The tireless work of volunteers in Santa Fe and throughout Northern New Mexico has transformed communities, addressing critical needs such as food insecurity and child welfare; revitalizing landscapes and habitats; preserving heritage; and fostering arts and culture. The New Mexican has shined a spotlight on their inspiring stories through a nearly 4-decade-old awards program that aims to honor volunteers, raise awareness of their important causes and promote volunteerism itself.

We continue this holiday tradition, which began in 1985, with our 10 Who Made a Difference honorees for 2023.

This year’s series begins with Bruce Black, a retired state and federal court judge who can be founding lifeguarding at a city pool, volunteering at a local shelter or serving on a nonprofit board.

Phyllis Bustamante is busy, too. She spends her days sprucing up city parks, stocking shelves at the food bank and building homes with Habitat for Humanity.

Among the honorees are Liz Delfs, who shares her collection of miniature equines to help children with disabilities or struggling with trauma; Tony Guiles, who advocates for foster kids; “Chaplain Joe” Dudziak, whose street outreach mission delivers goods needed for survival to those in the homeless community; and Carmella Montoya, who runs a shelter where ill and elderly dogs can live in comfort.

Arlo Namingha mentors young artists and maintains Indigenous traditions.

Betty Sisneros Shover, a leader at NAMI Santa Fe, teaches families to cope with mental illness, while Richard White helps children cope with grief.

And Madeleine Wright, founder of the Santa Fe Soul Festival, brings awareness of African American art, music and dance.

The New Mexican is publishing each of their stories in hopes of inspiring others to give back to their communities.