2026 Inspiring Graduate | Taya Perales

"My perspective on UNM has definitely changed throughout my time here and has become more and more positive each year."

While Taya Perales calls Albuquerque home, she has also found a new one at The University of New Mexico. Originally drawn to the university because of the Lottery Scholarship, her perspective quickly shifted once she set foot on campus.

It was during her sophomore year that her journey truly began to unfold. At the time, Perales was serving as an American Indian Student Services ambassador when one of her supervisors encouraged her to apply for student employment full-time positions. That's when she discovered Anderson's SEED - Student Engagement, Empowerment and Development.

Through her work with SEED, Perales helped organize events and guided students as they navigated scholarship and internship opportunities. Working primarily with seniors, she gained early insight into what was possible.

"Being involved at SEED completely changed the way that I think about being involved at UNM," Perales said. "Having peers committed to pursuing business, entrepreneurship and their own ideas really pushed me as a sophomore to think about how I could be doing more."

That push led Perales to found the American Indian Business Association (AIBA) during her sophomore year.

"Most Native American students who receive scholarships pursue business degrees," Perales said. "And yet there was no organization at UNM for Native American business students, so I wanted to start that program."

As president, Perales organized a signature event - the Native American Business Showcase. She attended American Indian Chamber of Commerce meetings across New Mexico, building connections with professionals and inviting them to campus. While nerves played a role, her determination helped turn the event into a success.

"I brought in all of these different vendors, and they were representing Native American communities," Perales said. "I wanted to show students that you can be successful and achieve what you want, even if you are from a rural community."

The showcase featured a wide range of vendors, from entrepreneurs and artisans to financial professionals. Each shared their experiences with students, reinforcing the message that success is attainable across many paths.

Videography by Justin Otsuka. Edited and produced by Dani Rae Wascher.

"They are the changemakers for our community," said Perales. "It showed me that New Mexico's community is always willing to help. It was an amazing event to organize, and I love AIBA."

In her senior year, Perales also served as vice president of marketing and outreach for the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA). In that role, she helped organize additional events and connect students with working professionals from diverse backgrounds.

"ALPFA is just the most amazing team, and they've taught me so much about business," Perales said.

Now, as Perales prepares to graduate from the Anderson School of Management with a bachelor's degree in business administration, concentrating in general management, she reflects on the people who shaped her journey. Among those who inspired her are professors Nicole Capehart and Megan Hearting.

"They were the people who taught me to take my time and think about what type of impact I want to have," Perales said. "They taught me about servant leadership and empathy."

Family has also been a driving force. Growing up, Perales watched her mother run a flower business while also working as an operations manager for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

"I've seen her do so much, and it inspired me to push myself even more," Perales said. "If my mom can do it, then I can definitely do it too."

Her grandfather has also played a key role, consistently encouraging her to pursue her education.

"I'm thankful to them for showing me how to be a hard worker," Perales said. "I want my grandpa to know that I love him so much and thank you for all the opportunities you created in my journey to connect with Native American institutions and pursue my education."

After graduation, Perales will head to Washington, D.C., to work at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian in the advancement and special events office.