YPA Connects: Voices of the Next Generation
In partnership with the Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance (AREA)
Hear from a panel of our city's next generation of leaders across real estate, planning, science, technology, and venture capital.
What does Albuquerque's growth look like? Who’s helping shape it? Join Young Professionals of Albuquerque and the Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance for a conversation with the next generation of leaders in our city, including folks from Generation Elevate New Mexico, a pro-growth organization in our city, our state's booming startup and technology ecosystem, and the New Mexico Economic Development Department.
Food and two (2) drink tickets will be provided!
Venue
Outpost 1706
301 Romero St NW Suite 205, Albuquerque, NM 87104
Thank you to Generation Elevate New Mexico (GENM) for sponsoring the venue!
Run of Show
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5:00 – 5:30: Registration & Networking
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5:30 – 5:45: Event Introduction with AREA
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5:45 – 6:30: Panel
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6:30 – 6:45: Q&A with Panelists
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6:45 – 7: Networking & Event Close
Meet the Speakers
Ciaran Lithgow, Community Planner, Bohannan Huston, Inc.
Ciaran Lithgow is a community planner with eight years of public and private experience in New Mexico. They have contributed to a variety of community development projects, crafting realistic strategies tailored to the local context. Through market analysis, public engagement, and funding research, Ciaran helps communities realize their potential. Notable projects include the Albuquerque Rail Trail Framework Plan—a project for which they secured $25M in construction funding—the Santa Fe Street Design Guide, and the Gallup East/West Interchange project. Ciaran is a community and transportation planner at Bohannan Huston, Inc. They also serve on the board of Generation Elevate New Mexico, which they helped found, and Sol Housing, a nonprofit affordable housing developer.
Micah Gray, Real Estate Advisor, NAI SunVista
Micah Gray is a commercial real estate advisor at NAI SunVista, specializing in office sales and leasing. A University of New Mexico MBA graduate and former Lobo football player, he brings a competitive, team-driven mindset to both his career and his leadership across multiple statewide organizations supporting young professionals. Passionate about development and community impact, Micah is actively involved in boards and initiatives that advance opportunity, leadership, and economic growth throughout New Mexico.
Lindsay Humphries, Associate Director, New Mexico Economic Development Department Technology and Innovation Office
Lindsay has built her career around innovation, entrepreneurship, and fostering a growth mindset. From the moment she moved to New Mexico, she knew she wanted to be a champion for this incredible state. She began her professional journey as an elementary school teacher — an experience that laid the foundation for her professional brand and shaped her strengths in leading teams, managing multiple priorities, and developing clear visions, expectations, and operating procedures while building strong, values-driven culture through meaningful relationships. She later served as Senior Program Manager at ActivateNM, supporting early-stage companies, and as Program Director at Junior Achievement of New Mexico, inspiring future entrepreneurs. Lindsay proudly “drank the Kool-Aid” and fell in love with New Mexico — and feels honored to support startups, small business growth, and economic development while fully embracing the state’s outdoor lifestyle, from snowboarding and paddle boarding to camping with her family. She also volunteers with Junior Achievement of New Mexico to inspire the next generation of young entrepreneurs, guided by the beliefs to “be somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody” and "keep moving forward."
Christian Slough, Venture Scout, VamosVentures
Christian works at the intersection of startups, talent, and innovation infrastructure in New Mexico. Through his work with STEM Boomerang and Scaleway Consulting, he helps advanced energy, aerospace, and advanced computing startups grow by building teams, raising capital, and navigating state and federal resources. His work includes securing non-dilutive funding, leveraging economic development incentives, and connecting companies to national laboratory partnerships for research and development. He also scouts early-stage investment opportunities for VamosVentures, identifying promising founders and technologies.
Street parking and lot parking is available around the Old Town area.