Few people can say that they started a company, created a new product or solidified a leadership role in an emerging sector.
An even smaller group can say they did any of those things by the time they hit their mid-20s. When you find those young innovative trailblazers, they should be celebrated. And that is exactly what we are doing via our inaugural Inno Under 25 honorees.
You might have noticed the recent launch of New Mexico Inno, a platform dedicated to covering local innovation. Inno Under 25 is simply one of the many ways we plan to highlight the talent and entrepreneurial work happening right here in the Land of Enchantment.
So, how did we pick our first group of Inno Under 25 honorees? Inno reporter Collin Krabbe did what any good reporter does — his research. He contacted the local universities and leaders in the startup sector and asked about emerging talent. He then whittled down the recommendations and conducted an interview with each honoree.
This week, you will be able to read about each honoree online and in the Sept. 17 edition of the print publication. After you read about these innovators, you are likely to be left with one major takeaway: The future certainly looks bright for New Mexico.
-Meagan Nichols
For Sila Avcil, the ability to see beyond borders is a skill that has paid dividends.
Avcil works as the program manager for Global Ties ABQ, an Albuquerque nonprofit that welcomes and guides international visitors during their trips to central New Mexico. Recently, she said the nonprofit hosted health ministers from Latin America and the Caribbean who met with officials from Project ECHO, a virtual health care initiative at the University of New Mexico.
“I never ever wanted a job where I would just sit at a desk all day and then get to go home," Avcil said.
Global Ties hired her one week after graduating from the University of New Mexico in May 2021.
"I’ve always had a big passion for world ties and world relations," said Avcil, who speaks English, Turkish, German and French. "I've always had the perspective that the world is big."
Global Ties ABQ hosts three international visitor programs, including the International Visitor Leadership Program, under which Global Ties organizes meetings for international delegations visiting Albuquerque. Global Ties ABQ started as the Albuquerque Council for International Visitors in 1984 and is part of the Global Ties U.S. network.
Avcil said she calls herself "the connector" as she gets to help facilitate meetings and choose who participates. During one visit, she said an "international leader" remarked about how they had never met a Native American or heard about their experiences, which made her "realize the potential we have in our city to influence the world."
"When we walk into this atmosphere of meeting with world leaders and they get to meet with us … we all know that this is a different environment," she said. "And we all respect each other."
