Why I Returned Home to New Mexico

Sergio Salvador

A proud fifth-generation New Mexican, Monica Sandoval-Johnson is the co-founder of Boomerang New Mexico. The organization connects talent with employers in STEM fields across the state. Sandoval-Johnson decided to move back to New Mexico in 2019 after earning her graduate degree in pharmaceutical studies and then completing postdoctoral studies in drug delivery at the University of North Carolina. 

“I had that calling and wanted to come back to the state that I love and advance STEM in New Mexico,” she says. 

How did you get the idea to launch STEM Boomerang? 
It was originally founded to help professionals navigate back home after leaving the state for higher education and career opportunities – termed ‘boomerangers.’ It’s since grown into helping professionals and students near and far navigate the job market and find the best careers here in New Mexico. We also support the hundreds of STEM employers in the state, recruiting and retaining great talent locally. 

What kind of opportunities does New Mexico hold for those looking to launch or grow their STEM careers? 
New Mexico is a great place to enter and grow into a STEM career. More than 78% of jobs in the state are in a STEM-related field. Plus, companies are offering amazing benefits, like flexible work schedules, unlimited PTO, reimbursement for skilling up and competitive pay. 

What kind of career development services does STEM Boomerang offer? 
We’re in the process of unveiling a New Mexico employer directory that houses information for all STEM employers in the state as well as contact information for hiring managers. 

We also offer resume building workshops and career coaching and participate in hiring events throughout the year. 

What emerging STEM fields are you noticing and excited about in New Mexico? 
The clean energy industry and space industry are growing by leaps and bounds right here in our own backyard. We also have a vibrant biotech ecosystem and lots of companies spinning off from the amazing work done at the two national labs (Sandia and Los Alamos) and the Air Force Research Labs.