Strengthening Our Mission with Dedication and Resilience
At Paws and Stripes, we believe in the power of resilience, dedication, and the spirit of gratitude. We are thrilled to announce the addition of three remarkable individuals to our Board of Directors: Sierra Chinana, Matt Loehman, and Sonya Bellafant. Their unique talents, combined with an unwavering commitment to our mission, promise to bring renewed energy and fresh perspectives to our organization. As we extend a warm welcome, we’re also filled with gratitude for their willingness to join us on this important journey.
Our new board members bring a shared dedication to the mission of Paws and Stripes: empowering Veterans and rescuing dogs to create partnerships that promote healing and growth. In the face of challenges, they embody the spirit of resilience that both our Veterans and dogs inspire in us each day. They understand the importance of working together to overcome obstacles and are committed to supporting Paws and Stripes as we continue to grow, adapt, and build new ways to serve.
We are delighted to welcome Sierra Chinana, who brings a strong dedication to community empowerment. Originally from Jemez Pueblo, NM, and now based in Albuquerque, Sierra spent over eight years managing Wright's Gallery, a Native American art gallery, where she worked closely with nonprofits to raise funds benefiting Native American Pueblos across New Mexico. Currently, Sierra works as a Territory Specialist for a mobile wound care clinic, gaining firsthand insight into healthcare challenges in underserved communities. With family members and a partner who are Veterans, Sierra is passionate about Paws and Stripes' mission to support Veterans and rescue dogs, and she is eager to make a meaningful impact on our board.
We are also honored to welcome Matt Loehman, the Executive Director of Horizons of New Mexico, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, especially service-disabled Veterans, under the New Mexico State Use Act. A native of Albuquerque, Matt has been active in the nonprofit sector since 2009 and has served on nonprofit and public boards since 2015. His admiration for Paws and Stripes’ work addressing PTSD and other invisible disabilities in Veterans, combined with his interactions with our board and staff, inspired him to join us in advancing our mission.
Lastly, we’re thrilled to have Sonya Bellafant join us. She serves as the Executive Director of New Mexico Legal Aid (NMLA), a nationally acclaimed civil legal aid organization. Sonya oversees a team of over 100 dedicated professionals, including 61 attorneys, across eleven offices with an annual budget of approximately $12 million. Her background includes founding and leading 603 Legal Aid in New Hampshire and spearheading the Tennessee Senior Law Alliance, where she developed statewide initiatives for vulnerable seniors. Sonya’s expertise in advocacy and leadership aligns deeply with the values of Paws and Stripes, making her a valuable addition to our board.
With the insight and guidance of Sierra, Sonya, and Matt, we are positioned to advance our mission and achieve our goals. Their leadership will play a crucial role in helping us expand our reach, enrich our services, and deepen our impact in the lives of those we serve.
Please join us in extending heartfelt thanks and a warm welcome to Sierra, Matt, and Sonya. Together, we will continue to create life-changing connections and, in doing so, ensure that Paws and Stripes remains a place of hope, healing, and resilience for years to come.
-Stacy Bruce, Executive Director
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