Concha Ortiz y Pino Building

Concha Ortiz y Pino, a name that resonates with the very spirit of New Mexico, graces the building before us. This building, the Concha Ortiz y Pino Building, stands as a testament to a woman who dedicated her life to serving others and championing the rights of the underrepresented. Concha Ortiz y Pino, born in Galisteo in 1910, hailed from a family deeply rooted in New Mexico’s history, with nine generations preceding her on this land. Her life’s work was a tapestry woven with threads of advocacy for people with disabilities, abused children, bilingual education, and women’s rights. In 1929, during the heart of the Great Depression, Ortiz y Pino established the Colonial Hispanic Crafts School. This vocational school became a sanctuary for traditional Hispanic arts, preserving skills like weaving, leatherworking, and furniture making. Ortiz y Pino’s own words paint a vivid picture of the school’s early days. For ninety days, she and her students, ranging in age from 40 to over 100, shared stories, riddles, dances, and songs, forging a bond that proved crucial to the school’s success. The school’s philosophy emphasized intergenerational connection. Each student crafted three items, one for a child, one for a parent, and one for themselves, symbolizing the importance of caring for all generations. Beyond technical skills, students learned essential life lessons in marketing and finance, fostering self-sufficiency and pride in their Hispanic heritage. The Concha Ortiz y Pino Building embodies the spirit of this remarkable woman. Her legacy extends beyond the school to her political career. In 1936, at the age of 26, she became the sixth generation of her family to serve in the New Mexico Legislature and the youngest American woman elected to state office at that time. Her legislative achievements included introducing New Mexico’s first bilingual education bill and sponsoring legislation granting women the right to serve on juries. She also played a key role in establishing the University of New Mexico’s School of Inter-American Affairs. Even in the male-dominated world of 1950s ranch life, Ortiz y Pino defied conventions. She embraced the practical attire of a working woman, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to breaking barriers. The Concha Ortiz y Pino Building stands not just as a government office but as a symbol of her enduring contributions to New Mexico.