Jaqi Baldwin was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  She is an advocate committed to ensuring that systems and programs are respectfully and authentically meeting the needs of young people in her hometown.  Ms. Baldwin holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of New Mexico.  In addition, Ms. Baldwin earned two and Masters’ degrees from New Mexico Highlands University, one in Clinical Social Work and the other in Government & Not-for-Profit Business Administration.  She has dedicated the past ten years to working with and for young people in the Albuquerque community in the areas of education reform, protective services social work and community and mental health intervention and prevention work.

Ms. Baldwin is the current on-site school leader Siembra Leadership High School, a school that specifically works with opportunity youth through entrepreneurship.  Ms. Baldwin views her school as a form of social justice, striving to provide the best educational model to young people that need it the most.  Ms. Baldwin is excited about Siembra students being the youth component of economic development in the City of Albuquerque.   As a founding school leader of Siembra Leadership High School, Jaqi has spearheaded the innovative infusion of social and emotional supports for all students to enhance academic success.  In her role of Operations Manager, Jaqi is changing the face of school leadership in New Mexico as she is a social worker.  Ms. Baldwin feels passionately about being a part of a team that offers education options and opportunities to our most precious resource – our youth.

Ms. Baldwin also demonstrates leadership in her role of President Elect of the National Association of Social Workers New Mexico chapter.  Ms. Baldwin is excited to off her skills to this organization that moves the work of the social work professional forward in her home state.  The focus of this work includes macro-level work to include policy, legislation and further systematizing and professionalizing this area of practice for all social workers.

Jaqi has also been an Adjunct Professor and Field Consultant for the New Mexico Highlands University Facundo Valdez School of Social Work for the past five years.  Ms. Baldwin takes her opportunity to lead adults in social justice advocacy work seriously and creates safe learning space for up and coming practitioners to shine.  Ms. Baldwin is happy to be a part of a learning community that fosters practices to best serve clients.