About Marianna

Marianna was born and raised among the cottonwood trees of Albuquerque’s North Valley by her mother, grandmother and eight aunts. After graduating from Valley High School she was the first in her family to attend college. She found her way to the University of Texas at Austin where she cut her teeth in the policy world at the Texas Center for Education Policy. Her love for organizing in community coupled with policy advocacy grew exponentially the summer Senator Wendy Davis filibustered the harmful Texas abortion ban, which ultimately passed. It became clear to Marianna that the most impacted communities were not only being left out of policy discussions, they were often ignored completely. 

Marianna continued her track in academia at UCLA in the Race and Ethnic Studies in Education program. Yet, focusing on research didn’t sit right with her while policies meant to protect families and marginalized communities were being eroded back home, under the Martinez administration. Talking about action was not enough- she needed to participate in it. 

She soon returned to Albuquerque, where she immersed herself in community, served as a congressional field representative and listened to and organized alongside union educators. Her policy/advocacy work continued to develop as she helped repeal NM’s 1969 abortion ban, helped protect patients and providers seeking abortion and gender affirming care, worked to pass New Mexico’s Voting Rights Act and most recently, led the coalition to pass Paid Family and Medical Leave. She now owns a small business that specializes in communications, media relations and policy advocacy.

Marianna’s commitment to fighting for the people of House District 18 comes from her lived experience as a queer woman of color whose larger family has lived in New Mexico for generations, and still, struggle to survive substance abuse, homelessness, and the mass incarceration system. For her, policy is personal. She knows that economic stability, access to quality healthcare and free and public education are key components for a stable life- for not only her family, but families in HD18 and across the state of New Mexico.

During her down time, Marianna seeks nature of all sorts- usually with her three dogs Frida, Mila and Shadow. You can find her at the UNM North Golf Course, hiking in the mountains, packing up for a camping trip, adventuring, or trying her hand at being a DIY home renovator/landscaper. A self-proclaimed foodie, she loves to frequent the district’s local restaurants and coffeeshops.

Proven Track Record 

Work History

  • Anaya Consulting, LLC, Owner -2021-present 

  • ProgressNow New Mexico, Deputy Director (2019-2021)

  • Albuquerque Teachers Federation, Organizing & Communications (2015-2019)

  • Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham, Field Representative (2014)

  • Texas Center for Education Policy, Research Assistant (2010-2013)

  • Community Foundations K-5 After School Program, Instructor (2012-2013)

  • Austin Independent School District, After-School Ethnic Studies Instructor (2012-2013)

Community Service

  • Emerge New Mexico Board of Directors (2016-2022)

  • Judicial Nominating Commission, NM Supreme Court (2021)

  • President Pro Temp Stewart Appointee

  • Judicial Nominating Commission, Bernalillo Co. Metro Court (2021)

  • House Speaker Egolf Appointee (2021)

  • NM Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network, Board of Directors & Nationally Certified Curriculum Trainer (2017-2019)

  • NM Latino Education Task Force, Board of Directors (2014-2016)

Awards

  • Emerge New Mexico Rising Woman of the Year (2021)

  • Américo Parédez Endowed Fellowship for Community Service

  • Texas Woman’s University Outstanding Emerging Leader

Education/ Academic Achievements

  • UCLA, Graduate Program in Race & Ethnic Studies in Education

  • University of Texas at Austin, B.A. in Mexican American Studies, 2013

  • Valley High School, Albuquerque, 2008

  • Ronald E. McNair Scholar

  • National Society of Collegiate Scholars 

  • National Hispanic Scholar Finalist