UNM Children’s Campus Received $10,000 Gift from Bank of Albuquerque Guide to Giving Initiative
August 4, 2025 - Dorene DiNaro
The UNM Children’s Campus (UNMCC) was recently awarded $10,000, thanks to Bank of Albuquerque employees, and the nomination by one grateful UNMCC parent. Each year, bank employees are encouraged to nominate a local non-profit through the Bank of Albuquerque and BOKF Guide to Giving Program.
According to Kyle Beasley, Bank of Albuquerque market CEO, the initiative gives employees who live in and deeply care about the local community the opportunity to choose where the yearly donation should go. “Their selection reflects not just their values, but their firsthand understanding of the impact this non-profit has on the people around us,” he said.
This year, Josh Miera, bank employee and parent, nominated UNMCC based on his personal experience with the exceptional care and support his son, Leo, has received through its PreK program. Leo was diagnosed with autism nearly a year ago. “As you can imagine, this was a very daunting time getting ready to send him to an early Pre-K program and not knowing how Leo would be treated and supported at school,” he said.
Miera’s worries lessened the very first time Leo’s new teacher, Kim Vernon, contacted him. “Kim was kind, empathetic, and immediately made us feel heard and supported,” Miera said. “The staff at UNMCC has been kind, supportive, and created an inclusive environment for Leo,” Miera said.
Daniela Baca, UNMCC director, is appreciative of the gift, which will be used to invest in supporting the diverse needs of the children they serve. “On behalf of UNM and the Children’s Campus, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Bank of Albuquerque and the generous employees who made this incredible gift possible,” she said, while specifically thanking Miera for his advocacy. “Your support means so much to us,” Baca said. “Thank you for believing in our work, our families, and the importance of early childhood education.”
Miera said that UNMCC has gone above and beyond what anyone could expect from any program, welcoming Leo's service providers into his classroom and truly creating a community for his son.
Beasley said that UNMCC is both inspiring and impactful, and he is grateful for the chance to help further their mission.
The UNMCC is a nationally recognized program that is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC), Early Childhood Program Accreditation, and is a five-star licensed early childhood program in the State of New Mexico.
Visit the UNMCC website to learn more about their programs and services. Learn more about the Bank of Albuquerque Charitable Contributions programs here.
