Barnes Reflects on Questa Roots, Journey to CFO of the Albuquerque Journal

Being raised in a community where your history connects to every part of your present, it is difficult to find the courage to leave. It is similarly difficult to forge a path and stay. Questa del Rio News is committed to highlighting different members of our community, both those who have created their paths and planted their own roots in the community that raised them, and those who have pursued lives outside of the community – through our Representando series. This series is dedicated to those who are Representando communities in northern Taos County, in various facets of life.

For our May issue, we spoke with Racquel (Robinson) Barnes. Racquel currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer of the Albuquerque Journal. She traces her professional success back to her roots in northern New Mexico—and to the formative years she spent in Questa.

Racquel, daughter of Poliga Baca and the late Wayne Robinson, currently lives in Albuquerque with her husband and two sons. But it was in Questa, where she moved with her mother and brothers as she entered middle school, that she began to find her footing

“Middle school is a hard time, but I remember the group of girls I met were so friendly and kind to me and immediately made me part of their group,” she said.

A 2001 graduate of Questa High School, Racquel credits her education and teachers there for preparing her for the real world.

“When I graduated, I truly felt like I was ready for college. The classes I took and the teachers I had at Questa High School were amazing,” she said. “When I entered college, I was able to start as a sophomore because of the college credit classes I took.”

She fondly recalled history lessons and immersive projects from language arts teacher Ms. Durbin, including dinner parties where students dressed as historical figures and prepared dishes from the era they were studying.
“I remember I dressed as Anne Boleyn,” Racquel said. “When I was in college we were exploring England’s history, including Anne Boleyn, and I could relate to the topic because I already had knowledge of her.”

In science class, teacher Scott Buchanan led students through a mayfly study that contributed real data to conservation managers.

“I didn’t realize it, but we were doing practical implementation of natural conservation,” Racquel said.
Though she initially considered a career in dental hygiene, her mother encouraged her to attend a four-year college before making a final decision. That advice changed her path.

Racquel earned a Bachelor of Business in Accounting from New Mexico State University and a Master of Accounting degree from the University of New Mexico. Math always came naturally to her, and accounting clicked.

While in college, she met her husband, Travis. The couple married in 2006 and have two sons: Carson, 16, and Tyler, 14.

After college, Racquel became a licensed CPA in New Mexico. She began her career in audit before transitioning to compilation and review of financial statements for small businesses, as well as tax preparation for businesses, owners, and trusts.

Now in her 11th year as CFO at the Albuquerque Journal, Racquel’s work spans beyond finance. She also provides management advising for the 145-year-old newspaper, helping identify challenges and support long-term goals.
Balancing career and family, Racquel had help from her mother, who moved to Albuquerque to assist when the boys were young—a support system that echoes the close-knit care Racquel received growing up.

“I’ve been so lucky to have people who have helped me and looked out for me along the way,” she said. “My mom means so much to me. I have tremendous respect for her, raising three kids as a single mom.”

Racquel also credited her aunt and uncle, Roberta and Gordon Robinson, for their love and support during her senior year of high school.

For fun, the Barnes family skis at places like Sipapu and Durango and paddle boards during the summer at Cochiti Lake. Racquel also enjoys playing golf and reading, but said her greatest joy is spending time with family. Her latest hobby? Learning how to bake sourdough bread.

“Questa owns a piece of my soul,” Racquel said. “I love it so much there. I have so many memories of my younger years and my family and friends were a huge part of my upbringing. If the opportunity presented itself, I would move back in a heartbeat.”