboriginal Self-government. She has been working with ILDI from 2013 to 2020, and has recently re-joined the ILDI team in May 2023, aligning her vision and goals with ILDI’s in building capacity and empowering Indigenous communities, organizations and Individuals.
Mackenzie Oatway
Manager, Executive Training and Special Projects
Phone: 204.940.1700 | Email: [email protected]
Mackenzie Oatway is a member of Peguis First Nation. She received a certificate for completing a 5 week intensive Get into Administration course before her employment with Indigenous Leadership Development Institute, Inc. (ILDI). At the beginning of her employment with ILDI she assisted with the enrolment process for the Introductory Carpentry Program and soon after coordinated and acted as the retention and support worker for the Skills Link Program. Currently, Mackenzie is the Manager, coordinating and managing the Executive Training courses ILDI offers. Mackenzie is also an active volunteer with Empowering Indigenous Youth in Governance and Leadership.
Madison McIvor
Youth Project Coordinator
Phone: 204.940.1700 | Email: [email protected]
Madison McIvor is a member of Peguis First Nation. Madison is currently in her fourth year of studies at the University of Manitoba and is working towards her Advanced Bachelor of Arts degree in Indigenous Governance. Madison works part-time during the school year at ILDI and full-time during the summer as the Youth Projects Coordinator and manages the Indigenous Awareness Training: Canadian Edition that ILDI offers. Madison is also an active volunteer with Empowering Indigenous Youth in Governance and Leadership.
Sandra Paillal Venegas
Senior Project Consultant, Latin America
Sandra Paillal Venegas; Chilean, strong Mapuche woman, serving her indigenous people, professional Accountant-Auditor, Businesswoman/Entrepreneur, Indigenous Consultant for Latin America; Advisor to Chilean government entities such as Sercotec Inakeyu. University Professor in Business Management/Commerce at various universities in Chile; Sandra leads projects in business, social reform and revitalizing cultural identities for different indigenous peoples; connecting to the global, local and international markets.
Over 15 years working and supporting indigenous economy in Latin American countries, her passion is to help Indigenous Entrepreneurs and giving back to the community; achieving collective objectives, which have impacted families and communities in agriculture initiatives in Chile, cocoa in Ecuador, fish farming in the Amazon of Peru and communication projects in Colombia.
Sandra has held positions as President of the Chamber of Commerce in Santiago, Chile; Business Manager, and was the Lead Negotiator & Administrator for the 2017 World Indigenous Business Forum, held in Santiago, Chile.
Albuquerque Team
Ernie C’deBaca
President/Chief Executive Officer
Ernie C’deBaca is President and CEO of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce (AHCC). Ernie began in that capacity in June 2017 having served prior as the Vice President of Conventions and Tourism for the chamber. Ernie retired from PNM Resources in January 2016 having worked there for 38 years and serving the past 20 years as its Vice President of Governmental Affairs.
Ernie was also a long-serving Board Member at the Chamber and was its chair in 2006. In his current capacity, Ernie leads the AHCC which is the largest chamber in New Mexico and one of the largest Hispanic Chambers in the United States. The mission of the chamber is to promote economic development, to enhance economic opportunities and to provide business and workforce education with an emphasis on the Hispanic and Small Business Community in Albuquerque and New Mexico.
Ernie currently serves on the board of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and has also previously served on boards of the United Way, National Hispanic Cultural Center, the Utilities Executives for Change (University of Idaho), as well as the Bernalillo County/City of Albuquerque Unification Charter Commission.
Roberta Ricci
Chief Experience Officer
Roberta Ricci is the Chief Experience Officer of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce, specializing in building relationships with business leaders and organizations, connecting them with Albuquerque’s diverse Hispanic and Native American cultures. She has a master’s degree from the University of New Mexico and previously was the Executive Director at the National Hispanic Cultural Center Foundation. Roberta has a background in higher education and sits on various boards and volunteer committees within her local community.
Minerva Jurado-Perea
Destination Director
Minerva Jurado-Perea is a seasoned hospitality professional with deep roots in Albuquerque. Her experience and education in Business Administration, specializing in International Business, has provided her with valuable insights. She understands the importance of forging meaningful connections, which has been pivotal in her success with fostering cross-cultural relationships. She brings integrity, leadership, and a strong work ethic, and is fluent in English and Spanish. As a native of Albuquerque, she understands the local culture, community dynamics, and has a genuine passion for contributing to the city’s growth in tourism and economic development.
Cecilia Marquez
Destination Sales Representative
Cecilia Marquez has been a staff member of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce Convention & Tourism team for over 28 years. She moved to Albuquerque in 1982 from a small town in western New Mexico and has lived here ever since. Cecilia has a long track record of success as a meetings and destination marketing professional and is known throughout the hospitality industry, here in Albuquerque.
Dominic Baca
Destination Sales Representative
Dominic Baca is a native New Mexican and a skilled business professional. He holds a MA in Latin American Studies (MALAS) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA), with concentrations in human rights law and international management. His deep passion for commerce, community engagement, Latin America, human rights, and the Spanish language and culture, motivate him to contribute to and promote economic development in key cultural areas.
Margaret Ortega
Destination Sales Representative
Margaret Ortega is from Albuquerque and was raised in the South Valley. She is a proud first-generation college graduate of the University of New Mexico, where she earned her BA in Communication. Margaret has over 19 years of experience in higher education fundraising with the UNM Foundation. She also served as an Alumni Relations Officer for her alma mater and as Development Director for a local nonprofit organization. She has a diverse relationship-based skillset and is proud to serve as a Destination Sales Representative.