Board of Directors
Juan Abeyta
Board President
Organizational Development Specialist
Juan has vast experience and knowledge in educational and non-profit program management and evaluation from his past work with other non-profits, co-ops, law centers, and educational centers and programs. He has a long history of working to better communities through committees, boards, and panels like the Center of Southwest Culture, Inc., Impact & Coffee, and the Institute for Policy Studies to name a few. His experience has helped him serve and build better communities for all New Mexicans.
Amber Carrillo, MA
Board Secretary
Executive Director, All Indian Pueblo Council
Amber Carrillo has served on the Prosperity Works board for the past five years. As a skilled member of the non-profit world, her experience in grassroots organizing, community and social services, and her knowledge of Tribal Governance and Administration makes her experience invaluable.
Mike Athens
Board Treasurer
CEO, Rio Grande Credit Union
Mike Athens is the President, and CEO at Rio Grande Credit Union, and has been with Rio Grande CU since May 2010. He has always had a strong affiliation with the local community participating in numerous community service organizations. Mr. Athens previously served as the Vice President of Association Services at the Credit Union Association of New Mexico, a role that allowed him to serve all the credit unions in the state of New Mexico. Mike has been married to his wife Sue Anne for over thirty years and together they have one son.
Fun Fact: Mike is a former Associate Peace Corps Director and helped support the American Mission in Tanzania, East Africa, and the U.S. Peace Corps in Washington, DC.
Dr. Javier Aceves
Board Member
Retired Pediatrician and Social Justice Advocate
Dr. Javier Aceves recently retired from UNM. During his career, he provided comprehensive medical services for all children, no matter their health or chronic conditions and disabilities. He is the former medical director of Young Children’s Health Center and former Director of the Developmental Disabilities Division of the New Mexico Department of Health. He was a professor of Pediatrics and former Chief of the Division of General Community pediatrics at the University of New Mexico. Aceves also taught community-based practice and the fundamentals of the medical home for children and youth with special healthcare needs. In addition to being a member of several community organizations; he also served as a consultant to the US Federal Court in Puerto Rico regarding the care of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Fun Fact: Javier enjoys gardening, carpentry, hiking and reading.
Karen Meyers
Board Member
For the past few years, Karen has been working with the City of Albuquerque to develop and implement a consumer financial protection initiative (CFPI) to assist in consumer outreach and education to prevent unfair and deceptive business practices, and most recently working to coordinate rental assistance and legislation as a result of the COVID pandemic.
Vanessa Peer
Board Member
MBA/MSW Business Analyst and Non-Profit Advocate
Vanessa Matuszewski-Peer was born and raised in Rio Rancho, NM, and graduated with her Master’s in Social Work and a Master’s in Business and Accounting from New Mexico Highlands University. She currently works at U.S. Bank as a Commercial Underwriting Credit Review Analyst. Vanessa also serves as the President of the Board of Advisors at Fathers Building Futures and the Loan Approval Committee at WESST. Vanessa constantly seeks opportunities to be involved in her community by volunteering. She enjoys hands-on volunteering at Fathers Building Futures, Junior Achievement, and New Mexico Kids Matters, which allows the unique experience of combining her MSW and MBA.
Fun fact: Vanessa is a female car enthusiast that loves getting her hands dirty by wrenching on cars. She has a project car that will someday be track-ready.