Judy Esquibel

Title(s) and work responsibilities: Community events coordinator for the town of Taos

My responsibilities include planning and coordinating the following community events: Touch-a-truck, Taos Halloween Community Event, Taos Youth Flight Rally, Wet ’n’ Wild Easter, Yuletide Tree Lighting and Electric Light Parade, Read Across America Annual Reading Celebration and Celebration of Dr. Seuss Birthday, Valentine Craft Making, Mother’s Day Project, Father’s Day Project, Ornament & Craft Making, “El Vibaron” for the Fiesta de Taos Children’s Parade and Pitch, Hit and Run. In addition, I bring in outreach programs such as Mini-explora and The Wildlife Center Tour. Other events that I assist with are Movies on the Green, Hometown Fourth of July Celebration and New Year’s Eve Celebration. Part of my responsibilities includes assisting with the seasonal holiday decorations throughout the town and the coordination of the annual, month long, lighting of farolitos at the Taos Plaza. Along with planning and coordinating events, I assist in the development of public relations and media efforts, promotions and advertising campaigns. I prepare, for publication, a variety of calendars, letters, posters, news releases, flyers and related communications regarding events. I also select and order supplies for events, and recruit presenters and entertainers. I enjoy creative working relationships with numerous outside organizations, town staff and a cadre of volunteers, bringing these teams together to work on the many town of Taos community events.

How many years in present occupation?

I have worked for the town of Taos for 21 years. As quoted by Mark Twain, “Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” This position was created for me, and I have been the only one to this day to fill this position.

What do you think is the most pressing issue for women in the workplace?

Child care to me is the most pressing issue when both parents work or if you are a single parent. If you do not have the support at home, get paid enough to pay for day care and still be able to survive on what you have is a challenge facing too many women today. It is imperative that women are able to find safe, accredited childcare that allows them to feel comfortable when leaving their children while they have to work, is essential. We are living in a world of hard times; it is time to support moms, by making it a safer and easier world for all.

List any involvement with groups/ nonprofits:

I Support support Services and assist through the Taos Holy Cancer Cross Medical Center. This program helps our locals diagnosed with cancer with several services. For more information on the program, please contact them at (575) 751-8927. If you are looking for a nonprofit to support in donations or be part of their fundraising opportunity this, in my opinion, is the nonprofit to help.

If you could go back and tell your 18-year-old self anything, what would it be?

I would go back and tell myself prepare for your journey ahead—it will have its up and downs, but it will be a fulfilling life. My life may not be perfect, but I am content. I am blessed with two beautiful daughters whom I am extremely proud of. My oldest daughter, Sabrina, is a health and wellness director for Rehabilitation Partners, and is a lieutenant with a Medical Support Unit for the U.S. Army Reserve. My youngest, Angelica, has been serving in the U.S. Army for seven years and is currently a drill sergeant. My daughters are successful women in their careers and are appreciative, contributing women in their communities. I have been with my soul mate, Henry, since we were both in high school. He is the school resource officer for the town of Taos and has a wonderful, entrusting relationship with our community youth.

In life, we are given obstacles to overcome. Five years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer. This was the hardest obstacle life has hit me with—emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually. I am not upset it happened to me, it changed me. It helped me become a stronger person, to appreciate life, to know it is okay to be scared, learn to eat healthier, exercise, cherish each day as a blessing and have incredible people in my life. I am very thankful. God gives us what we can handle and gives us our obstacles for a reason. I am not the perfect human, but I try to be a good person. Since then I have traveled to Europe, South Carolina, North Carolina and San Antonio, Texas. I have enjoyed amazing food and great company; I have checked off a few items from my bucket list, spent time with family and enjoy every day.