Contessa Trujillo
Hometown:
Taos, NM
Connect: LinkedIn
Contessa is excited to collaborate with local stakeholders to forge a collective future for Taos that seamlessly integrates economic prosperity and cultural preservation, while helping to shape the destiny of her beloved community and ancestral land.
Rooted in the vibrant cultural tapestry of my ancestral lands of Taos, NM, Contessa’s journey unfolds as a mosaic of community engagement, artistic expression, and social impact. As a nonprofit professional, her commitment to meaningful work is driven by a diverse skillset honed through profound curiosity and an unyielding desire to travel, explore, and continuously evolve.
Intertwined within the fabric of her story is the theme of identity, both individual and collective, urging me to navigate the intricate layers of cultural diversity and heritage alongside her own mestizo heritage. Beyond my professional pursuits, Contessa is a collector of experiences, art, books, nature, and all things captivating, embracing the myriad facets that enrich the tapestry of our society.
Her career journey mirrors a personal quest for identity and meaning—an exploration to harmonize the past with a visionary future. Beyond the realm of nonprofit work, she is an artist, deep thinker, dreamer, and meanderer, deeply rooted in a large family and a tightly-knit community. Her pursuits are dedicated to fostering connections and unraveling the nuanced layers of our shared human experience.
In essence, Contessa’s diverse identity, woven from the richness of cultural heritage and an insatiable quest for knowledge and beauty, propels her holistic approach to community development. Through her continuous contributions, she weaves a narrative resonating deeply within the vibrant tapestry of Taos and its people, shaping a brighter collective future.
ERC Project
Project Title:
Cultural & Outdoor Asset Mapping Study for Equitable and Sustainable Development
Host Community or Region:
New Mexico
Host Organization:
Taos County, NM
In collaboration with the County of Taos, NM, this initiative addresses the repercussions of COVID-19 that both devastated the local arts scene, while adding strain to outdoor spaces and traditional cultures through an influx of new residents. The ERC Fellow will spearhead community-oriented research, engagement, and communication efforts. By cultivating relationships, conducting outreach, and mapping cultural and outdoor assets, the fellow will provide recommendations for policy, planning, land use, programming, and economic development based on thorough research. The project's primary focus is to preserve cultural treasures and promote sustainable development that directly benefits the community, striving for a balanced approach and a more diversified local economy. Through safeguarding heritage and implementing equitable strategies, the project aims to improve the lives of residents, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on Taos County. While initially focusing on Taos County, the project's scope may extend to the Enchanted Circle Region.
Interested in supporting this project or learning more? Contact the ERC program team here.
