CIS National Leadership Town Hall 2024 took place in Dallas, Texas from Wednesday, September 18 – Friday, September 20.

This year’s theme, Strengthening our Presence to Fuel Student Success, provided four of our CIS of New Mexico leaders an opportunity to connect, learn from their colleagues, and listen to keynote speakers who motivated and inspired them to strengthen our collective impact in support of students and families across the country.

2024 All In for Students Award Honoree: Flor Lujan

“While at CIS National Town Hall, I visited the Juanita J Craft Museum with my fellow CIS colleagues. Juanita’s story deeply moved me, especially when I learned about her mother’s tragic passing when she was just 13. After taking her mother to the hospital and being denied care, Juanita was forced to take her home, where she passed away nine days later. Later in life, her husband suffered a similar fate. These experiences shaped Juanita’s lifelong commitment to fighting for the rights of women and children. Though she never had children of her own, she adopted a global community and embraced the responsibility of advocating for the weak and voiceless. Her story reminded me that we all carry something that shapes our purpose—a mindset or experience that profoundly impacts us. For Juanita, losing her mother and witnessing injustice fueled her passion to fight for others. We are also shaped by moments in our lives that give us the strength to persevere.” – Flor Lujan, Student Success Facilitator at Cesar Chavez Community School

Suicide Prevention Month Moment

While September’s Suicide Prevention Month is coming to a close, our belief in you, gratitude for you, and care for you will continue. Next week, we begin our travels through rural New Mexico to facilitate our first Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention trainings of the school year. Closer to home, we are present in our schools and communities doing whatever we can to support students and families each day. Continue reaching out to us if we can be of support in any way. Continue to care for yourself and one another.  

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Help is available 24 hours in English and Spanish. You are not alone. No está solo.