Enchantment State News

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced the appointment of Mariana Padilla as Cabinet Secretary for the New Mexico Public Education Department.

Padilla has been the Director of the New Mexico Children’s Cabinet since the start of the administration, leading child and family well-being initiatives. She also serves as the Governor’s senior education policy advisor, overseeing early childhood, K-12, and higher education. In this role, Padilla has shaped program, policy, and budget priorities while working across state agencies to implement key initiatives and system-wide improvements. Her accomplishments include establishing the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department, launching a statewide literacy initiative, and driving the Governor’s Cradle to Career education agenda supporting students from birth through college and career readiness.

“Mariana’s deep roots in New Mexico and her lifelong commitment to children and families make her the right leader for this moment,” Gov. Lujan Grisham said. “Her work has been instrumental in shaping our state’s education system, and I am confident that she will continue to bring positive change for New Mexico’s students.”

Padilla has served as acting cabinet secretary for both the Public Education Department and the Children, Youth and Families Department. She has also been involved with numerous boards and councils, including the Public School Capital Outlay Council.

As Secretary, Padilla aims to improve academic achievement, increase student attendance and engagement, ensure on-time graduation, and create pathways to college and career. She is committed to building school communities where all students feel supported.

“I am incredibly honored to be appointed by Gov. Lujan Grisham to lead the New Mexico Public Education Department,” Padilla said. “My career has been focused on serving the communities and families of our state. I am committed to working collaboratively with students, families, educators, and community partners to achieve the outcomes we all want to see. As a parent of grade school students, I share the sense of urgency to deliver for our kids.”

Padilla began her career as an elementary school teacher in Albuquerque’s South Valley. She later earned dual master’s degrees in community and regional planning and water resources from the University of New Mexico. Before becoming Director of the Children’s Cabinet, she served as state director for then-Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham for six years.

A native New Mexican raised in Albuquerque’s South Valley where she attended Albuquerque Public Schools alongside her three siblings; Padilla was inspired by her parents who were both retired educators. She is married with three daughters who attend public schools in Santa Fe.