At the Southwest Women’s Law Center, our dedicated staff brings a powerful combination of legal expertise, public health advocacy, policy development, and community engagement to the fight for gender equity in New Mexico. Each team member is deeply committed to advancing reproductive rights, economic security, and social justice for women and girls across the state. Meet the leaders working on the front lines to build a more equitable future.
Terrelene Massey
Executive Director
Terrelene holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of New Mexico School of Law, and a Master of Public Affairs from the University of Texas at Austin, Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs. She is licensed to practice law in New Mexico and the Navajo Nation. Terrelene most recently served as the Executive Director of the Navajo Division of Social Services. She was appointed by the President of the Navajo Nation and confirmed by the Navajo Nation Council. She served in this capacity from May 2015 to January 2019. Prior to her appointment with the Navajo Nation, Terrelene was employed as an attorney at Johnson Barnhouse & Keegan, LLP, in Albuquerque. She also served as a staff attorney at New Mexico Legal Aid, Inc., where she provided legal services to low-income clients regarding federal Indian law, family law, and tribal law matters.
Terrelene previously worked as the Tribal Liaison for the New Mexico Human Services Department where she managed tribal-related projects impacting Native American health and human services programs. Terrelene also served as the Associate Director of Honoring Nations at the Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development, Harvard University, where she co-authored reports and case studies evaluating tribal sovereignty programs and governmental best practices. Terrelene is originally from Pinon, Arizona, and is a tribal member of the Navajo Nation.
Tracy McDaniel
MPH, Policy Director
Tracy is a long-time advocate for women and families. Most recently, she coordinated a large coalition focused on improving the health and well-being of young children and their families in central New Mexico. Her past professional experience has included health promotion, birth work, lactation support, and advocating for survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence. Born and raised in Appalachia, she has had the pleasure of working, playing, and raising her three children in the East Mountains since 2009. Tracy holds a BA in Psychology and Women’s Studies from Miami University, a graduate certificate in Maternal Child Health Epidemiology from the University of Arizona, and a Master of Public Health degree from the University of New Mexico.
Hailey Zock
Staff Attorney
Hailey holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of New Mexico School of Law and Bachelors of Arts in Political Science and Psychology. Prior to joining the Southwest Women’s Law Center, she was a Public Defender in the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court where she enjoyed advocating for her clients. Hailey has been a long-time advocate for marginalized populations and has found her passion in giving a voice to those who are underrepresented.
Theresa Padilla
Office Manager
Theresa was a stay-at-home mom for 15 years. During this time, she received her degree in business administration. Theresa has a great passion for working with children and families in need and has done so for many years; through her volunteer work with a non-profit organization, Friends Feeding Friends NM. She hopes to be a great asset and do great work with Southwest Women’s Law Center and continue to be an advocate for women’s and families rights.
Jennifer Z. Paulsen
Development Director
Jennifer has worked in various roles during her nonprofit career, including fund development, volunteer management, event planning, and grant writing. She spent over 15 years working in organizations addressing homelessness in Salt Lake City and Austin. Jennifer has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. Outside of work, she loves exploring the trails with her husband and dog and taking advantage of the beauty New Mexico has to offer.
Roberto Rivas
Program Associate
Roberto holds a Bachelors Degree from the University of New Mexico in Community Health Education. Born and raised in New Mexico. Before joining the Southwest Women’s Law Center, he was a Volunteer Resource Coordinator with Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Roberto has a passion for educating and presenting to diverse populations.
