In an important move toward supporting Native American communities and small businesses, UNM Rainforest Innovations, in collaboration with the City of Santa Fe Economic Development Department, has appointed Deborah Torres as the new Tribal Liaison for the city and nearby tribal communities.
This new role highlights the City’s commitment to building stronger partnerships with tribal nations, promoting inclusive economic development, and supporting Native American entrepreneurs across the region.
Who is Deborah Torres?
Deborah Torres is a respected leader and advocate for Native American communities in New Mexico. She brings a wealth of experience in tourism, legislative policy, and community development, with a strong focus on working directly with tribes to promote cultural heritage and sustainable economic opportunities.
Throughout her career, Deborah has been at the forefront of Native American tourism initiatives, helping tribes showcase their traditions and histories while also boosting local economies. She also has deep knowledge of tribal governance, intergovernmental affairs, and business development, making her an ideal fit for this important role.
Supporting Native Entrepreneurs
In her new role, Deborah will act as a bridge between the City of Santa Fe and local tribal communities, ensuring that Native American voices are heard when it comes to economic planning and business support. She will work closely with Native entrepreneurs to:
- Understand their goals and challenges
- Identify barriers to starting and growing small businesses
- Share information about available funding and resources
- Guide entrepreneurs through regulatory and legal processes
- Promote strategies for long-term, sustainable growth
This work is part of a larger effort to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem across New Mexico, with a focus on serving rural and tribal communities more effectively.
Building Stronger Connections
Deborah’s role is not just about business support—it’s about building meaningful, long-lasting relationships between tribal governments and local/state agencies. Her work will help improve communication, trust, and cooperation between Native communities and the City of Santa Fe.
By listening to Native business owners and identifying areas where support is needed most, she will help shape policies and programs that make a real difference. The City hopes this approach can serve as a model for inclusive economic development across the state.
A Step Toward Inclusive Growth
The partnership between UNM Rainforest Innovations and the City of Santa Fe shows a growing recognition of the importance of Native American contributions to New Mexico’s economy and culture. By investing in dedicated roles like the Tribal Liaison, the City is taking real steps toward equity and support for communities that have often been left out of traditional business support systems.
This initiative aims to help Native American entrepreneurs not just survive, but thrive, by providing tools, access, and resources needed for success—while respecting cultural values and traditions.
The appointment of Deborah Torres as Tribal Liaison marks a meaningful step forward in connecting tribal communities with economic opportunities in Santa Fe and beyond. Her deep understanding of tribal issues and her passion for community growth make her an essential part of this initiative. With her leadership, the City of Santa Fe hopes to better serve Native entrepreneurs and foster inclusive, long-term growth across New Mexico’s tribal and rural areas.