The ABQ Accent

City of Albuquerque - Office of Civic Engagement

This pod is where catalysts, innovators, and risk-takers share what their unique accent is on their work. Like a spoken accent, we all have an inflection or emphasis on where we put our energy. Guests are putting their accents to work building their vision of the future… and YOU can get involved.

  1. 1d ago

    The ABQ Accent | EP 50 - Bobby Sisneros

    Ep. 50: Bobby Sisneros, Deputy Director, ABQ RIDE   Bobby has had an interesting trajectory, from graphic artist to running Keep ABQ Beautiful, all the way to Deputy Director, as a staffer at the City. From the jump he recognizes that his role is to serve others and that all of the work he is involved in is a team effort. Bobby has gained priceless experience in his roles and built deep relationships in order to respond to critical moments in our  City. He is now in charge of four division – planning, dispatch, customer service, marketing – ad has played a key role in implementing new initiatives such as Zero Fairs, the Ride Forward program, and the innovative Uptown Connect Housing program. A prolific reader and researcher, Bobby recognizes how societal trends overlap issues that pertain to so many Albuquerque residents.   With 7.5 million passenger boardings last year, Bobby understands that riders can be the eyes of our city in real time. They can also partake in supporting the safety, cleanliness, and civic engagement of the transit system. In relation to staff, he knows that work culture is positively impacted when leadership encourages initiative and confidence paired with appreciation and retention efforts. Holding a Big City Transit mindset, Bobby sets the example of servant leadership. He says, “transit is important to our local economy and we can tap into that to make the best of it.” Please enjoy this energetic and informative convo with someone who truly enjoys seeing our city thrive.   243-RIDE for customer service Download the ABQ RIDE app and the See Say App https://www.cabq.gov/transit/safety/see-say-app Volunteer or become an ambassador or junior officer  https://www.cabq.gov/transit/opportunities/volunteer-with-us Apply for a job https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cabq?department%5b0%5d=Transit&sort=PostingDate%7CDescending RIDE Forward link: https://www.cabq.gov/transit/transit-programs-projects/abq-ride-forward/abq-ride-forward-network-plan Book recs: Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin Fostering Sustainable Behavior by Doug McKenzie-Mohr

    The ABQ Accent | EP 50 - Bobby Sisneros

  2. Jul 18

    The ABQ Accent | EP 49 - Duke City Mayor’s Team Challenge Beneficiaries

    Episode 49: Duke City Mayor’s Team Challenge Beneficiaries   Dr. Melaní Buchanan Farmer, ED, Running 505 Lesley Meyer, ED, Native Health Initiative Rebecca Sisneros, Community Relations Director, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central NMRoleen Younis, State Coordinator, Team Red, White & Blue The ABQ running community is pretty special – and it runs the gamut of abilities and ages.Therefore we know you can take this on: we hereby challenge you to take the Mayor’s Team Challenge! dukecitymarathon.com/mayors-challenge   The formal name for the October 18 evet is the Duke City Marathon, but it hosts seven different races on the morning of. The Mayor’s Team Challenge is an opportunity for a team of five runners and walkers to benefit FOUR LOCAL NONPROFITS while participating in five of those races. All proceeds from registrations under this Challenge go toward these nonprofits for program curriculum, running events and shoes, health equity, mentorship and wellness programs, and so much more.   Each of these incredible leaders shared the vision for their organizations an their inspiring personal reasons for being runners. We had a wonderful convo about how Movement is medicine for mind, body, and spirit They each build rich community around veterans, adults and youth, all abilities We all just put one foot in front of the other to reach our individual distances   Collaboration is powerful! These women intentionally work together to, as Rebecca said, spread the effort, fill gaps, and to be good stewards of funding that comes their way. Lesley noted that just “coming together is worth celebrating,” and the running community knows that movement can help us find both purpose, camaraderie – and new trails!   The Mayor’s Team Challenge is an exciting and brand new race among the Duke City Marathon series. Your team will consist of one person each participating in the following races: Half Marathon 10K Run 10K Walk 5K Run 5K Walk Notes: Individuals are recognized for their times/placement - Only one person needs to sign up a team - This is NOT the marathon relay   We hope you will create a team to support these amazing organizations. Feel free to reach out to one of them if you need help to find teammates. You might event get shirts or swag out of it.“You got this!”   *Correction: challenging each of the *four teams of Sole Sisters (as well as all the walking and running groups and CrossFit gyms)!   dukecitymarathon.com/mayors-challenge @Running505 on Facebook and Insta Native Health Initiative: lovingservice.us Boys & Girls Clubs of Central NM: bgccnm.org Team Red White & Blue: teamrwb.org North Valley Ditches social is @n.v.d.505

  3. Jul 3

    The ABQ Accent | EP 48 - Jenna Stanton

    Jenna Stanton, Case Management Coordinator, CABQ Department of Senior Affairs  Call to action: review options and find a volunteer role with older adults that works for you!  Of note: there are currently dozens of older adults on the wait list to receive a Senior Companion of which there are only currently 13 volunteering.  Jenna is the Case Management Coordinator for the Senior Companions volunteer program. Not only did she advocate for the importance of the role within the Department of Senior Affairs, but she eventually moved into that role and it fits her exceptionally well. Jenna, an “Air Force brat,” finds purpose comes from dong good for others. She is dedicated to her family, loves attending local social events, and is a true extrovert. She spends her time advocating for those in need, these days for older adults in particular, noting that they are a special population who deserve protection and a support. The CABQ Department of Senior Affairs houses several volunteer programs for adults 55+, and one for volunteers ages 14 and above, the Volunteers in Action program. From visiting older adults in their homes or care facilities to mentoring youth and providing important services and resources, there are options for all kinds of volunteers. Jenna notes that seniors need peer friendship, peers who understand their lives and are able to assist those who are isolated or home-bound, need connection and resources, and appreciate the importance of independence. Those who volunteer with older adults increase the well-being of those adults – and the volunteers’ lives are enriched in turn. *Correction: Frank was nominated by a friend and neighbor. Here we also chat about when meteorological summer starts and how many activities we can pack in outdoors in ABQ.  Senior Companion program info:  - volunteer with homebound, isolated, sometimes frail seniors one-on-one in Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, and the surrounding pueblos.  - serve directly in clients’ homes and may prepare a light meal, assist clients in running errands, or simply spend time with clients providing companionship and friendship. Volunteers may also provide respite services to family caregivers.  - monthly training is provided for volunteers. - volunteer an average of 20 hours a week.  - all volunteers receive mileage reimbursement and supplemental insurance for use of their own vehicle while serving, and income-eligible volunteers may earn a non-taxable stipend. To apply, please email jmstanton@cabq.gov or visit the https://www.oneabqvolunteers.com or https://www.cabq.gov/seniors/senior-volunteer Senior Companion Program phone: 505-764-1007

  4. May 20

    The ABQ Accent | EP 47 - Dr. Shelle Sanchez, Director, CABQ Arts and Culture & Tania Armenta, CEO, Visit ABQ

    Dr. Shelle Sanchez, Director, CABQ Arts and Culture & Tania Armenta, CEO, Visit ABQ All combined, Shelle and Tania have been supporting ABQ, visitors, and the arts for over 60 years. Here we focused on their collaboration to celebrate the National Route 66 Centennial. The highlight of this celebration is Route 66 Remixed, an “arts fieldtrip” across 18 miles of Rt 66 here in ABQ – 26 stops, 18 interactive experiences with poetry, sculptures, etc. You can find the hand-drawn map guide at the ABQ Visitor’s Center, libraries, and Blake’s. Thanks to a massive marketing campaign, during the Centennial they expect to welcome national and international travelers even among several big events happening nation-wide (read: World Cup). There will be special events, local wines (!), fun swag and all of it can be found on the website for which a great investment was made. This inter-generational experience “celebrates and enhances the quality of life along with bringing in outside dollars – all while highlighting artists to tell that story.” An extra fun not: Babies born at Presbyterian, on Rt 66 get a Rt 66 onesie! We highly encourage locals to check out Route 66 Remixed installments first-hand – and, see how this whole celebration sets the stage for our future, too. Shelle and Tania are sure to express their gratitude to the teams behind this effort - arts agencies, governments, sponsors, property owners etc – because you can “never to big things by yourself.” Everything here: Route66abq.com

    The ABQ Accent | EP 47 - Dr. Shelle Sanchez, Director, CABQ Arts and Culture & Tania Armenta, CEO, Visit ABQ

  5. May 11

    The ABQ Accent | EP 46 - Spring Volunteer Fest 2026

    Spring Volunteer Fest Podcast Panel Carolyn Thompson, Community Engagement Coordinator, Animal Welfare Tamara Williams, Erna Ferguson Librarian Nikki Peone - Associate Director, Senior Affairs The theme of this panel, our second live recording of the podcast, was reflecting on how volunteers are critical to addressing issues across our city. Each of our guests manages several projects or programs and offered the most endearing and important volunteer stories. They also have important information about unique needs and how volunteers are critical to address these needs. Whether they discussed kitten feeding, youth literacy, or supporting older adult needs in and out of the home, the panelists highlighted that volunteers themselves find human connection and purpose in their service. Hundreds of volunteers engage with these departments and most become deeply connected to this work or special projects. There are so many outstanding FREE services these City departments provide to our community, and much of it wouldn’t be possible without the support of volunteers. Check out their opportunities and more at oneabqvolunteers.com. It’s a wonderful way to create memories and connections. Notes: High needs for Senior Affairs: drivers for field trips and appointments, help in the Senior Center kitchens, yard clean ups Over 36,000 folks are registered on our website with City departments and more than 540 ongoing opportunities with community partners The economic impact of volunteer hours July 2024-June 205 = $2.7 million! Volunteer with us https://www.oneabqvolunteers.com/ Senior Affairs: https://www.cabq.gov/seniors/senior-volunteer Animal Welfare: https://www.oneabqvolunteers.com/awd Read to the Dogs/Libraries: https://www.oneabqvolunteers.com/manager/agency/edit/?agency_id=107270

  6. May 5

    The ABQ Accent | EP 45 - Ethan Watson

    Happy National City Clerk’s Week!  CABQ City Clerk, Ethan, is a calming, distinct kind of presence and the first person to join us for a second episode, with good reason. (Check out Ep. #28 to listen to our first episode together.) Here we learn more about him and the awareness he has of our larger information systems and the efforts he makes to improve both processes and public education. With a 70% increase in Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA) requests, the Clerk’s office staff is feeling the pressure. Ethan describes how this also impacts all requesters in the amount of time they have to wait for a response. Out of state revenue-driven requests are a huge portion of requests and the public is paying the price. Clerk’s staff balances many inquiries with their capacity and Ethan is plays a pivotal role in helping the public understand that balance and also innovate around changes to the larger process. Locally, Ethan is part of a legislative task force to review IPRA and will be working with Clerks in other states to better understand the situation at hand. Nationally, Ethan presents best practices at conferences and has received the CMC certification (the first service CABQ Clerk to do so) and an Excellence in Governance Award. Ethan’s department also supports elections, the public financing program, and hearings. One fun note is that the Clerk’s office supports the process of speed citations being taken care of via community service – reflected by over 20,000 hours being put into our community. Enjoy this episode to level up your understanding of this important office and the wildly intelligent gentleman at the helm. See the new IPRA report here: https://www.cabq.gov/clerk/news/out-of-state-requests-consume-disproportionate-staff-time Speeding citation? Sign up for community service here: https://www.cabq.gov/automated-speed-enforcement/community-service-information CABQ City Clerk: https://www.cabq.gov/clerk

  7. Apr 3

    The ABQ Accent | EP 44 - Delaney Swink

    Delaney Swink, Director of Volunteer/Pro Bono Services and Fundraising for the NM Immigrant Law Center   A love of travel, languages, gender studies, and the desert brought Delaney to NM by way of Oregon, Chile, and Morocco. Now at the NMILC Delaney is finding volunteers and donors to support the many programs they offer. NMILC provides free legal services to low-income immigrants statewide focusing on humanitarian and asylum relief. Her volunteer program has a robust screening and onboarding program for everyone who comes through so they can focus on the quality of services. Please be in touch with Delaney if you would like to support this work financially or with your acute legal counsel, and Spanish-speaking talents. With their 15th anniversary coming up, Delaney and their team have a lot of celebrating ahead! Throughout her work it’s evident that she centers community need, access to justice, and intentional partnerships. Here she also takes time to highlight the work to build the Family Preparedness program and how it fits the needs of NM and indeed assists folks in preparing for the worst case: a deportation scenario. Listening to Delaney chat about what has influenced her politics and worldly perspective is a reminder of how connected we all are – and that one can find a meaningful place in work and life by paying attention to the humanity of others.   Register for the April 8 NMILC Fundraiser at the Albuquerque Museum: https://www.nmilc.org/upcoming-events/albuquerque-museum-nmilc-fundraising-night   NMILC resources, including the Family Preparedness Toolkit: https://www.nmilc.org/toolkit ABQ Museum exhibit: https://www.cabq.gov/artsculture/albuquerque-museum/exhibitions-1/exhibitions Additional notes about agencies Delaney volunteers with:- ABQ Mutual Aid: http://www.ffol.org/  The Honor Native Land Tax – Delaney helped launch HNLT in 2020 with Albuquerque Showing up for Racial Justice (ABQ SURJ), and continues to do organizing work with them https://www.abqsurj.org/about-the-hnltHNLT fundraises to support Indigenous organizations on Tiwa Land – the Pueblo Action Alliance and The Red Nation. By redistributing resources the HNLT offers a chance for settlers to make an ongoing contribution to Indigenous movements for land, water, and futures. This is a cross-class project that allows people to contribute financially on a sliding scale basis.    Corrections per Delaney:The NM Habeas Project is in collaboration with the ACLU NM and other partners like Innovation Law Lab and Vecina, along with others.The Albuquerque Museum's "Detention Nation" exhibit is a “multi-media” exhibit

  8. Mar 19

    The ABQ Accent | EP 43 - Katy Anderson

    Katy Anderson, VP of Strategy, Partnerships & Advocacy, Roadrunner Foodbank of NM   Having worked at Roadrunner over 12 years, Katy Anderson has been a part of many innovative and important systems change around food access and security. She’s a big part of our state and national advocacy platforms and does the deep work to address the needs of marginalized populations.   Katy and her team utilize data and relationships, research from the social vulnerability index among others, and coalition-building strategies to determine how well needs are being met. Yup, it’s a lot of great work. Check out this episodes to learn more about how Katy is telling the story about need, bringing advocates together, and how RFB has a “culture that helps staff share the load.”   In Katy’s words, it’s important to “find a place for your heart to rest in seasons like this.” It may not be quiet in her house or among her community choir performances, but her heart and perspective is one you should know more about.   ABQ CoroLux https://abqcorolux.org/ Roadrunner Food Bank of NM https://www.rrfb.org/

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About

This pod is where catalysts, innovators, and risk-takers share what their unique accent is on their work. Like a spoken accent, we all have an inflection or emphasis on where we put our energy. Guests are putting their accents to work building their vision of the future… and YOU can get involved.

Information

  • Creator
    City of Albuquerque - Office of Civic Engagement
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 City of Albuquerque - Office of Civic Engagement
  • Show Website
    The ABQ Accent

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