Rye Purvis (she/her/they) is originally from Moriarty, New Mexico and is enrolled member of the Navajo Nation. In her youth, she worked on her family farm growing mostly squash and green beans. Growing up on a farm gave her years of experience working with planting, assembling irrigation for multiple gardens, setting up for farmers markets, and interacting with customers every weekend. After graduating from Moriarty High School, Rye moved to the San Francisco Bay Area and obtained a Bachelors in Fine Art. She continued to work in the Bay Area with arts programming and non-profit organizations. Her work specializes in supporting youth programming, youth development, arts programming, grants and infrastructure support for non-profit organizations, and crisis management. She is currently wrapping up a PhD program for Native American Studies.

Liz Skinner, a native of Faribault, Minnesota, pursued her undergraduate studies in Wisconsin, obtaining a Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin La-Crosse. Her commitment to community development was evident as she embarked on a role as an Americorps VISTA in Billings, Montana, where she focused on the establishment of community gardens, showcasing her dedication to fostering local initiatives.

With a diverse professional background in various administrative capacities within small businesses and food-focused companies, Liz brought her expertise to Albuquerque in 2017. For nearly five years, she served as the manager of the Downtown Growers Market (DGM), contributing significantly to its success. Beyond her professional achievements, Liz enjoys spending time with her partner and 3 children. She has a range of hobbies, including knitting, outdoor activities with her family, home gardening for culinary pursuits, and maintaining a well-organized lifestyle.

Jhoana Perez Lopez (She/Her/Ella), a passionate advocate hailing from Santa Barbara, California. With a double major in Studio Art and Chicana/o Studies from the University of New Mexico, Jhoana is a first-generation college graduate committed to community-based work.

Having served in various roles from education to art and social media marketing, Jhoana's expertise ensures the smooth functioning of daily operations. Beyond her professional endeavors, she finds joy in playing with her three dogs, reading, gardening, and exploring art in all forms. Since moving to New Mexico, Jhoana has reignited her love for traditional pottery making, photography, weaving, and hiking, while diving back into poetry. With her diverse skill set and unwavering dedication to community, Jhoana is an invaluable asset to any project she undertakes.

Jena (She/Her/They) A Northern New Mexico girl at heart, Jena’s journey with local food has come full circle. After earning a BFA in San Francisco, she immersed herself in every corner of the restaurant industry—from waiting tables to selling tacos at the iconic Ferry Building. Her love for the culinary scene eventually led her into the fast-paced world of food-tech startups, where she led marketing and events across San Francisco, Brooklyn, and Lisbon. 

Now back home in New Mexico to raise her family, Jena brings her creative eye and deep industry roots to the Downtown Growers’ Market. Whether she is managing our social media, coordinating programming, or organizing neighborhood events, she is dedicated to ensuring the market remains a vibrant hub for all Burqueños. When she’s not working on growing the DGM community, Jena is a volunteer art instructor and a substitute teacher for APS. Her favorite role, however, is being a Mamá to her two young children. If you see her around the market in her signature overalls, please feel free to introduce yourself.

Rachael Mesillas works as the Community Engagement Coordinator at the Albuquerque Sign Language Academy. She loves creating spaces that bring people together and strengthen community ties. Originally from New Mexico and fluent in American Sign Language, Rachael is passionate about inclusion, accessibility, and meaningful human connection.