Lydia is a native New Mexican that is trained as a nutritionist. She is currently a health educator - cessation specialist with the New Mexico Department of Health - Nicotine Use Prevention and Control Program (NUPAC). She has worked with the CDC’s Comprehensive Cancer Program in New Mexico, was an assistant professor with New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service, was lead nutritionist with Albuquerque Public Schools (largest school district in New Mexico) and was a Research Scientist with the CDC Prevention Research Center at the University of New Mexico. She has undergraduate degrees in Biology and Nutrition and a graduate degree in Nutrition with an emphasis in health education. She has worked on health and wellness initiatives for infants to elders and all ages in-between. She is passionate about bringing equitable health and wellness initiatives to the citizens of New Mexico.