07/22/2026
We are honored to announce that Albuquerque City Councilor for District 6 and Class of 2023 alumna Nichole Rogers is the 2026 Emerging Woman of the Year!🏆
Councilor Nichole L. Rogers is a trailblazing public servant, community advocate, and the first Black woman elected to the Albuquerque City Council, representing District 6 with a commitment to courageous leadership, equitable opportunity, and building bridges across communities to deliver meaningful results.
Councilor Rogers has built a reputation as a collaborative and effective policymaker, maintaining a 90% legislative pass rate while earning support from her conservative colleagues on 66% of the legislation she has sponsored.
Before joining the City Council, Rogers served as the City of Albuquerque's African American Community and Business Liaison, strengthening partnerships between government, businesses, and historically underserved communities.
As a Councilor, she has championed efforts to expand housing opportunities, strengthen behavioral health investments, and ensure redevelopment projects create lasting benefits for surrounding neighborhoods. She led the creation of Albuquerque's African American Advisory Board, launched Participatory Budgeting to give residents a direct voice in public spending, and has advanced the community-centered redevelopment of the New Mexico State Fairgrounds through transparency, accountability, and equitable economic growth.
Nichole has helped lead NM Juneteenth, growing it into one of the state's largest celebrations of Black history, culture, entrepreneurship, and community. She was selected for the 2026 Champions Institute, joining leaders from across the country working to build healthier, more resilient, and more equitable communities.
Come celebrate Councilor Rogers’ achievements at the 2026 Wine & Chocolate Gala!
🗓️Saturday, August 29, 2026
📍ABQ Marriott Pyramid North
đź•”VIP Reception: 4-5pm
🕢Main Event Dinner: 5-7pm
đź”—Early Bird tickets are on sale now! Scan the QR code or visit https://secure.actblue.com/donate/2026emergenmgala to grab your tickets today!