Before starting at CSI Aviation in 2010, the “CSI’s Employee of the Quarter (2015)” worked for as the Community Outreach Liaison for Congresswomen Heather Wilson.
“The Congresswoman taught me how much someone can change a community with pure intentions, innovative ideas and the right policies,” said the coach of various local youth track and cross country teams.
During that time, he met his future boss, Allen Weh.
“He has taught me how to push an innovative idea into a multi-million dollar company and utilize my leadership and negotiating skills for the betterment of our business.”
In 2010, Mr. Espinoza served as the Political Director for Allen Weh’s Gubernatorial Campaign. In 2014, he was the Campaign Manager for Allen Weh’s U.S. Senate Campaign.
Mr. Esponoza and his wife
Mr. Espinoza’s favorite aspects of his current position are the “leadership and negotiating opportunities it has afforded me. These are skills I learned in my various roles at Eastern. I also enjoy finding creative ways to save the company money and ensure efficiency.”
The most challenging part was “learning the logistics of aviation and the industry. It was something completely new to me. It has been a very rewarding challenge.”
His job duties include contract negotiation, reviewing operations, daily inspections, providing recommendations for cost-efficiency and traveling to flight mission sites.
Graduation
Mr. Espinoza was born in Las Vegas, New Mexico. He lived in Mora and Moriarty, playing football, basketball and running track at the latter. He holds Moriarty High School’s sprinting record for the 100-meter dash.
He was awarded a track and field scholarship to attend Hillsdale College in Michigan, but transferred to ENMU when he began to miss his home state.
The ENMU Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity Inc. founder, the first person in his family to earn a college degree, chose ENMU after receiving a track and field scholarship and “falling in love with the dedicated staff, diverse student body and ever expanding opportunities to improve our community and campus.”
Mr. Espinoza was appointed the Student Regent by Governor Bill Richardson in 2005.
“I was the sixth student, and one of the first Hispanic students, in the University’s history to serve on the Board of Regents.
“I wanted to be a teacher and a track coach, and help our state’s youth, but, as a Student Regent, I learned I could fight for them in a much different way by helping to promote positive change in laws, leadership and policies.”
Mr. Espinoza worked to increase Hispanic enrollment and created the University’s Latino Leadership Summit, which educated minority students about the college enrollment process, available scholarships, and financial aid opportunities.
“The Summit made college dreams obtainable for a generation that was uncertain and unfamiliar with the process,” he said.
He has been married to ENMU alum Celina (Westervelt) Espinoza, who received a Bachelor of Science in Communication and an emphasis in Broadcast Journalist in 2007, for almost two years.
The Rio Rancho-residing couple enjoy hiking, camping and off-roading in Mr. Espinoza’s Jeep.
Mr. Espinoza still runs and likes to cook.
Espinoza's Wedding Picture
“I especially enjoy traveling across our state and meeting amazing New Mexicans who contribute so much to our state’s unique history, culture and ever-changing story.”
He recently announced his candidacy for the New Mexico State Senate, representing District 9.
“ENMU is the sole reason I became involved in politics. The intimate atmosphere and unmatched chances for leadership opportunities provided a strong foundation for the person I’ve become,” explained the 2006 Hispanic Student of the Year.
“While at Eastern I was honored to meet with and learn from local, state and congressional leaders. Eastern provides that unique, hands-on environment ensuring its students grow in unmatched ways.”
