Arial DeHerrera
Albuquerque
Summary
Dedicated aerospace industry professional with a strong background in business administration, program leadership, strategic partnerships, and stakeholder engagement. Currently serving as Vice President of Programs at NewSpace Nexus, leading statewide aerospace initiatives, innovation programs, and industry engagement efforts supporting government, commercial, and academic partners. Experienced in organizing large-scale conferences and events across multiple states, securing public and private funding opportunities, supporting business growth, and advancing New Mexico’s space ecosystem through collaboration with industry, federal agencies, investors, and congressional stakeholders.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Co-founder, Vice President of Programs
NewSpace New Mexico dba NewSpace Nexus
Albuquerque
01.2024 - Current
- Lead development and execution of the NewSpace Ignitor program, supporting 64 organizations through business development services, partnership facilitation, strategic guidance, and funding opportunities that contributed to securing more than $200 million in government, investor, and industry funding.
- Lead strategic partnerships and engagement efforts with government, industry, academic, and investor stakeholders to expand aerospace innovation and economic development opportunities.
- Collaborate with federal agencies, congressional offices, industry leaders, and ecosystem partners to help shape opportunities for aerospace companies to procure funding, pursue contracts, and expand commercialization pathways.
- Coordinate and implement high-visibility industry engagement initiatives including the State of the Space Industrial Base Conference, fostering collaboration between defense, commercial space, research, and economic development stakeholders.
- Oversaw programs including Stakeholder Engagement, NewSpace Ignitor, NewSpace Launchpad, Pathways to the Stars, and State of the Space Industrial Base Conference, supervising personnel for operational execution.
- Managed relationships with aerospace companies in shared laboratory, co-innovation, and collaborative workspaces, supervising employees and interns for program execution and stakeholder engagement.
- Directed and hosted more than 200 aerospace and innovation-focused events across five states utilizing in-person, virtual, and hybrid platforms, ranging from executive meetings and workshops to conferences supporting 20 to 300+ attendees.
- Supported strategic advocacy initiatives focused on congressional plus-ups, grant acquisition, and long-term sustainability funding for New Mexico’s aerospace ecosystem.
Director of Engagement
NewSpace New Mexico dba NewSpace Nexus
Albuquerque
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Led the “Unite” initiatives of NewSpace Nexus, organizing more than 60 aerospace and innovation events annually to promote industry networking, collaboration, and growth across the space sector.
- Developed and managed the NewSpace Ignitor program, providing resources, strategic guidance, and ecosystem support to emerging aerospace companies and startups.
- Coordinated engagement with Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), Spaceport America, industry leaders, research institutions, and economic development stakeholders to foster collaboration and innovation in the aerospace sector.
- Managed relationship-building and outreach initiatives to enhance collaboration among government, industry, academia, and entrepreneurial partners, driving strategic partnerships and resource sharing.
Operations Manager
NewSpace New Mexico dba NewSpace Nexus
Albuquerque
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Led the “Unite” initiatives of NewSpace Nexus, organizing more than 60 aerospace and innovation events annually to promote industry networking, collaboration, and growth across the space sector.
- Developed and managed the NewSpace Ignitor program, providing resources, strategic guidance, and ecosystem support to emerging aerospace companies and startups.
- Coordinated engagement with Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), Spaceport America, industry leaders, research institutions, and economic development stakeholders to foster strategic partnerships.
- Supported relationship management and outreach to enhance collaboration between government, industry, academia, and entrepreneurial partners.
Associate Marketing Specialist
NewSpace New Mexico dba NewSpace Nexus
Albuquerque
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Promoted NewSpace New Mexico by organizing and preparing events, including the 2021 Hybrid and 2020 Virtual State of the Space Industrial Base Workshop, 2020 and 2021 Virtual STEM Career Fairs, and monthly T5s, enhancing visibility and engagement.
- Coordinated website updates, managed registrations, set up Zoom/AV logistics, and facilitated communication across teams from various organizations to ensure seamless event execution.
- Developed proposals securing funding for NewSpace New Mexico’s initiatives while managing social media platforms and conducting media outreach to raise awareness and support.
Education
Master of Business Administration -
University of New Mexico - Anderson School of Management
01-2021
Bachelor of Arts - Latin American Studies, Spanish, Biology, Chemistry
University of New Mexico
01-2019
Skills
- Program Development and Management
- Strategic Growth and Partnership Management
- Grant Writing and Administration
- Program Evaluation
- Stakeholder Engagement & Event Management
- Marketing Strategies
- Website Development
- LEAN and EOS Management
- Problem solving
- Public Speaking
Affiliations
- Professional Aerospace Contractors Association (PACA), Member, Briefing for Industry Committee, Active participant in initiatives promoting the growth of New Mexico’s aerospace sector.
- Professional Aerospace Contractors Association (PACA), Board Member, Program Chair
Certifications Awards
- Leadership New Mexico's Connect Program Graduate, 2024
- Albuquerque Business First's 'Who's Who in Aerospace', 2024
- New Mexico's Inno Under 25 Honoree, 2024
Timeline
Co-founder, Vice President of Programs
NewSpace New Mexico dba NewSpace Nexus
01.2024 - Current
Director of Engagement
NewSpace New Mexico dba NewSpace Nexus
01.2023 - 01.2024
Operations Manager
NewSpace New Mexico dba NewSpace Nexus
01.2021 - 01.2023
Associate Marketing Specialist
NewSpace New Mexico dba NewSpace Nexus
01.2020 - 01.2021
Master of Business Administration -
University of New Mexico - Anderson School of Management
Bachelor of Arts - Latin American Studies, Spanish, Biology, Chemistry
University of New Mexico