We are thrilled to announce our third nominee for the 2017 Make a STATEment Award program, celebrating New Mexicans who are heroes in our community. These individuals strive to make life better in New Mexico by building a better future.
Linda Corriz-Barreras is the owner of Albuquerque’s Forever Yours Bridal and Formal Wear. She is also a retired lieutenant from the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department and was the undersheriff in the Valencia County Sheriff’s Department for a period of 25 years. While her retail business is a shift in focus from her previous career, her commitment to serving the public is still very much intact. For instance, Linda has donated merchandise to Rio Grande High for prom and homecoming to the tune of $30,000. She also has donated 300 tuxedos, shirts, and more for the marching band and performance arts. She also donates toys, food, holiday trees, and decorations during the holidays to those in need. In the past year alone, she has donated the equivalent of over $92,000 to people in the community to enhance their special moments.
“So many children are placed in environments and situations that are not of their making. Giving of my time and finances allows me to possibly change the direction and thinking of children and families. My hope is that children and families can feel a sense of belonging and love. Also, it allows me the opportunity to show my children and grandchildren how to be caring and loving toward others,” explains Linda. She also notes that her actions have strengthened her belief that giving toward others is the best gift to a person in need. Her hope is that recipients of her giving will remember her kindness and in the future be able to give back to the community in some way. “I am so honored to be recognized by State Employees Credit Union. I never thought of myself as a candidate for such a reward because I just love helping people.”
Wow that is so Amazing. God Bless you for all your great deeds… may they come back 10 fold to you. Your such a Blessing.
She has always gone the extra mile. She is well deserved of this nomination. Good luck Linda!! Many blessings to you and your family.
Linda and her family are a true testament of how humans should treat other humans. She does this of her own will not ever expecting anything in return other than what she has stated, that one day those she has helped would have the opportunity one day to pay it forward. With the grace of God may He continue to bless you and your family!! You truly are a gift my friend that keeps giving!!
I have witnessed her love of giving..she is an amazing lady filled with compassion. Nomination well deserved. Congratulations to Linda!
I can say that linda certainly deserves this nomination, she is an amazing lady. I met her 2 years ago while I was on a trip to Espanloa. I was a complete stranger, she approached me and introduced herself to me asked me if I was ok offered me a place to sit at her table . She has kept in contact with me ever since always checking on my well being. Offering me a place to stay, at her home, whenever I travel to Albuquerque. Linda and her husband are one in a million. God blesses her to be a blessing. And she is!!!
What a beautiful and giving person
Thank you for nominating Linda.
I’ve known Linda for years. She is a strong, determined woman with many accomplishments to be recognized.
Her personality speaks for itself!!!!
She gives to others from her heart. Always extending her abilities and herself unselfishly
She has served her community with pride and respect.
Her family has a wonderful mother and grandmother, and wife to speak of.
I highly recommend her!!!!
Linda is one of the most beautiful people I know. She is caring, loving, and kind. She is always thinking of ways to help others while juggling her job, her music, and her dear family. She is truly one of a kind. Amazing and lovely she deserves this. She is such an asset to the community.
Wow. It is an honor to say that Linda is my cousin. Reading all these comments about how an amazing woman she has become is very inspiring. God has a plan for all of us and hers is to be a loving and giving person to many in need. We need more people like her in this troubled world. Congratulations and may GOD bless you and your family. With lots of love and administration your cousin ANNETTE VALERIO ATENCIO