The United Court of Sandias (UCS), http://www.ucsandiasnm.org
A Member of the International Court System (ICS), http://www.impcourt.org
PO Box 80343
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87198-0343
22 years of service to all of New Mexico
Hello UCS Members,
I would like to start off with a quote by Henry Ford “If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of
itself.”
Reign XXII is moving full steam ahead. Emperor XXII Aleah Rico and Empress XXII LaRhya Daniels along with their PR’s,
and ICP’s have been working hard putting together their first show “All Aboard” this Sunday June 29th, 2014 at the UCS
home bar.
As the Monarchs also prepare for Investitures on July 27th, I have been working hard on putting together a board that will
help take the United Court of the Sandias, Inc. to the next level.
For Vice President I have chosen Robert Adams. Robert Adams is a native New Mexican, having been born and raised in
Farmington. He attended New Mexico State University in Las Cruces where he pursued his passion for music but
ultimately chose a degree in Government. He served as a co-chair of NMSU LGBT campus organization, and was
involved in student government.
In 1999, Robert moved to Santa Fe and to become the development director for the People of Color AIDS Foundation
(PoCAF) and at that time served for many years as a co-chair or the Coalition for Equality in NM, the forerunner of today's
Equality New Mexico. Robert also served as the Vice Chair of the Democratic Party of Santa Fe County, helped to found
the New Mexico chapter of Stonewall Democrats and the Equality Political Action Committee. In 2001, Robert was named
a “Community Luminaria” by the New Mexico Community Foundation for his efforts to bring equality to LGBT New
Mexicans. During this time, Robert worked on the political campaigns of many candidates for national, state and local
office. He spent several years working as an appointee of Governor Bill Richardson in state government, information
technology. In 2007, Robert was appointed by Bernalillo County Clerk Maggie Toulouse Oliver to serve as her chief
deputy clerk for election administration where he managed thousands of workers to administer elections in New Mexico's
largest county. He was instrumental in bringing innovative reforms to the office whereby enhancing voter participation and
confidence in elections. In 2010, Robert was presented with the “Distinguished Service Award” from Verified Voting and
United Voters of New Mexico.
Most recently, Robert has come back to the work for LGBT equality as campaign manager for “New Mexico Unites for
Marriage”, a coalition campaign to protect the freedom to marry in New Mexico. Robert is currently serving as the project
director for the 2014 public education project, “Why Marriage Matters New Mexico”. The project is led by EQNM and
ACLU-NM with major support from Freedom to Marry, ACLU National Marriage Project and that National Center for
Lesbian Rights.
Next, Joshua Jacob Flores also known as Anya Richards has been chosen to be Secretary. Joshua Jacob Flores was
born in Albuquerque, NM and is currently a show producer and event host as a female illusionist at Sidewinders Bar.
Joshua started at Sidewinders Bar in 2012 as a performer, and quickly rose to the challenge of producing and hosting
events. He enjoys meeting and connecting with new and old friends alike. Joshua joined the United Court of the Sandias
in 2013 as a line member and since then, has fallen in love with the court and their cause. He is very organized, punctual,
and can work efficiently even in a high-stress environment. Most importantly, he will always greet you with a smile and is
there to listen. He looks forward to a successful Reign XXII, and cannot wait to make an even bigger difference in the
LGBTQIA community.
Wendi Funtanilla has agreed serve as Treasurer. Wendi Jo Funtanilla has lived in Albuquerque for the past 14 years.
Wendi was born in Oregon and raised on the island of O'ahu in Hawai'i. Wendi is a recruiter for a large medical device
company, where she is in charge of hiring people throughout the country; she has been putting people to work for over 10
years. Wendi first got introduce to then court system when she met the founder of the International Court System
Absolute Empress I Jose Julio Sarria at the Albuquerque Pride OUTstanding awards a few years ago. Hearing the life
and accomplishments of Jose and what the court system has to offer intrigued Wendi. Over the years from several
different members included Dowager Empress Bunnie Cruse Wendi would learn what the United Court of the Sandias did
and what the organization stands for. From then on, Wendi has had a strong desire to be part of such a wonderful
organization that gives back to a community that she is part of. Wendi has always been very passionate about raising
money, and helping with any type of nonprofit organization that she could be part of. She has been involved with the
United Court of the Sandias for about 18 months, but she plans on being around for as long as possible. Wendi was
asked to be a Princess for Reign XXI and was quickly elevated to the title of Marquesa XXI. Wendi is very excited and
honored to be on the board for Reign XXII as Treasurer. She looks forward to this year’s reign being very successful and
reaching all the goals that the Monarchs have set to achieve.
Last but not least Richard Gemini Royale Perea-Baca will be Membership Coordinator. Richard is 26 years old, local
resident born and raised in Albuquerque, NM. He has been a part of the United Court of the Sandias, Inc. since his late
teenage and young adult life under his adopted father Imperial Emperor Emeritus V Steve Perea. Richard joined the
United Court of the Sandias a little over a year ago and served on line for Reign XXI as Guardian of the Reign. He is
excited to be a part of the board to see the "behind the scenes" work, he is also excited to see how UCS works within the
"technical stuff", and as for his reason to be Membership Coordinator is to expand and network the UCS and our cause
and gain help for the community on to a whole other level than ever before. He has been in the military for over 7 1/2
years. His level of dedication, commitment, organization, creativity and teamwork; He believes will be a huge benefit he
has to offer UCS. He wants to Thank everyone for the opportunity to be a part of such an amazing organization, also to
contribute everything he can to a great cause, and continue his Father's and everyone else before him legacies.
Each of the board members has their strong points and will bring something new to our organization. Together with the
monarchs we will put the United Court of the Sandias back on the map.
I invite you to join us for our board meeting at 7:00 pm on July 1st, 2014 located at Equality New Mexico 625 Silver
Avenue SW Ste. 310, Albuquerque, NM 87102. We want to thank Equality New Mexico for allowing us to use their board
room.
As a candidate for President I always said that reign XXII will change the United Court of the Sandias. I am looking
forwarded and honored to be President for reign XXII for an origination that we all love.
So I leave you with this, I think that the power is the principle. The principle of moving forward, as though we have the
confidence to move forward, eventually gives us confidence when we look back and see all that we have done.
Sincerely,
Joshua Couture (Seliah R. DeLeon)
President of board to Reign XXII
Imperial Emperor Emeritus XX
[email protected]
www.ucsandiasnm.org
www.facebook.com/UnitedCourtoftheSandias