New Mexico Small Business Council
Our New Mexico Small Business Council consists of small business owners from various industries across the state. Council members volunteer their time and entrepreneurial expertise at board meetings, public events and in the media to help Small Business Majority identify and address the biggest issues facing small businesses today.
Javier Casillas
Javier Casillas, the founder and CEO of Live Well Mattress & Furnishing Centres and Be You, But Louder Marketing Consultation, offers a unique blend of experience and insight. With a decade in sleep retail and over two decades in marketing, Javier's expertise stems from hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the business landscape. His leadership at Live Well Mattress & Furnishing Centres was recognized with the Business of the Year award from the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in 2021. Javier's role in the Otero County Marketing Association (OCMA) and involvement with the SBDC highlight his commitment to supporting and educating local businesses.
Javier is driven by a genuine desire to assist others. His businesses are focused on improving customer well-being and providing tailored marketing assistance to local companies. His community efforts extend to leading OCMA, supporting the SBDC, and assisting with non-profit website design. Outside of work, Javier is passionate about running, weightlifting, mountain biking and reading business books. His dedication to small-town businesses and their ability to compete in a challenging market environment is a central aspect of his work. On the council, Javier aims to support other small businesses, share insights and learn from fellow members.
Bernina Gray
Bernina Gray is a Diné entrepreneur, mother and future impact investing catalyst. She is from Lukachukai, Arizona, a town located on the Diné reservation. In 2018, she embarked on a transformative path by quitting her job in customer service at a financial institution and enrolling in a coding boot camp with CNM Ingenuity, where she earned a certificate in Full-stack Web Development. This drive led her to a software developer internship, where she honed her skills and knowledge with a local non-profit. Bernina's journey continued with her transition to freelancing in both software development and brand design. Her hands-on approach and determination to teach herself propelled her forward.
In 2020, she achieved a significant milestone in her career by founding nDigitize, a tech company dedicated to digitizing Native-owned businesses. She initiated this venture during the pandemic, driven by her desire to help businesses establish their online presence. In the process, she accumulated five years of invaluable experience in brand design, software development, UX design, and technology-related consultations and solutions. She continues her work and will soon be offering digital products for Diné communities. Bernina's approach to education is ongoing and dynamic. This dedication to professional development is also evident in her participation in initiatives such as Project Dreamcatcher's Spring 2023 Cohort and Arizona State University's American Indian Policy Institute Indigenous Leadership Academy. Her passion extends to expanding her knowledge in the investment, data, and FinTech sectors, as she continues to create technology-driven solutions that empower and serve Native communities.
Galina Kofchock
Galina Kofchock is CFO and co-founder of Osceola Inc (DBA OE Solar), an Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) Solar Firm headquartered in Albuquerque. Osceola Inc launched in 2009 and quickly became one of the fastest growing solar companies in New Mexico. Galina obtained her BFA at the University of Arizona and worked in website design and development before moving to the solar industry. OE Solar offers turnkey solar PV systems from engineering, procurement, construction, operation and maintenance services for Public, Private and Community Solar clients. While helping grow the company Mrs. Kofchock has worked in every part of the business to gain comprehensive industry knowledge and best practices. Today she spends her days helping integrate new processes for an effective and fun workplace.
Shayai Lucero
Shayai Lucero was born and raised on the reservations of the Pueblos of Acoma and Laguna. In 2008, Shayai graduated from the University of New Mexico with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. It took Shayai 16 years from her high school graduation to finish college, but during that time she was Miss Indian World (1997), was the Tribal Liaison for Native Visions Arts and Communications (1998-2001) and was the Executive Assistant for the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the All Indian Pueblo Council (2001-2003). Upon graduating in 2008, Shayai became an entrepreneur with the purchase of a floral shop on the Pueblo of Laguna reservation. She is now the owner and an international award-winning floral designer at Earth & Sky Floral Designs and Gallery. Shayai is a knowledge keeper of the traditional Pueblo healing methods. She published a book on medicinal plants in 1997. In 2005, she received a Certificate in Traditional Mexican Healing.
Shayai remains active in her community in the promotion of STEM and Woman/Native American Entrepreneurship and as an ally of the LGBTIQ2S Community. She was selected as a "Changemaker" to attend the United State of Women Summit (2016) hosted by The Obama White House. In 2017, Shayai was nominated to become a TEDxABQ speaker. Her speech/video is available online where she discusses how she incorporates traditional Pueblo teachings into issues of patience and tolerance. Shayai has also advocated for rural and Native American entrepreneurs to US Congressional Leaders and Cabinet Members. She is a Sequoyah Fellow for the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES), where she also was given the lifetime appointment of Elders Helper for the AISES Council of Elders. Shayai currently serves on the Board of Directors for both the Changing Woman Initiative and the American Heart Association of New Mexico. Shayai is the partner of Aaron Fry, who is Cherokee and Chickasaw from Oklahoma. They are the parents of Kaweshchima and Maityaitsa.
Sheyenne Sky
Sheyenne Sky, a Diné entrepreneur in Santa Fe, holds advanced degrees from the Fashion Institute of Technology and Harvard University. Her textile collection, LAND+OBJECT, redefines 'Indigenous Luxury' by intricately weaving traditional wisdom into its tapestries. Meanwhile, her consultancy, HODZA.mgmt, specializes in crafting bespoke business growth strategies for Native entrepreneurs. Recently, Sheyenne has taken on a significant tribal leadership role for the Naat'áanii Development Corporation advocating for the Diné people's perspectives within the Navajo Nation Government's business sector.
Kristen Worthington
Kristen Worthington has been the owner of Worthington Farms in Mesilla Park, NM since 2019. As a small pecan farmer, she uses her pecans to create innovative merchandise that is sold at farmer’s market/festivals and at local retail stores. Worthington Farms provides shelling services and custom manufacturing to other small farmers in the area. One of the ways she gives back to the community is being the president of the Las Cruces Pecan Festival. The festival runs each spring, and all proceeds go to the Wee Warriors Project that helps medically fragile newborns in New Mexico. She has been the Board President at Core charter school, managed the Bishop’s Storehouse (local food pantry) with her husband, and held many leadership positions in community organizations.
