
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
Wednesday Jun 05, 2024
Nurse Practitioner: Be Nice to your Nurses
Wednesday Jun 05, 2024
Wednesday Jun 05, 2024
How do you become a nurse?
Join hosts Stacy Johnston and Karla Meléndez in this episode of "Good Job, New Mexico" as they chat with Jess Wood, a nurse practitioner
Jess shares her journey of balancing multiple jobs, and the importance of continuous learning in healthcare. She also offers valuable advice for aspiring nurses and recounts memorable patient encounters.
Wednesday May 22, 2024
Purchasing Manager: The Work Route
Wednesday May 22, 2024
Wednesday May 22, 2024
Join hosts Stacy Johnston and Karla Meléndez as they chat with Ryan Kennedy, the Project Purchasing Manager for Cupertino Electric, currently working on the Meta project in Los Lunas. Ryan shares insights into his career and the purchasing field.
Tune in to hear Ryan’s inspiring story—a testament to resilience, seizing opportunities, and how a diverse career path can lead to unexpected and rewarding destinations.
Wednesday May 08, 2024
Program Director: Just Keep Dreaming
Wednesday May 08, 2024
Wednesday May 08, 2024
Join hosts Stacy Johnston and Karla Meléndez in this episode of "Good Job, New Mexico" as they chat with Sophie Trusty, the Program Director at Mandy's Farm.
Sophie shares her journey from New Hampshire to New Mexico and her passion for agriculture and special education. Discover how Mandy's Farm supports individuals with disabilities to live fulfilling lives, breaking down stereotypes along the way.
Learn about the challenges and rewards of advocating for inclusivity in the community. Join the conversation and be inspired to make a difference in your community. Become a volunteer today at Mandy's Farm: https://www.mandysfarm.org/volunteer
Interested in other service or volunteer opportunities? Check out AmeriCorps: https://americorps.gov/about
Wednesday Apr 24, 2024
Pre-Apprenticeship: These Boots!
Wednesday Apr 24, 2024
Wednesday Apr 24, 2024
What is Pre-Apprenticeship?
Join hosts Stacy Johnston and Karla Meléndez as they dive into the world of pre-apprenticeship with special guest Sade Smith. In this episode, Sade shares her journey from her very first job to her experience as the first pre-apprentice with the Department of Workforce Solutions.
With engaging conversation and practical advice, this episode offers a glimpse into the world of pre-apprenticeship and its impact on young professionals like Sade. So, whether you're considering a pre-apprenticeship or simply curious about career-building opportunities, join us on "Good Job, New Mexico" for an insightful discussion.
For more information on pre-apprenticeship and other programs, visit https://www.dws.state.nm.us/en-us/Job-Seekers/Explore-Career-Options/Apprenticeship
Good Job New Mexico!
Monday Apr 15, 2024
Good Job New Mexico Trailer
Monday Apr 15, 2024
Monday Apr 15, 2024
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.
Tuesday Apr 09, 2024
Meet Your Hosts!
Tuesday Apr 09, 2024
Tuesday Apr 09, 2024
The podcast "Good Job, New Mexico" features hosts Stacy Johnston and Karla Meléndez from the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions. In each episode, they delve into various aspects of individuals' work lives, exploring different career paths and transitions. The hosts share personal anecdotes, discuss their own career journeys, and engage in insightful conversations with guests from diverse industries and career stages.
In the debut episode, Stacy and Karla introduce themselves, sharing tidbits about their backgrounds, career aspirations, and influences. Through a conversational format, they touch on topics such as career changes, mentorship, workplace dynamics, and the importance of supporting youth in career exploration.

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.