The Taos Women of Impact event on March 4, hosted by The Taos News in partnership with the Taos Community Foundation, celebrates women from Taos and surrounding areas for their outstanding volunteerism, professional achievements, and community leadership. Following a tradition where previous recipients select the new year’s honorees, the evening served as a bridge between local leadership.
The ceremony opened with a prayer in Tiwa by the Taos Pueblo, offering a meaningful start to the evening. During the proceedings, the Taos Community Foundation presented a $20,000 grant to a program in Peñasco benefiting women, children, and families in Taos County. Among the eight women of impact being honored, present were the 5 “young women to be watched” also honored in the Taos Woman magazine.
The eight honorees represented the communities of Peñasco, Taos, San Cristobal, and Questa. As the fifth honoree of the night, Questa’s own Maria Gonzalez was introduced with a tribute to her background, her family, and service to the community.
Gonzalez, a proud daughter of Questa, grew up gardening, hunting, and fishing stating “these were not merely hobbies, but a way of life.” She credited her parents, Kathy and Casey, for shaping her resilience.
Following her graduation in 1999, Gonzalez left Questa to pursue the higher education and professional experiences that would eventually bring her back home. Upon her return, her immediate mission was to help her community thrive while remaining grounded in traditional values.
Her diverse background—spanning roles as an education assistant, art teacher, and work in behavioral health and social services—prepared her for the leadership role she provides today. In addition to her work as the director of the Vida Del Norte Coalition, Gonzalez currently serves as the Questa community officer for the LOR Foundation, where she focuses on empowering Questa residents to turn grassroots ideas into tangible community actions.
During her moving speech on March 4, Gonzalez held the audience’s attention as she traced her journey through the years, speaking of her family and the path of fully realizing one’s potential.
“Strong men are not intimidated by strong women, and strong women are not threatened by strong men,” Gonzalez said during her address that moved many in the audience. “We stand together.”
Addressing her four daughters in attendance, Gonzalez spoke about the weight of leadership and the responsibility of using one’s talents for the greater good.
“Nothing is scarier than avoiding your full potential—not failure, not criticism, not falling down,” she said. “The scariest thing is knowing you were called to rise and choosing comfort instead. For a long time, I played small in the room I was meant to lead. Potential is not ego; it is stewardship.”
Gonzalez concluded her remarks with a direct challenge to the attendees, urging them to take the energy of the room back to their own neighborhoods.
“Don’t leave this room inspired; leave this room activated,” Gonzalez said. “Never be afraid to shine, and stop shrinking to fit places you have outgrown.”
Congratulations to Gonzalez and the other recipients of the 2026 Women of Impact.
