Sonya Bellafant, Executive Director
Sonya Bellafant currently serves as the Executive Director of New Mexico Legal Aid. With a background in law and extensive experience in the field, Sonya has played pivotal roles in legal aid initiatives, including founding 603 Legal Aid in Concord, NH, and directing the Tennessee Senior Law Alliance in Nashville.
Licensed in Illinois, Michigan, New Hampshire, Tennessee, and now New Mexico, Sonya earned her law degree from Michigan State University. Before joining NMLA, she contributed to various legal programs and demonstrated her commitment to enforcing, advancing, and defending the legal rights of low-income and vulnerable families. Sonya’s career includes roles at Legal Aid of Western Michigan, Legal Aid & Defender, Legal Services of Eastern Michigan, and U.AW. Legal Services.
Beyond her legal endeavors, Sonya is actively involved in supporting trial advocacy skills through the National Institute for Trial Advocacy and mentors aspiring minority students. With a background in advertising for firms such as Bozell Worldwide and Campbell Ewald, she brings a diverse skill set to her roles.
In her leisure time, Sonya enjoys the company of her terriers, Gracie, Scipio, and Taos. As a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., she engages in community service and mentors those aspiring to enter the legal profession. Additionally, Sonya pursues hobbies like quilting, crocheting, and jogging.
Board of Directors
The New Mexico Legal Aid Board of Directors consists of members from across New Mexico, nominated and elected by their peers.
Our Board of Directors include:
- Karen Meyers, Esq., Chair
- Carlos Marentes, Vice-Chair
- Paul Abrams, Esq.
- Luz Valverde, Esq., Secretary
- Stuart Bluestone, Esq.
- David Eisenberg, Esq.
- Maria Garcia Geer, Esq.
- Gerardo Gayton
- Torri Jacobus, Esq.
- Oma Jones
- Naava Koenigsberg
- James Martin, Esq., Treasurer
- Erika Pirotte, Esq.
- Michael Reyes, Esq.
- Ashley Sanders
- Guadalupe Torrez
- Joe Zebas, Esq.
- Joy Applewhite, Esq
- Alicia “Sunny” Apodaca
Click here to see a list of Board Committees and their members.
Want to Join Our Board?
If you are interested in joining our board, please email us at boardofdirectors@nmlegalaid.org.
