Elaine Sena Cortez

Elaine Alice Sena Cortez is a long-term resident of 32 years in Hobbs, New Mexico.  She graduated from the University of the Southwest in 2006 with her Bachelor of Business Administration and her minor in Marketing.  Elaine began her career as an educator at King’s Gate Academy where she was a teacher for one year, then became a principal for the following seven years.  In 2010, Elaine became an Overseas Director.  She has traveled to 11 countries around the world, many in which she worked in orphanages, AIDS hospices, and schools teaching children English.

In 2012, Elaine graduated from Eastern New Mexico University with her Master of Business Administration.  Elaine Sena is also a member of Delta Mu Delta, the international Honor Society in Business Administration, recognized for her high scholastic achievement by graduating in the top 20% of her class.  In 2011, Elaine was named Outstanding Young Woman of the Year by the Hobbs Jaycees. In 2014, Elaine was given the Distinguished Young Alumna Award from the University of the Southwest for her extraordinary, personal and professional achievements and her commitment to the USW.  In 2016, Elaine graduated from Leadership New Mexico’s Connect Program.  In 2018, Elaine graduated from the Maddox Leadership Institute.  In August 2018, she began pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration degree. March 2019, she became a Board Member for Viante New Mexico.  She believes in educating voters on the decisions legislators are making for us.  Knowledge is power. Elaine serves on the Board of Trustees for the University of the Southwest. She is also a faithful member of King’s Gate Church.

Elaine Sena Cortez is currently the Executive Director of MyPower, Inc., the largest youth development program in Lea County.  She took over the position in January 2013.  MyPower has three programs which are designed to empower girls to make good choices, set goals, succeed academically, and avoid teen pregnancy.  MyPower began in 2010 with just 24 girls at Southern Heights Elementary School.  To date, MyPower has grown tremendously and actively works in 12 schools and has worked with more than 6,000 girls since 2010. Currently, she has 1,577 students in MyPower’s three programs.  Each year, she discusses the teen pregnancy issue with more than 1,200 community members and parents.

Elaine has 17 years of non-profit experience as an educator, principal, mentor to young girls, and Executive Director. Elaine encourages these young women to be brave with their lives and to dream big.  Her passion is to serve God by serving her community.