Meet the Team Behind NM Local News Fund

Dedicated to strengthening local journalism, our team works to support newsrooms, empower storytellers, and ensure every New Mexican has access to reliable news.

Rashad Mahmood

Executive Director

Rashad Mahmood works to support local journalism in New Mexico as the Executive Director of the New Mexico Local News Fund. His focus is on local news equity, ensuring that people and communities all over the state have access to the news and information they need. Before coming to New Mexico a decade ago, he worked in international development in Washington DC, Egypt and Iraq. He has worked in print, online and radio journalism. In New Mexico he worked for the youth media organization Generation Justice and KUNM 89.9 FM Radio.

Denise Zubizarreta, MALCM

Director of Development + Communications

Denise Zubizarreta is the Director of Development and Communications at the New Mexico Local News Fund, where she supports local journalism by fostering strategic partnerships and amplifying storytelling that reflects the diverse communities of New Mexico. A seasoned arts and culture writer, she has contributed to publications such as Latina Media Co, The Latino Newsletter, Hyperallergic, and other leading publications that explore the intersections of identity, history, and contemporary culture. Denise holds a B.F.A. in Fine Art from Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design and an M.A. in Arts Leadership and Cultural Management from Colorado State University. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Applied Social Justice at Dominican University, bringing her expertise in cultural operations and media to the fight for equity and representation.

Diana Alba-Soular

Project Coordinator (Southern NM)

Diana Alba Soular is a New Mexico native who was raised in the state's Bootheel. She attended New Mexico State University, graduating with degrees in journalism and biology in 2004. She began work at the Las Cruces Sun-News as a reporter the same year. There, she covered numerous beats, including local government, public schools, higher education, border and immigration, water and agriculture, mental health, and Spaceport America. The highlight of her nearly 15-year-long career at the Sun-News came in 2018 when she was part of a team of USA Today Network journalists whose work was recognized with that year's Pulitzer Prize for explanatory journalism. In mid-2019, she left the newspaper to pursue independent writing projects, as well as to assist family.

Marco Lueras

Administrative Assistant

Marco Lueras is the Administrative Assistant at the New Mexico Local News Fund, where he supports operations, communications, and program logistics that strengthen local journalism across the state. With a background in public service, research, and community engagement, Marco brings a detail-oriented approach and a passion for supporting mission-driven work in New Mexico.

Mark Glaser

Advisor

Mark Glaser worked with the NM Local News Fund for four years. He helped run the Local News Accelerator program, provided fundraising support, lobbying and helped coordinate work for Press Forward New Mexico. He is now a a consultant and advisor with a focus on supporting local and independent news in America. He was the founder and executive director of MediaShift.org, and partners with Dot Connector Studio, working with the Knight Foundation and Tiny News Collective.

Sarah Gustavus Lim

Founder

Sarah founded the New Mexico Local News Fund and currently works at the Solutions Journalism Network. Her previous experience over nearly 15 years in public radio and television, including as Executive Producer of National Programs at the Native American-owned Koahnic Broadcast Corporation, helped her develop a deep understanding of the value of news that responds to the needs of communities. She holds an M.A in Media and Communication from City University London and a B.S. in Communication studies from the University of Texas at Austin.

Meet Our Advisory Committee

A diverse group of community leaders, journalists, and advocates working together to strengthen local news in New Mexico.

Marie C. Baca

JOURNALIST

Peter Howley

INVESTOR + ADVISOR

Lilly Irvin-Vitela

PRESIDENT: COMMUNITY CONNECTS CONSULTING

Trish Lopez

TEENIORS®

Jake McCook

SOCIAL IMPACT CONSULTANT

Denise Nava

ALBUQUERQUE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Mickey Reilly

SOCIAL JUSTICE ADVOCATE

Dr. Mohammad Yousuf

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR UNM DEPT. OF COMMUNICATIONS + JOURNALISM

Join Our Advisory Committee

Help shape the future of local news in New Mexico by lending your insights, experience, and community perspective to our Advisory Committee.

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