Good Job New Mexico features funny, personal, and informative conversations with New Mexico workers from all walks of life about the various jobs they’ve worked, how they’ve gotten to where they are, where they might be headed, and some of their weirdest, most intriguing and inspiring stories, sprinkled with just the right amount of advice and tips for the workplace.
Episodes
5 hours ago
5 hours ago
How do you become a Cosmetologist?
In this inspiring episode, we chat with Joni Ochoa, Director of Cosmetology at New Mexico Junior College.
Joni opens up about the her journey from cleaning nail polish bottles in her friend's beauty salon to the hustle of entrepreneurship and owning her own business.
Whether you're dreaming of your own chair in a salon or just love a good story of perseverance and passion, this conversation is packed with real talk, heartfelt reflections, and plenty of laughs. Tune in for a glimpse into the colorful, empowering world of a young cosmetologist on the rise.
Wednesday Apr 09, 2025
Wednesday Apr 09, 2025
On this episode of Good Job, New Mexico, we sit down with Briana Santilli, a professional aquarist whose journey into the world of aquarium science is anything but ordinary.
Briana talks about how her passion for animals that led her into a hands-on, purpose-driven career caring for aquatic life. From the challenges of the job to the quiet, awe-inspiring moments behind the scenes, she shares a real look at what it means to work in this unique field.
Whether you're a student thinking about science, someone curious about animal care, or just a fan of cool jobs you don’t hear about every day—this one’s for you.
🔹 What You’ll Learn:
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How Briana got her start in aquarium work
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What a typical day looks like in her role
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Tips for those interested in marine science or animal care
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A peek behind the curtain of aquarium operations
Tune in and get inspired to follow your own unique path—whatever it may be.
Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
How did Maria Vianco become one of the few female aviation mechanics in New Mexico? In this episode of Good Job, New Mexico, host Stacy Johnston dives into Maria's incredible career path—from leaving college to follow her passion for mechanics to becoming a successful aviation technician and business owner.
What you'll learn in this episode:
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How Maria transitioned from mechanical engineering to aviation maintenance
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What it takes to become an aviation technician and start your own business
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The challenges and rewards of being a female mechanic in a male-dominated industry
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Wild aviation stories—including an emergency landing and a surprising encounter with a snake in a plane wing
If you’re interested in aviation careers, aircraft maintenance, entrepreneurship, or inspiring career change stories, this episode is for you.
Don’t forget to like, comment, and Follow for more career stories and insights.
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Watch now and get inspired!
#AviationMechanic #WomenInSTEM #AircraftMaintenance #Entrepreneurship #CareerChange #Podcast #AviationLife #FemaleMechanic #STEMCareers
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
In this episode of Good Job, New Mexico, host Stacy Johnston and guest host Cabinet Secretary Sarita Nair speak with Joseph M. Maestas, PE CFE, the State Auditor of New Mexico. Maestas shares his journey from growing up on a rural farm to studying civil engineering and later transitioning into public service. He opens up about the dedication to his studies through college, the federal government, and becoming Mayor of Española.
Maestas offers valuable insights on the importance of education, problem-solving, and adapting to new career opportunities. Tune in to hear how persistence, resilience, and a willingness to fight for what is right can lead to unexpected and fulfilling careers.
Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
Join us as we sit down with Mary-Charlotte Domandi, a seasoned radio and podcasting expert, to explore her experiences in the industry. From her early inspirations to the insights she’s gained over the years, we dive into the world of audio storytelling, creativity, and connection. Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with wisdom, humor, and behind-the-scenes stories from a true broadcasting professional.
Visit her website and listen to her podcast at: RadioCafe.Org
Wednesday Feb 12, 2025
Wednesday Feb 12, 2025
Welcome to Season 2!
In this episode, we sit down with Sarita Nair, Cabinet Secretary of the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, to explore the twists and turns of career paths, the impact of mentorship, and the future of workforce development.
Sarita shares her journey—from studying African-American studies to working in international development, earning a law degree, and finding unexpected opportunities along the way. We also discuss the surprising (and sometimes hilarious) results of career aptitude tests, the evolving job landscape, and how quantum technology and aerospace are shaping the state's economy.
With candid reflections on embracing uncertainty, connecting the dots in hindsight, and the invaluable guidance of mentors, this episode is packed with wisdom for anyone navigating their professional journey.
Wednesday Dec 04, 2024
Wednesday Dec 04, 2024
Welcome to the season finale of Good Job, New Mexico! Join hosts Stacy and Karla as they reflect on their favorite moments and the insightful guests of season one.
As Karla bids farewell to the podcast to pursue new opportunities, Stacy looks forward to future seasons filled with more inspiring stories and career insights. Tune in for a heartfelt discussion, fun anecdotes, and a promise of more to come.
Wednesday Nov 20, 2024
Wednesday Nov 20, 2024
How Do You Become an Apprentice? Is Apprenticeship worth it?
In this episode, Frank Lopez and Skyler Romero from Local Union 412 explore the transformative power of apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships, celebrating the 10th National Apprenticeship Week.
Whether you're contemplating a career change or just starting to explore your options, this conversation dives into how apprenticeships offer a pathway to a fulfilling, lifelong career. Learn about the value of hands-on training, the role these programs play in building New Mexico’s workforce, and how they’re shaping industries of the future.
Tune in to the Local 412 411 Podcast: https://ualocal412.org/podcasts/
Ready to start your journey? Discover more about apprenticeships here: https://www.dws.state.nm.us/Apprenticeship
Wednesday Nov 06, 2024
Wednesday Nov 06, 2024
How do you become an Industrial Engineer?
Join hosts Stacy Johnston and Karla Meléndez as they delve into the inspiring journey of Marissa Bowman, the Director of Manufacturing Engineering at Blue Halo.
Growing up in Las Cruces, New Mexico, surrounded by family and pecan trees, Marissa's path was far from clear. But through the guidance of mentors and a passion for problem-solving, she found herself immersed in the world of engineering. Discover how she navigated her way from working at Sandia National Labs to making impactful changes at Blue Halo, all while balancing family life and ultra-marathons.
Explore the fascinating work of Blue Halo, a company making strides in military defense and creating jobs in Albuquerque. Marissa shares her experiences, challenges, and the harmony she has found between work and life. Plus, get a behind-the-scenes look at the intriguing world of the Z machine and the unexpected adventures it brought.
Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with insights on engineering, career growth, and the importance of mentorship. Whether you're an aspiring engineer or simply curious about the field, this episode offers a delightful blend of personal stories and professional wisdom.
Explore career opportunities and learn more about Blue Halo:
https://bluehalo.com/careers/
https://www.youtube.com/@BlueHalollc
Wednesday Oct 23, 2024
Wednesday Oct 23, 2024
How do you become a Librarian? What's the difference between public and academic libraries?
In this episode, Nadia shares her experiences of balancing a busy family life with her love for literature, the differences between public and academic libraries, and the vital role libraries play in communities. Explore the diverse resources libraries offer and their adaptability in an ever-evolving digital world.
Get ready for a lively discussion on the importance of mentorship, the joy of learning, and the unexpected surprises of library life. Plus, discover how libraries continue to be a cornerstone of community support and engagement.
Good Job New Mexico!
Stacy Johnston
Stacy Johnston is the Marketing and Communications Director for the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions. She started as a student intern and has continued to work for the Department for over 25 years. Over the course of her career, she pioneered the establishment of social media platforms within the department; was a founding employee of the department’s office of Communications, Marketing and Government Affairs, has spearheaded branding and marketing campaigns, and served a term as the Marketing Director for the National Association of Government Communicators. She graduated from the University of New Mexico and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing with an emphasis in Economics. Johnston was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is married, and has two sons, she enjoys being involved in the community and assisting with the employee volunteerism and engagement committee.
Karla Meléndez
Karla Meléndez is the Work-Based Learning Manager at the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions and the New Mexico Public Education Department. Karla brings a unique blend of educational and policy expertise to her role; she has spent a decade effectively driving initiatives that bridge the gap between education and workforce development. Her focus on fostering collaborations between public and private sectors has resulted in valuable experiential learning opportunities for young people and enhanced workforce development programs.
Good Job New Mexico is a Production of the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions | The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions is 85% Federally funded with ($106,960,200), and 15% ($18,543,600) financed by non-federal sources in state fiscal year 2024. | The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are the participants own and do not reflect the views of the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, or the New Mexico State Government.