ABOUT
NM Tech Talks is a collaborative of tech organizations working together to bring an inclusive tech community in New Mexico. Our mission is to unify tech organizations in NM and break down silos between groups via co-branded events and initiatives.
Our Core Values
As an organization, we are committed to the following Core Values:
1. Collaboration over competition
We believe in the power of unity. By breaking down silos and co-hosting events, we foster a tech community where organizations work together to amplify impact and share resources.
2. Inclusivity at our core
Diversity strengthens us. We actively seek to include voices from underrepresented groups, ensuring that all individuals feel welcomed, valued, and empowered to contribute.
3. Innovation with purpose
We are driven by creativity and a commitment to solving real-world challenges. Our initiatives aim to advance technology in ways that benefit both the industry and the broader community.
4. Integrity in action
We uphold the highest standards of honesty, empathy, support, and transparency. Our actions are guided by ethical principles, ensuring trust and accountability in all our endeavors. Any form of disrespect, talking down to another, or other "bad actor" action will be strictly forbidden and acted upon immediately once communicated with the Management team.
5. Community engagement
We are dedicated to serving and uplifting the communities of New Mexico. Through outreach and collaboration, we strive to make a positive impact beyond the tech sector.
6. Continuous growth and learning
We embrace lifelong learning. By sharing knowledge and experiences, we empower individuals and organizations to grow, adapt, and thrive in an ever-evolving tech landscape.
7. Commitment to catalyzing resources
Each of us commits to helping sustain and grow this movement. Whether securing funding, recruiting volunteers, forging partnerships, or sharing our story with the media, we actively contribute to the resources that power NM Tech Talks' innovative programming and inclusive vision.
Our Team
We are a volunteer-run organization that brought together six different tech groups. As a part of this collaboration, we can more wholesomely include the needs and beliefs of various groups in the tech ecosystem in New Mexico.
Paul Zelizer
Co-Founder
Representing NMClimate
Since 1993, Paul Zelizer has worked with and led programs for 30,000+ leaders working for positive change in and through their organizations. He started his business in 2008, making him one of the first business coaches to focus on the needs of social entrepreneurs and impact business leaders. In 2017, he founded Awarepreneurs as a way to amplify the practices successful social enterprise leaders use. Today he is best known as host of the Awarepreneurs Podcast, the world's longest running social entrepreneur podcast. Paul maintains a busy coaching and consulting practice working with impact focused founders, leaders and companies.
Vicki Apodaca
Co-Founder
Representing Techqueria New Mexico
Vicki Apodaca is a serial entrepreneur and founding member of several tech startups (StellarFi, Joust, and Soply). She's been through two exits as the Head of Marketing (Joust acquired by ZenBusiness, Starship HSA acquired by Optum), and one as a Growth Lead. Currently she's a founding member and CMO of Phalanx, a document intelligence software for startup founders and consultants. She also advises on go-to-market and marketing strategies for portfolio companies of Fiat Ventures, a Silicon Valley-based venture capital firm. Locally in New Mexico, she's the Chapter Director & Co-Founder of Techqueria NM and NMClimate, and is passionate about helping underserved communities.
Michael Zbrozek
Program Organizer
Representing Google Developers Group Abq/Software Social Club
Michael Zbrozek is a developer and community organizer committed to growing inclusive and collaborative tech spaces in New Mexico. As a lead organizer for Google Developers Group ABQ and co-founder of Software Social Club, he brings together developers, designers, and innovators through events, workshops, and community-building initiatives.
Stefany Goradia
Program Organizer
Representing HealthInno
Stefany brings together data, technology, community, collaboration, and systems thinking to address wicked problems in health and social systems. A former founder and current doctoral student researcher, she explores how innovation happens—and why it often doesn't. She co-founded a health analytics company (acquired in 2021) and now leads education and collaboration efforts at HealthInno, an innovation hub advancing health tech and community-based innovation in New Mexico.
Methika Nthimatechkorn (May)
Marketing & Website
Representing Google Developers Group Abq
May is a Product Designer, Front-End Developer, and Founder of WishWebStudio, a creative agency specializing in web design, branding, and digital strategy. She also leads product design at GILZ, blending innovation and user experience across mobile and web platforms. As an organizer for Google Developer Group Albuquerque and a board member at NM Tech Talks, May is passionate about growing inclusive, community-driven tech initiatives across New Mexico.
Rudy Parra
Marketing & Social Media
Representing LGBTQIA+ in Tech
Rudy Parra is a Mechatronics & Lab Technician at GridFlow, where he helps pioneer the world's first lithium-sulfur hybrid flow battery. With a background rooted in IoT, robotics, and lab automation, Rudy brings science and technology together to solve real-world energy challenges. Whether he's prototyping a new sensor system or refining processes in the lab, he's driven by a love for innovation, efficiency, and building things that matter.
Featured In
If you are part of a co-branded event with NM Tech Talks, please use this Brand Guide.
Brand GuideContact Us
Want to learn more, volunteer with us, or sponsor? Contact us below!