Stepping into a leadership role comes with immense responsibility, especially when that role is deeply connected to the cultural and economic wellbeing of an entire community. As the new President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (IPCC), and Indian Pueblos Marketing, Inc. (IPMI), Monique Fragua brings over 12 years of experience within the organization and a steadfast commitment to serving New Mexico’s 19 Pueblo communities. In this conversation with Homewise, Monique shares her passion for cultural inclusivity, community advocacy, and the vital role of housing and entrepreneurship in building a sustainable future.

Q: What drives your passion for this work, and how has your leadership role shaped your perspective on community service?

A: Having been with our organization for 12 years, I’m passionate about many things. First and foremost, knowing that the impact of our work benefits all 19 Pueblo communities is incredibly important to me. The taxes generated on our campus, the revenue, and the jobs created here all contribute to our Pueblo communities. I’m from the Pueblo of Jemez, and knowing that our work here impacts not only my own Pueblo community, but all nineteen, that’s something that’s deeply important and it matters deeply.

I’m also passionate about respectfully sharing our story of resilience with visitors to our center who may have outdated view or inaccurate perceptions of our history, art, and culture. And above all, I’m passionate about community. Whether it’s seeking advice from others or collaborating on events, our work is always rooted in community. We should remember that our efforts are about building a better tomorrow—and that none of us can do it alone. We need each other, and that’s what being part of a community truly means.

Q: How do you leverage your leadership position to advocate for the needs and priorities of the Pueblo communities?

A: By being a voice and connecting the dots. To me, advocacy ensuring that our Pueblo communities are heard, represented, and connected just like any other community. If there’s an opportunity to build relationships or make meaningful connections, I hope the work we do at IPCC can help bridge that gap—making sure our Pueblos are included, involved, and consulted.

Whether it’s tribal liaisons working within city governments, Pueblo-led enterprises, or cultural tourism initiatives, and with IPCC located right here in Albuquerque, there should never be a reason Pueblo communities are left out of important conversations or decisions that directly impact them.

I also do my best to show up—to be present, get involved, and contribute where I can. I encourage others to do the same. If you’re at the table, be prepared to offer feedback, speak honestly, and share your truth. And if there are moments when you don’t feel comfortable speaking up, that’s okay too—naming that discomfort is also part of being heard.

Q: How has growing up Native American shaped your perspective when it comes to housing?

A: I believe that perspective isn’t just shaped by the culture someone grows up in – it’s shaped by personal experience. My own journey has deeply influenced how I view the importance of having a stable home. 

When I was younger, I watched my mom struggle to make ends meet. We didn’t have much, but we had a home. It was old, things were always breaking, and honestly, I hated it. But whenever we complained, my mom reminded us: at least we had a roof over our heads. I remember a time when, while we were still living in modest housing, my mom and stepfather bought a kitchen faucet. They said, “One day, this will go in our new home.” For years, that faucet stayed in its box—unopened, untouched—but it represented hope. It was a promise that things would get better. And eventually, they did. Through the Section 184 homeownership program, my parents built a home. I’ll never forget how proud they were of that accomplishment. Looking back, that simple faucet meant so much more than just plumbing—it was a symbol of possibility.

As I stepped into adulthood as a teenage mother, I quickly realized how precarious housing stability can be. Many of us are just one emergency away from missing a rent payment. Affordable housing feels out of reach, and families are left making impossible choices—doing the best they can with the resources they have. Like my family, what many need isn’t a handout, but a hand-up: access to information, programs, and affordable materials. It’s understanding how credit works, knowing what resources are available, and having hope—sometimes in the form of a faucet on sale. 

That’s why, whenever I can speak about housing, family support, or access to homeownership, I do so from lived experience. Because for me, this work isn’t abstract. It’s personal.

Q: What initiatives or projects are you most excited about that will further strengthen the center’s role in the community?

A: I’m especially excited about the continued growth of our North Campus, marked by the opening of the Indian Pueblo Entrepreneur Complex (IPEC) and the acquisition of the 4-H property directly west of our existing campus. With this expansion, the Bernalillo County Extension Program—part of the New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service—will remain on site until their new location is ready. This arrangement highlights the power of partnership and how organizations can work together for the greater good.

This acquisition has been years in the making and represents a significant step forward. Not only does it expand our physical footprint, but it also creates new opportunities for collaboration—enhancing programming, supporting gardening initiatives, and strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem through IPEC. It also allows our team to support existing tenants and beautify the campus for the surrounding neighborhood.

Under the leadership of Director Bill Stimmel, the IPEC team is building a foundation rooted in community, support, and lasting impact. Their work is already making a difference—providing space for entrepreneurs, certification opportunities for food safety professionals, and aggregation space for local farmers. IPEC is poised to leave a positive and lasting legacy for our community for generations to come.

Q: How long have you been a member of the Homewise Board of Directors, and what insights have you gained about its services and impact on the community?

A: I’ve been involved with Homewise for two years now, and I’ve learned that Homewise is about so much more than selling homes or teaching financial literacy. It’s about building successful, thriving communities where businesses and families alike can flourish.

Homewise invests in the community, supports entrepreneurs’ dreams, and helps homeowners with everything from rehab to buying or selling their homes. It’s clear that Homewise is dedicated to helping families succeed and ensuring community members and leaders understand the critical importance of affordable housing. 

“Homewise is truly moving mountains, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a part of that effort.”