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 Alissa Chavez, the science fair wasn't just a convenient excuse to get out of class.
Chavez operates Assila LLC, a company she created when she was 18 years old to commercialize the "Hot Seat," an alarm system designed to see that children are not left in hot vehicles (since 1998, 902 children have suffered "hot car deaths," according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).
Now, six years later, she is planning to roll out the next product — a baby bottle designed to reduce plastic waste.
Called EasyFlo, Chavez's new product has storage for baby formula and water that can be mixed with a twist of the lid. The EasyFlo, she said, will reduce the amount of plastic waste produced via the feeding process — which can include plastic items used to store formula.
For Chavez, the EasyFlo is just her latest creation. The 24-year-old entrepreneur is an inventor at heart, as she has always had a harkening for making things she could sell.
"As far back as I can think, I always remember doing science fairs. … I thought [at the time], 'I could actually turn this into a business,'' she remembered.
And so she did, and the effort has paid off big time. Chavez, who has received local news coverage for the Hot Seat, said Assila LLC has not only allowed her to learn about business but to also be a mentor for young women. While Chavez said it was a challenge to get people to "take you seriously as a young woman in business," she is now in a position of influence.
As for her interest in children's products, Chavez spoke of her mother who owned a daycare when Chavez was growing up.
"I sort of got a first-hand look at products that are on the market, and working with kids has always been the inspiration behind these ideas," she said.
Her mother and sister both work at Assila LLC, along with contractors, she said.
Like many young professionals, Chavez is not done pursuing her education. Currently, she is working toward obtaining a master's degree in public administration from the University of New Mexico. She completed her undergraduate degree in 2020.
