Board Chair & Executive Director Welcome

Dear Friends,

More than ever, we want to acknowledge the hard work, creativity, teamwork, and perseverance that went into bringing NDI New Mexico’s mission to life this year. It has not been easy, and we have done it together. We thank everyone who has participated in NDI New Mexico including our innovative instructors and staff, the hardworking public school teachers and principals, our dedicated donors and government allies, and especially the children and families we serve.

NDI New Mexico teaches children to Work Hard, Do Your Best, Never Give Up, and Be Healthy. Applied with energy, these skills help young people experience excellence on stage, in the classroom, and throughout life. For the past 26 years, these outcomes have been important and in 2021 they are more essential than ever.

We will bring many lessons and innovations from this past year forward into our future such as the use of technology to reach students across the state, to enhance our artistic opportunities, and to connect to our audiences. In addition, we will emphasize critical aspects of our programs that support the social-emotional development in children as we all recover from the effects of the pandemic. And of course, it goes without saying that our path forward will be guided by maintaining health safety practices as we begin returning to in-person classes and performances.

As always, springtime is when we joyfully celebrate our students’ achievements by coming together as a community. This year, we applaud the 8,900 children who have participated and the many caring adults who have helped make that possible. Thank you for joining us virtually and for being an important part of our children’s well-being, success, and future.

Yours in teaching children excellence,

Diane Doniger Russell Baker

Board Chair Executive Director