What started as a simple idea—that communities thrive when women connect—has turned into a vibrant network over the last 12 months. Since its inception, Norteñas Connect has grown from a small gathering into a network of over 70 women dedicated to its core mission: “Leading with purpose, Connecting communities.”

The group was founded to fill a specific gap in our area. In Questa and its surrounding rural communities, women in diverse roles—from professionals and entrepreneurs to dedicated stay-at-home parents and newcomers—often face a common challenge: the lack of inclusive spaces for meaningful connection and mutual support. While local community engagement is strong, formal platforms for women to network, share resources and collectively address challenges have at times been limited or lack consistency.

This gap can lead to isolation for working women and a missed opportunity for collaborative growth. Norteñas Connect addresses this need by creating a safe, welcoming and proactive space for all women. By facilitating regular gatherings and informal connections, the group empowers women to access vital information, support locally-owned businesses and contribute to the economic vitality as well as engage socially. Gatherings provide a dedicated platform for women to spotlight upcoming events, promote local business ventures, and exchange professional resources.

The impact of the group has expanded well beyond the village limits. The network includes women attending from not only Questa, but also Cerro, Costilla, Amalia, Taos, and Red River, proving that the need for connection is present across northern Taos county.

As the group prepares for its one-year anniversary celebration on June 26 at the Questa Public Library, participants are looking back at a whirlwind year of events that defined this mission. The journey began in June 2025 with a vibrant paint-and-sip event that drew 40 women. From there, the group embraced the beautiful local landscape, spending time at the Questa Farmers Market to enjoy fresh pizza and the outdoors. The momentum continued into the fall with a Halloween carnival hosted at the Cerro VFW and a heartfelt Christmas celebration at Rosie’s Smokehouse in December.

The new year brought even larger crowds. More than 40 women gathered at the HUB at Living Word Ministries for a Galentine’s Day social, and in April, the group held the “boots and diamonds” event for a night of line dancing at El Monte Carlo.

While these activities bring women to the larger group, organizers say the gatherings serve a deeper purpose. In a rural landscape where homes and workplaces are often miles apart, these events act as the perfect opportunity to engage with your neighbor and have some fun. In a sense, these gatherings provide a “third space” outside of home and work for women to connect and find common ground. By meeting in person, Norteñas transition from names on an email list to a friend and someone they can lean on or learn from.

This foundation of trust is what makes the group’s advocacy work possible. Norteñas Connect is currently focusing its energy on three major community initiatives: a youth hangout, town lighting advocacy and support for single women and women in general. To celebrate local leadership, the group recently initiated a “Woman of the Month” feature to honor individuals who consistently go above and beyond for the community.

This growth has been supported by key partnerships with the LOR Foundation, 100% Taos County Initiative and the Questa Economic Development Fund (QEDF). Organizers also credit the local business owners who have hosted the group and the individual women whose consistent participation makes the organization work.

With a mailing list that has surpassed 70 women, Norteñas Connect continues to grow. Women who are interested in getting involved are invited to join the upcoming anniversary celebration at the library on June 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. to help kick off the group’s second year and continue unlocking the collective potential of women in the community. Whether seeking professional collaboration or a chance to share a business plan, Norteñas Connect provides a dedicated space to launch new ideas and foster lasting friendships.

Norteñas Connect remains entirely free and open to women of all ages, generations, and backgrounds, ensuring that every voice has a place at the table.