Meet CNM's Navigators

Adriana Naranjo

Adriana Naranjo was born and raised in Albuquerque and has a strong connection to this community. Adriana originally worked as a CNM student employee, found immense joy in helping fellow students navigate their academic journey, and is currently working towards her Associate's in Business. She is determined to equip herself with the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career. 

Adriana loves to spend time with friends and family, whether it's exploring the local attractions, enjoying the beautiful outdoors, or simply engaging in meaningful conversations.

Adriana's advice is to never give up because great things take time. Every step forward, no matter how small, brings us closer to our goals and dreams. She is excited to continue her journey, grow as an individual, and make a positive impact on the lives of others.

Sabrina Cordero 

Sabrina Cordero is a native New Mexican with a passion for our state's diversity and rich culture. She is experienced in helping others succeed in education and in life. Sabrina is also a graduate of CNM who is currently working toward her bachelor's degree at UNM.

Sabrina likes being active, spending time in nature, traveling, and being with family and friends. She also loves photography, baseball, and meeting new people. In her spare time, Sabrina enjoys a good book. 

What excites Sabrina most about her work as a Navigator is helping students realize their own potential because, as she says, "Education is the one thing that no one can take away from you!" Sabrina believes that there is no limit to how far the students she helps can go, and she is ready to help them get there. One of Sabrina's favorite quotes is from Roy T. Bennett: "Change begins the moment you get the courage and step outside your comfort zone.”

You can reach Sabrina at nav2@cnm.edu or schedule a time to meet.

Diego Montoya 

Diego Montoya was born in Albuquerque and raised in Magdalena, New Mexico, where his family has lived for generations. 

Before coming to work at CNM, Diego graduated from the University of New Mexico, where he earned a bachelor's degree. As an AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) tutor for APS, Diego guided middle and high school students to achieve their goals of higher education.

Diego is a music fan and New Mexico United supporter. He is a proud New Mexican, loves to support his culture and traditions, and believes that you are never too young or too old to start learning.

You can reach Diego at nav6@cnm.edu or schedule a time to meet.

Abigail Muñiz

Abigail Muñiz (Abby) is a Mеxican-American whose family comes from Chihuahua, Mеxico. She was born and raised in Albuquеrquе and earned her associatе dеgrее in Psychology as a dual-credit student at the College and Career High School. Abby will be gеtting her bachelor's in psychology with a minor in Chicana/o Studiеs in Summer 2024. 

Abby started her journey at CNM as a work-study student for Studеnt Succеss before becoming a Contact Center information specialist. She served as the Campus Manager for CNM Rio Rancho before she joined the Navigator team.

Abby has met and worked with pеoplе from many different backgrounds, cultures, and agеs during her work and study at CNM. She bеliеvеs еvеryonе dеsеrvеs еmpathy, support, and еncouragеmеnt no mattеr what thеir goals may bе or whеrе lifе may takе thеm. 

You can reach Abby at nav5@cnm.edu or schedule a time to meet.

Diana Sandoval 

Diana Sandoval was born in Mexico and relocated to Albuquerque at age nine. She is a first-generation college student who attended CNM after high school and worked as a CNM work-study in Scholarships before transferring to UNM, where she earned her bachelor degree. 

CNM's values and Diana's passion for helping students led her back to CNM, where she worked for Admissions and now as a Navigator. She uses her experiences as a former student to help her students succeed and achieve their goals.

Diana enjoys traveling and spending time with her family. She is a strong believer that small actions can make big differences.

You can reach Diana at nav4@cnm.edu or schedule a time to meet. 

Sophia Secrest

Born and raised in Albuquerque, Sophia Secrest graduated from the University of New Mexico, where she earned her bachelor's degree in computer science.    

During her time as a student at UNM, Sophia worked as a lab instructor and found her passion in guiding her fellow peers toward their academic goals. Upon graduation, Sophia made it her mission to help other students be successful in their educational aspirations. She began her career with CNM in the fall of 2022 and is honored to help support students as they navigate college. 

In her spare time, Sophia loves spending time with her family and her adorable dog, Coal. She also enjoys gardening, traveling, playing video games, and is a firm believer in living in the moment because: “Today is the only place where we can find the path to a better tomorrow."

 You can reach Sophia at nav1@cnm.edu or schedule a time to meet.

Amber Hickman

Amber Hickman, a proud member of the Kin Ya'áanii tribe, was born and raised in Grants, New Mexico. Straight out of high school, she embarked on her educational journey at CNM. Initially starting as a CNM Student Employee and Contact Center Specialist, Amber found joy in assisting fellow students and excelled in her studies, earning two associate degrees from CNM. Currently, Amber is pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration with a focus on Marketing at New Mexico State University.

Beyond her academic pursuits, Amber is deeply connected to her Native American heritage and values. In her spare time, she indulges in activities like barrel racing, gardening, traveling, and cherishing moments with her family. One of Amber's core beliefs is encapsulated in the phrase: "It doesn’t matter what others are doing, it matters what you’re doing." This philosophy underscores her dedication to personal growth and excellence in all aspects of her life.

You can reach Amber at nav3@cnm.edu or schedule a time to meet.