From an advocate, to a legislative staffer, to the majority floor leader of the state House of Representatives, Reena Szczepanski has experienced New Mexico politics from a variety of perspectives. The Santa Fe Democrat joins “Around the Roundhouse” to share her story about her path to leadership and her push for representation throughout her career. 

Szczepanski shares what it was like to work with former House Speaker Brian Egolf as his chief of staff and how her time as a staffer and advocate has helped her in her current role. She also discusses her biggest priorities for the 60-day legislative session, including improving affordability of everyday life for New Mexicans and working to improve health care access. 

The first Asian American to hold a leadership position in the New Mexico legislature, Szczepanski also talks about her role in the effort to bring more women and people of color into state government. She speaks with pride on her time as executive director of Emerge New Mexico, an organization that has worked to increase the number of Democratic women in public office.