Speakers
Each year, our speakers—respected community leaders from a wide range of backgrounds—volunteer their time to share powerful insights, personal experiences, and practical wisdom. Together, they explore themes of friendship, mentorship, emotional openness, and personal growth, inspiring men to build stronger connections and lead with authenticity.
2025 Speakers
Eric Brenneman
Author, Everyday Stoicism For Public Safety
Eric Brenneman is a former firefighter, nonprofit leader, and author who has dedicated his life to serving others, first on the front lines, now through the power of breath, mindset, and resilience. As President of Yoga for First Responders, he leads national efforts to bring proactive mental wellness to public safety, helping first responders train their minds in the same way they train their bodies. His book, Everyday Stoicism for Public Safety, blends ancient philosophy with the hard-earned wisdom of a life in service, offering a path to strength through stillness and leadership through love. Eric believes that vulnerability isn’t weakness; it’s where real power begins.
Victor Francisco Sedillo Lopez
Founder & Executive Director, Learners Chess Academy
Victor was born and raised in Albuquerque where he and his wife are raising their toddler son, Nicholas. After high school he attended Occidental College where he played D3 football and rugby. After college, he returned to Albuquerque where in 2010, he founded the local non-profit, Learners Chess, which annually teaches thousands of students how to focus mindfully, think strategically, and practice leadership through learning and playing the game of chess in school chess clubs, camps, and tournaments. He is also a part time political consultant and tries to be as involved as a citizen as he can be. He loves the Lobos, green chile, BBQ, working out, and spending time with his family.
Patrick Ryan II
Co-Founder & Coach, Aware Fitness and Nutrition
Patrick Ryan II was born and raised in Peralta, New Mexico and now lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico where he and his wife Meagan run Aware Fitness and Nutrition, where they coach high performing helpers on how to challenge the status-quo of the mainstream fitness and nutrition industry. He is an avid cyclist, mountain biker, runner, hiker, and mental health and public land advocate.
Fred Slow
Media Personality | Nonprofit Leader | Event Promoter
Fred Slow works at the intersection of media, community engagement, and live entertainment. He currently serves as the Major Gifts Officer for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central New Mexico, leading donor development, corporate sponsorships, and strategic funding initiatives that support youth programs across the region. He is also the co-host of Two Men On, a daily sports talk show on KNML 95.9 FM / AM 610 “The Sports Animal,” and the owner of Duke City Championship Wrestling, the official National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) territory in New Mexico. Fred’s career reflects a focus on building partnerships, growing audiences, and creating platforms that connect people through shared experiences — whether on air, on stage, or in the community.
2024 Speakers
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Trajuan Briggs
Founder & Executive Director, Win With Integrity
Trajuan Briggs is the Executive Director & Founder of Win With Integrity, a nonprofit dedicated to utilizing youth sports to promote equitable access and opportunity for all. Having spent 14 years in higher education, Trajuan served in various roles, such as a two-year letterman in football, collegiate coach, director, and academic counselor. A California native, Trajuan attended the University of New Mexico, where he earned his Bachelor of Liberal Arts in University Studies and a Masters in Health, Exercise, and Sports Sciences. His research includes Black male student-athletes' success at predominantly white institutions and the challenge of self-identity in revenue-generated sports. He is heavily involved at the university from a distance, establishing the Trajuan Briggs Community IMPACT Scholarship in partnership with African American Student Services and serving as the current President of the Black Alumni Chapter. He is the father of Isaiah Briggs, a seven-year-old Albuquerque native who loves football, track, and pizza. Trajuan is a current member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated and recipient of the 2020 Black Alumni Trailblazer Award at the University of New Mexico. He believes in the power of community, dedicating his life’s mantra to "Individuals Making Progress Amongst our Communities Together" or "IMPACT."
Seth Gardenswartz
Co-Founder and Partner, Blackgarden Law
Seth Gardenswartz is an accomplished attorney and entrepreneur with deep expertise in business, technology, and intellectual property law. He began his career modernizing his family’s retail business before earning his law degree with a focus on technology in commerce. Seth has worked with public and private companies on corporate, IP, and M&A matters at Faegre Baker Daniels and later at a boutique IP firm. He has served as General Counsel and business development lead at Boomtime.com, co-founded Surefi.com, and helped launch Blackgarden Law, where he was recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® for trademark law. Beyond his legal practice, Seth co-developed a tech-flex office hub supporting emerging startups and creative firms.
Gabe Helgerson
Project Manager, Sandia National Laboratories
Gabe Helgerson is a seasoned business leader with over 12 years of experience driving projects from concept to completion across government, defense, and private sectors. Known for bridging the gap between technical teams and executive leadership, he translates complex information into actionable business insight with a clear eye on financial impact. His expertise spans business strategy, project management, and finance, with a proven record of delivering results on time and within budget. A collaborative and growth-minded professional, he thrives in team-oriented environments that value learning, ownership, and innovation. His specialties include business process improvement, forecasting, program design, software testing, and client relationship management.
Howie Kaibel
Minister of Culture and Brand Manager at M'tucci's Restaurants
Howie Kaibel is a creative strategist, storyteller, and community builder with more than a decade of experience in branding, marketing, and communications. Known for his ability to turn ideas into authentic narratives that inspire action, Howie has led multichannel campaigns reaching millions and earned industry recognition for brand authenticity and community service. A natural connector, he founded the Albuquerque Dads Meetup Group during the Great Recession to support local families through challenging times. Today, he continues to help businesses and nonprofits clarify their message, elevate their impact, and engage audiences with purpose and heart.
Mickey Kivitz
Director of Education, The Grief Center of New Mexico
Mickey Kivitz, M.S., is the Director of Education and has been with the Grief Center of New Mexico as a volunteer since 2015, joining the staff in 2024. He has served as a volunteer Bereavement Facilitator for Teen, Tween and Adult groups, and has taught “Grief 101,” an introductory course for adults looking to better understand how to process grief and loss. He has participated in Camp Corazón as a group leader and featured speaker and is now Camp Director. Previously, Mickey was a biomedical research scientist, classroom teacher and coach. He has taught high school math and middle school special education in New Mexico schools.
Orlando Marquez
CEO & Realtor at The Marquez Group (Keller Williams Realty)
Orlando J. Marquez is a dynamic entrepreneur, community leader, and artist rooted in Albuquerque. He serves as CEO and Associate Broker of The Marquez Group at Keller Williams Realty, where he brings vision, integrity, and connection to real estate in New Mexico. He is also Chairman of the New Mexico Hispanic Heritage Committee, leading cultural advocacy and community-building efforts across the state. Beyond real estate and public service, Orlando is a passionate musician and performing artist. He is the founder/director of Mariachi TDE, and has performed as the “Versace Mariachi,” appearing in shows such as King of Cars on A&E. His artistic work is part of his broader mission—to preserve, celebrate, and elevate Hispanic culture through music and performance. A proud single father and lifelong Albuquerque resident (after spending years in Las Vegas), Orlando’s dedication to his community is personal and profound. He has helped establish one of the first standards-based mariachi programs in the Clark County School District, an educational model now emulated around the country. His multifaceted roles as entrepreneur, artist, and advocate reflect a deep belief: success is most meaningful when it builds up your community and honors your identity.
Paul Mondragón
President, Bank of America New Mexico
Paul Mondragón is the President of Bank of America in New Mexico. He is also a Senior Vice President and Commercial Banking Relationship Manager for BofA. In his capacity as a Relationship Manager, his responsibilities include leading a team of specialists focused on understanding each client’s unique needs to deliver strategic financial guidance and solutions. Paul’s mission is to help local companies thrive by achieving their business goals, no matter how simple or how complex. In addition to serving on the board of Albuquerque Economic Development, Paul serves on the boards of the New Mexico BioPark Society, Economic Forum, and is a Trustee of the Board of the Albuquerque Museum. Paul is also currently working with some former teammates to establish the New Mexico State University Rugby Alumni Association. Originally from Albuquerque, Paul graduated with a BA in Economics from New Mexico State University with a Minor in Government. He resides in Albuquerque with his wife and three children and is an avid soccer fan.
Robert Washington-Vaughns
Founder of The Black Men Flower Project
Robert Washington-Vaughns is the founder of The Black Men Flower Project, an organization rooted in holistic healing, storytelling, and celebration of Black men through the power of flowers. He also serves as a Manager at Los Alamos National Laboratory and brings with him a strong background in project leadership, filmmaking, and community-based philanthropy. A recent transplant to Santa Fe from Chicago, Robert has spent years curating spaces where Black and bi-racial boys and men can be seen, heard, and supported. He is deeply passionate about removing systemic barriers to creative and educational opportunities for youth, and believes in the transformative power of connection, nature, and self-expression. As lead facilitator of the Boys Camp for the last 2 years, Robert brings not only his professional experience, but his heart, humor, and vision—helping to guide campers through a week of growth, brotherhood, and empowerment.
2023 Speakers
Marvis Aragon, Jr.
Executive Director, American Indian Chamber of Commerce of New Mexico
Marvis J. Aragon, Jr. (Acoma) is the Executive Director of the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of New Mexico. He previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Acoma Business Enterprises, overseeing Sky City Casino and Travel Centers, Sky City Communications, Acoma Game and Fish, and the Acoma Land and Cattle Company. Marvis also served as Deputy Cabinet Secretary with the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department and completed two terms as First Lieutenant Governor of Acoma. In addition, he has held several community leadership roles, including Chairman of the Acoma Business Board, Chairman of the Acoma Housing Commission, and Vice-Chairman of the Acoma Board of Education.
Mark Fidel
Tech Entrepreneur and Business Consultant
With a J.D. and a B.A. in Finance, Mark Fidel has a diverse and versatile background that spans across law, banking, and technology. He has worked as a commercial litigation defense attorney, an executive director of a banking school, a senior financial analyst for Intel, and a payroll manager for a research university. Throughout Mark's career, he have developed skills in litigation support, digital forensics, PCI compliance, discovery management, and records management for various industries. Mark is passionate about helping his clients achieve their IT and security goals and delivering value-added solutions.
Mark Herman
CEO of Dion's and Tula's Kitchen
Born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Mark started working at Dion’s as a pizza maker after graduating from high school in 1987. In 1991, he graduated from The University of New Mexico with a BA in Economics. After a short stint with MassMutual, Mark accepted a General Manager position with Dion’s in 1992. Over the next 15 years, he took on various roles in the company and earned his unofficial MBA from The School of Hard Knocks. In 2006, Mark became COO and focused on developing Dion’s culture, management talent, and systems to prepare for successful growth. Mark became Chief Executive Officer in December 2013, leading the company’s strategic growth plan and financial recapitalization. Mark’s WHY is “contribute”. He has a passion for building teams and helping others be successful. He is a lifetime member of Leadership New Mexico and is a member of Vistage International (CEO Peer Advisors). He serves on the Boards of Horizons Albuquerque and The University of New Mexico Alumni Association, and is Past President of the Golden Apple Foundation of New Mexico.
Donald Hume
Peer Support Supervisor Presbyterian Healthcare Services
Donald has worked in Behavioral Health for over 28 years and has volunteered at Recovery High (the first recovery high school), Turquoise Lodge, and numerous events around the state. He has also contracted with The Life Link to do work for BHSD and the peers in New Mexico.
Donald has worked for MCO, ValueOptions, and Molina Healthcare of New Mexico and Texas as a Peer Support Specialist Supervisor, and ran Recovery Based Solutions, a peer-run agency that provides recovery support services in Albuquerque. Donald’s newest adventure has been to assist in the start of a long awaited peer program in the emergency rooms for Presbyterian, assisting individuals who are overdosing on opioid and other substances. His dream is to positively impact people’s quality of life, and create a world where people have a right to a good life to no matter who they are or where they come from. Donald is a father, has 17 grandkids, and 11 great grandkids. Even with all that he still seems to enjoy life and can still laugh.
David Meyers
Health & Wellness Officer and Chaplain for Albuquerque Fire Rescue
David Meyers is the Health & Wellness Officer and a Chaplain with Albuquerque Fire Rescue, where he combines his passion for service, empathy, and leadership to support the wellbeing of first responders. A lifelong Albuquerque resident, David has also spent time in Colorado, Nevada, and the Quad Cities, but considers New Mexico’s rich culture and close-knit community truly home. Before his career in public service, David spent 15 years fronting a rock and roll band that toured nationally, performing with major acts and building a lifetime of memories on the road. A songwriter at heart, he continues to make music. David has been married to his wife, Nicole, for 24 years. Together, they have four children. Known for his authenticity, humor, and compassion, David draws daily inspiration from his family—the people he calls his greatest accomplishment. His personal philosophy reflects his deep faith and perspective on life: “Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Don’t be afraid.” —Frederick Buechner.
Nick Miller
Health & Wellness Officer and Chaplain for Albuquerque Fire Rescue
Raised in Southern New Mexico, Nick moved to Albuquerque to attend the University of New Mexico and has since become a prominent figure in our community. As the Co-Owner of Campus Specialties, Inc, Nick engages with students, teachers, and administrators throughout the state, providing motivational speaking and leadership training.
When he's not making an impact in the education field, you can find Nick cheering on his son Nicholas Jr. in football, basketball, and hockey.
Maurice K. Payne
Retired Licensed Substance Abuse Clinician
Maurice K. Payne was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, and has called New Mexico home since 1993. He holds a master’s degree in counseling from Roosevelt University and has dedicated more than 30 years to the helping profession, working in the substance abuse field as a licensed clinician. Now retired, Maurice continues to live with purpose and mindfulness. He regularly practices yoga and meditation, enjoys playing golf, and is an avid reader. He is married to a registered nurse and is the proud grandfather of two. Known for his warmth, wisdom, and grounded presence, Maurice brings both heart and depth to every gathering he leads.
Sherwin Price
Vice President Behavioral Health, Presbyterian Healthcare Services
Sherwin was born and raised in New Mexico, and currently serves as the Vice President of Behavioral Health Services for Presbyterian Health Services. Sherwin received both a Counseling and Health Administration master’s from the University of New Mexico and spent the majority of his professional life working in behavioral health. Sherwin is also a loving father of two children, and advocate for mental health throughout New Mexico.
Michael M. Silva, Jr.
Entrepreneur and Community Servant
Michael M. Silva, Jr. is a purpose-driven entrepreneur, community leader, and proud Burqueño dedicated to uplifting Albuquerque through business and service. He is the Co-Founder of Albuquerque Tourism & Sightseeing Factory (Tour ABQ) and the Founder and Co-Owner of Rude Boy Cookies and Burque Against Racism—ventures that combine creativity, culture, and community impact. A passionate advocate for ethical leadership, Michael serves as President-Elect of the UNM Alumni Association, a Board Member of the Small Business Regulatory Advisory Committee (appointed by the Mayor), and a Foundation Board Member for ACES TECH Charter School. In 2019, he received the New Mexico Ethics in Business Award for Individual Excellence in Ethical Business Practice. A graduate of the University of New Mexico, Michael continues to inspire others through speaking engagements on entrepreneurship, mentorship, and community building.
David Wiese-Carl
Director of Communications & Fan Experience, New Mexico United
With over 3 years of experience in his role, David has expanded the department from a single direct report into three teams dedicated to Communications, Social Media, and the Fan Experience. He manages a team of 50 professionals and has been credited with driving over 600% growth in media coverage! David is a highly effective corporate communications leader, skilled in messaging for external audiences and managing relationships with the media. He has successfully strengthened the club’s reputation and oversees all broadcast and social media communications.