Katie and Ian Esquibel want to challenge the idea that Albuquerque suffers from brain drain. They hope to pass on their love of the city and state as a vibrant, engaged place by dedicating themselves to improving the community through board service with multiple local nonprofits and volunteering with the Foundation.

“As two people who graduated from public schools here, we hope that our family is a counter-narrative to the myth. We choose to stay here because we love the land and the people. There isn’t a job anywhere else that pays enough money to pull us away,” says Ian.

The couple are long-time members of Future Fund, and credit the group as a meaningful way for younger adults to get connected and stay informed about organizations and causes in Albuquerque. Katie, a business manager at Sandia Labs with nonprofit career experience, is a past president of Future Fund, and currently a member of the Foundation’s Advancement Committee. Ian, a consultant in the racial equity and social justice space, used to work at the Foundation. He participates in the Foundation’s Grants Committee.

The Esquibels are instilling the value of giving in their children: daughter Aurora, six, and son Javi, four. It is important to them that their kids see philanthropy as more than writing checks. “We talk with them about gratitude and privilege and how to be a part of community. We want them to contribute their time, leadership, and work, because it all counts as investment into our community,” Katie says.