The New Mexico Tourism Department is honored to announce that Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Latham was named the 2017 National Mother of the Year by American Mothers, Inc. This marks only the second time in the organization’s 82-year history that a mother from New Mexico has received this prestigious honor.

“We are so proud of Secretary Latham,” said Governor Susana Martinez. “Through her incredible passion, integrity and hard work, I know that she will continue to show the world what being a New Mexico True mom is all about.”

Latham was recognized at the 82^nd Annual American Mothers National Conference in Washington, D.C. on April 25. She will serve as an advocate for mothers across the country promoting the important role of motherhood through educational programs and community outreach at home, work and in the world.

“I am thrilled to bring attention to the hardworking mothers of New Mexico throughout this year of serving as National Mother of the Year,” Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Latham said. “Being National Mother of the Year provides the opportunity to highlight New Mexico as the best destination in the country for family travel. This is also a wonderful platform to work toward making New Mexico the best place to be a kid.”

Latham will serve as an ambassador of the Golden Rule Movement which offers good deeds grants to charities helping mothers and children and the National Fifth Grade Essay Contest, which recognizes the important role of “What My Mother Means to Me.” Latham was selected from nominees from across the country because she excels in her role as a mother and as a community leader.

“Every year we are amazed by the passion our ‘moms’ have for being a mother and improving the lives of those around them,” says Connell Branan, President of American Mothers. “It’s inspiring to see so many women who embody the selfless, caring spirit of motherhood and who are using that maternal energy to make the world a better place.”

Nominations for the 2018 Mother of the Year open on Mother’s Day, May 14, 2017. New Mexicans are encouraged to nominate a deserving mother through the website AmericanMothers.org.

In January 2015, Governor Susana Martinez appointed Rebecca Latham as the Cabinet Secretary of the New Mexico Tourism Department. With more than a decade of experience in advertising and marketing, Rebecca is a passionate tourism professional who has served New Mexico's hospitality industry since 2006. She brings a wealth of experience across all aspects of the marketing spectrum including economic development, strategic messaging, brand development, public relations, and communications, and in 2013 Rebecca was named New Mexico’s Tourism Professional of the Year. Rebecca is the proud mother of two joyful children, Joshua (6) and Alana (5). She and her husband, Scott, both enjoy serving the people of New Mexico through their work for the state, along with skiing and being outdoors with their family.