LAS CRUCES, N.M. – This Monday, NM State Athletics will begin a new tradition as it celebrates the empowerment of women student-athletes by hosting the first-ever Debora Scott Women's Empowerment Dinner sponsored by Nusenda Credit Union. The dinner will take place at Hotel Encanto and is scheduled for Monday, March 18, at 6 p.m. MT.
 
"Nusenda Credit Union is proud to sponsor the inaugural Debora Scott Women's Empowerment Dinner, dedicated to uplifting women in our community," said Nusenda Executive Vice President of Operations Michelle Dearholt. "We look forward to celebrating women making a difference, the trailblazing legacy of Debora Scott, and an inspiring evening of empowerment and mentorship."
 
NM State Athletics Senior Associate AD and Senior Woman Administrator, Dr. Amber Burdge has been influential in the creation of this event and views the dinner as a great opportunity to empower women student-athletes at New Mexico State.
 
"This event holds special significance as we celebrate the empowerment of women student-athletes," Dr. Burdge explained. "It's an opportune moment to honor Debora Scott, the pioneering first Black woman student-athlete at New Mexico State, for her trailblazing contributions.
 
"During the dinner, we'll hear inspiring messages from Debora Scott herself, representatives from Nusenda, and our esteemed keynote speaker, hall of famer Anita Skipper. Anita's remarkable achievements span collegiate and professional women's basketball, men's basketball analysis and insight as a color commentator, and a business owner in finance."
 
A native of Alamogordo, N.M., Debora Scott became the first-ever Black female athlete at NM State when began her tenure in 1973. During her four years with the Aggies, Scott was a two-sport athlete, competing in both volleyball and track.
 
Fellow Aggie legend, Anita Skipper, will also be featured on the program as the keynote speaker. Skipper, formerly Anita Maxwell, starred at NM State from 1993-96. During this stretch, Skipper was three times named an AP All-American Honorable Mention honoree while being named First Team All-Big West all four years she donned the Crimson and White. In four years, Skipper compiled 2,601 points and remains the all-time leader in points by any Aggie – male or female.
 
Following a career in the WNBA, Skipper returned to Las Cruces and currently serves as the Chief Public Information Officer for Doña Ana County. Additionally, she is the lead color analyst for Aggie men's basketball – teaming up with Jack Nixon on Zia Country 99.5 FM to provide coverage and insight for all Aggie home games.
 
"Furthermore, I'm thrilled to share that we will have 28 distinguished mentors joining us to offer invaluable insights and advice to our student-athletes about achieving success both on and off the competition platform," Dr. Burdge continued. "This unique opportunity to connect with accomplished individuals across various fields will undoubtedly provide our student-athletes with meaningful guidance as they navigate their own paths to success."
 
NM State currently nearly 200 women student-athletes across 10 Division I sports, including basketball, golf, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, cross country, indoor track and field, outdoor track and field, tennis and volleyball. An invitation to this event has been extended to each one of these student-athletes and all have been encouraged to attend.
 
ABOUT NUSENDA CREDIT UNION
Nusenda Credit Union is dedicated to improving its members' financial well-being and supporting local communities. Nusenda accomplishes this through affordable products, friendly service, community involvement, and financial education. Additionally, Nusenda looks for ways to go above and beyond to serve its members and be their trusted financial advisor by helping them achieve their financial goals.