Women’s Public Leadership Network (WPLN) is excited to continue our podcast series, Tips From The Trail, hosted by WPLN Founder & President Larissa Martinez, where we explore the path to political office, from the decision to run to election day.
This month, we are excited to feature special guest Maralyn Beck, a true force for change and the Founder & Executive Director of New Mexico Child First, New Mexico’s only nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children in foster care and empowering those who serve them. Maralyn is also a member of WPLN’s Impact Council, a coalition of men and women from across the United States who provide critical guidance and feedback to our team.
In our latest installment of Tips From The Trail, Larissa Martinez sits down with Maralyn Beck to explore how a strong sense of purpose is the foundation for effective leadership. Maralyn candidly shares her personal journey and insights on overcoming hesitation, translating passion into action, and building a supportive network to lead with conviction.
Maralyn’s story is a testament to the importance of having strong principles behind that initial step into leadership. “I became a single foster parent in 2018 and I realized firsthand just how broken the foster care system was,” Maralyn recounts. “I looked nationally, I looked locally, and I tried to find an organization to come in and improve things. It didn't exist, so I started one, and seven years later, here we are!”
That moment of realization, the very real awareness of a critical need in her community, ignited a fire within Maralyn. Having established her principles from the very beginning, she was able to overcome the challenges that followed. Whether it was tirelessly working to pass her bills or dealing with criticism from her peers, she channeled her frustration and personal experiences into a powerful force for positive change.
“Conviction and passion will get you where you want to go,” Maralyn affirms. “There are some things that are too important not to see over the finish line. Education, child welfare… These are important issues so when that gets deep in your blood it’s easy to push forward.”
Maralyn’s dedication shines as an example of what WPLN strives to cultivate: women who are ready to lead and make a tangible difference in their communities. Check out the full episode on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.
MORE ABOUT THE GUEST: Maralyn Beck is the Founder and Executive Director of New Mexico Child First Network, New Mexico’s only nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children in foster care and empowering those who serve them. Maralyn is a former single foster parent, having personally fostered over 39 children, aging from newborn to 17. Maralyn has played an integral role in the ongoing efforts to reform New Mexico’s child welfare system, the foster care system, and the Plan of Safe Care law for substance-exposed newborns. She has previously worked for New Mexico’s governor, the state legislature, and Albuquerque Public Schools' communications department. Maralyn co-founded Rise New Mexico to educate, unite, and inspire other local female leaders.