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The Hispanic Women’s Council thrives because of members like you. By joining a committee, you’ll help shape events, strengthen our community, and support scholarships for future leaders. Whether you have a little time or a lot, there’s a place for you!
Mujeres Valerosas Book
Mujeres Valerosas is a documentary book about extraordinary, contemporary women leaders. Through essays, photos and short biographies, the women share insightful life lessons and practical approaches to personal and professional success.
These women bring to life the many different meanings of leadership as they establish organizations that serve their community, grow a business, or work to institute public policies that improve the quality of our lives. As their stories unfold, you will be inspired by their creativity and tenacity in overcoming obstacles and their ability to summon the strength and courage to move beyond the setbacks that happen in
life.
In all there are 79 women highlighted in the book. The book is: 156 pages and includes 83 black and white photographs. The soft cover features a beautiful, color illustration by HWC member Simone Debbas. Cost of the book is $25.
Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, over 1000 books have been donated to all New Mexico Public Libraries and to every elementary, middle-school and high school library. The book is, therefore, available to readers of every age in every corner of New Mexico.
In Memoriam
Viola Florez Tighe
Angelina "Red" Buckwald
Angelina "Red" Buckwald
Viola Florez Tighe passed away peacefully on January 21, 2025, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Vi was born on July 30, 1947, to Florence Florez (Hancock) and Jose Merced Florez in Bloomfield, New Mexico.
Vi received her B.A. in Liberal Arts from Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, before receiving her Master's Degree in Education from Th
Viola Florez Tighe passed away peacefully on January 21, 2025, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Vi was born on July 30, 1947, to Florence Florez (Hancock) and Jose Merced Florez in Bloomfield, New Mexico.
Vi received her B.A. in Liberal Arts from Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, before receiving her Master's Degree in Education from The University of Colorado, and then continued her education by receiving her Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Texas A&M University-Kingsville in 1980. After 15 years serving the Texas A&M University System as Professor, Interim Dean, and Acting Vice President, Vi decided to move home and begin her career at the University of New Mexico. Her love and dedication to the educational system in NM was exemplified by her time as Dean of the College of Education and time serving the State as the Cabinet Secretary of the Higher Education Department.
Vi took special joy in spending time with her grandchildren, gardening, and had fond memories of camping with family. She was deeply passionate about education and her contributions have left a lasting legacy throughout New Mexico.
Angelina "Red" Buckwald
Angelina "Red" Buckwald
Angelina "Red" Buckwald
Angelina Buckwald, 90, beloved Mother and Spouse, was called to her eternal resting place on February 22, 2025. She entered this world on September 16, 1934 in Cedar Grove, New Mexico, born to Abran and Herculanita Serna. Affectionately called "Red" for her flaming red hair and iconic red lipstick, and "Big Momma", Angie lived life out lo
Angelina Buckwald, 90, beloved Mother and Spouse, was called to her eternal resting place on February 22, 2025. She entered this world on September 16, 1934 in Cedar Grove, New Mexico, born to Abran and Herculanita Serna. Affectionately called "Red" for her flaming red hair and iconic red lipstick, and "Big Momma", Angie lived life out loud and to its fullest. The room came alive with her larger than life presence. Her biggest passion was for her family and loved ones.
Angie came from humble beginnings and built a great life for herself and her family. She taught her kids the values of hard work, never giving up, and education.
Angie believed in education. Forced to leave high school in the 11th grade to care for her younger siblings, Angie instilled the importance of education in her children and grandchildren. As grandma, she volunteered at the school and enjoyed the field trips, especially with Englenn, Adan, Michael, and Legenn. She used her native Spanish speaking skills by volunteering at her son Abran's elementary school to help children who were Spanish speaking only, to learn how to read and write in English.
As a devoted Catholic, she had a deep faith in God, which she shared with her children and grandchildren. She prayed the rosary daily and was always praying for her family, loved ones, and the world.
She was very creative and used her talent to create beautiful quilts, embroidery, and crocheted doilies that she gifted to family and friends. Her passions extended to cheering for NASCAR races, especially her favorite - Dale Earnhart; watching the local yard races, playing the marble game and dominos, and joking around. Angie and her brother Pete, were known tp send the family ducking for cover from their good natured occasional cow chip throwing fight over who was cheating during the family baseball games.
Angie was a patriot. Her strong belief in supporting the founding principles of the United States and protecting our freedoms and supporting our troops were paramount. She supported her two sons, Glenn & Abran who served in the Army and Navy respectively with homemade goodies and continuous prayers and letters of encouragement.
Angie believed in giving back and serving her community. She served on the board of the Hispanic Women's Council from 1998-1999 with her daughter, Loretta Guerra to support her when she held the office of President. She held the office of Supreme and Grand Chief for the Pythian Sisters and served as Advisor to the Albuquerque Pythian Sunshine Girls for 20+years. during which time she participated in countless community fundraisers.
Angie was like a pebble cast in a body of water, the rippling effects of her love and energy were felt by many and she impacted their lives in do many ways, and too many to recount. She will be missed. We love you, mom and grandma.
Terrie Samora Sais
Angelina "Red" Buckwald
Terrie Samora Sais
Terrie Samora Sais, age 78, passed away peacefully, with her family by her side, on December 17, 2024, in Albuquerque, NM. Terrie was born in Tierra Amarilla, NM, on March 25, 1946. Her family moved to Albuquerque in 1952, and she attended Lew Wallace Elementary, Washington Junior High and Albuquerque High School (AHS). She earned a B.A.
Terrie Samora Sais, age 78, passed away peacefully, with her family by her side, on December 17, 2024, in Albuquerque, NM. Terrie was born in Tierra Amarilla, NM, on March 25, 1946. Her family moved to Albuquerque in 1952, and she attended Lew Wallace Elementary, Washington Junior High and Albuquerque High School (AHS). She earned a B.A. in Economics at the University of New Mexico and completed her career as an Economist at the NM Dept. of Labor, retiring May 2001. Terrie lived with multiple sclerosis for many years and did so courageously. She and Victor delighted in finding creative ways to defy its limitations by living a life of joy, laughter, love, exploration, and enjoying travel on ocean liner cruises. She especially enjoyed planning high school reunions with her fellow alumni (AHS class of 1964), hosting annual Family Halloween parties, cheering for her Dallas Cowboys, playing UNO, and working on a variety of arts and crafts. Terrie was small in stature but mighty in will and resolve.