Janice Varela, Community Organizer ♦ organizer@lasacequias.org

Janice was raised in Pecos, NM. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1998 from Highlands University where she studied political science, environmental science, and Spanish. Janice was hired as the Community Organizer for NMAA in 2004. She conducts outreach and provides technical assistance to acequias throughout the state, and she also assists with various membership tasks. 

Janice also works for the Rio de las Gallinas Acequia Association, where she assists with defense of water rights during adjudication proceedings. She is also a board member on the Upper Pecos Watershed Association. Janice has been active in acequia and environmental justice issues in New Mexico for many years.

Janice enjoys swimming, spending time with her grandson, Demetri, and going for hikes in the Pecos wilderness.