The Taos News

TSV welcomes community relations manager

- TAOS SKI VALLEY COMMUNITY CONNECTION Dave Norden

Taos Ski Valley is defined, and made better, by our community. The uniqueness of Northern New Mexico, the confluence of cultures, and the authentici­ty and friendly nature of our local community weave a distinctiv­e identity for our resort. This identity is one of the things that makes it a desirable destinatio­n for outdoor adventurer­s from around the world. We understand the importance of a healthy relationsh­ip of trust, transparen­cy and collaborat­ion with the greater Taos community. And we know that we can do more to enhance this relationsh­ip.

So, in dedication to this important community work, I am pleased to announce that we have created a new role of community relations manager. Our hire, Mona Nozhackum, stands to push our resort forward. She will be responsibl­e for connecting us all with the broader Taos community and fostering positive relationsh­ips with individual­s, government­al agencies and other organizati­ons.

Mona will be an ambassador for Taos Ski Valley and assist us in understand­ing the desires and concerns of our local community members. She will organize and manage staff volunteer activities with community partners, and promote community outreach efforts. Mona will help us to deepen our B Corp ethos of putting people over profits and using our business as a force for good in the Taos community.

Mona is of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, and her family comes from Taos Pueblo, where she resides. She has a rich background in creating meaningful community outreach programs on local and national levels.

As the program coordinato­r with the Paso a Paso Network, she developed and implemente­d a community relations and outreach strategy across diverse cultures, partners and stakeholde­rs here in Taos. On a national level, in her role as the program coordinato­r at the Native Nations Institute at the Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy, she advanced the organizati­on’s mission to provide education and tribal services to Indigenous communitie­s and organizati­ons across the country through community outreach. And these are just two examples from her impressive resume.

In addition to having a passion for community relations and diversity, equity and inclusion, I am thrilled that Mona has also seen first-hand the benefits and powerful impact of the ski valley. She learned to ski at Taos Ski Valley as a young girl, and three of her brothers have worked at the resort; most recently she has returned as a visitor with her toddler son to instill a love for the mountains in him.

“I have seen the positive strides that Taos Ski Valley has made in its recent evolution to become a Certified B Corp,” Mona told us. “As examples, increasing the living wage and the Charles N. Romero Ski Program exemplify the commitment to build a more mutually-enriched community for everyone. This work truly inspires long-term, meaningful impact, which aligns with the vision I hold for our region.”

We hope you will get the chance to say hello to Mona around town or on the mountain soon. And if you would like to start a conversati­on about Taos Ski Valley’s role in the community, feel free to drop her a note at mona. nozhackum@skitaos.com.

 ?? COURTESY TAOS SKI VALLEY INC. ?? Mona Nozhackum has been hired as Taos Ski Valley Inc. community relations manager, a new role at the resort.
COURTESY TAOS SKI VALLEY INC. Mona Nozhackum has been hired as Taos Ski Valley Inc. community relations manager, a new role at the resort.
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