The New Mexico Commission on the Status of Women was created in 1975 to address issues critical to women’s advancement, which at that time included issues ranging from women having credit in their own name to adoption of the Equal Rights Amendment. Recently, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham re-funded the Commission to ensure a focus on addressing issues critical to the success of all New Mexican women.

In the last several years, the Commission has focused primarily on organizational development including hiring an executive director and developing internal policies and procedures. The  Commission is moving into a new phase and desires to be outward-facing and engaging in substantive, issue-based work. The Commission is committed to engaging in this work mindfully and strategically by developing guiding vision and mission statements and creating a comprehensive plan for the next three years. 

The Commission hired Single Space Strategies to engage in qualitative research including interviews with sitting Commissioners and partner organizations as well as conducting a survey of what issues New Mexicans want the Commission to work on. Overall 14 interviews were conducted and over 100 people participated in the survey. Single Space utilized this background data to engage in strategic planning with the Commission.