Idalia Lechuga-Tena

Idalia Lechuga-Tena is a trailblazing public servant, entrepreneur, and global advocate. In 2015, she made history as one of the youngest women ever elected to the New Mexico Legislature and became the first naturalized woman from México to serve in that body. She proudly represented Albuquerque’s District 21—commonly known as the International District.

A dual citizen of the United States and México, Idalia is fluent in Spanish, English, French, and Italian, with additional proficiency in Portuguese, Catalán, and Latin. She is a passionate advocate for immigrant communities and a tireless champion of international cooperation and cultural diplomacy. She has lived in México, Spain, France, and Germany, and has traveled extensively to over 60 countries across the globe.

Idalia is the founder and CEO of ILT International, LLC, a global consulting firm specializing in International Business, Government and Political Affairs, and Public Relations across multiple languages. She is also the owner of a restaurant in Santa Fe and holds ownership in a financial institution.

She holds degrees in Economics and Political Science with a concentration in International Politics from the University of New Mexico. Her academic journey includes international studies in Chihuahua, México; Pamplona, Spain; and Paris, France. As a published McNair Scholar, her multilingual academic research—“The Positive Effects of the Immigration Spectrum in the United States in the Economic and Political Sector, with a Concentration in Latino Immigration”—has been presented at universities throughout the United States, México, and Spain.

Idalia previously served as an International Ambassador for the Global Embassy of Activists for Peace, representing the United States on initiatives centered on human rights and peacebuilding. She remains deeply engaged in civic and political life, having served in high-level governmental roles and actively participating in local, state, and international organizations.

She currently serves on numerous boards, including:

National Hispanic Cultural Center Foundation (Government Affairs Chair)
New Mexico Philharmonic (Government Affairs Chair)
Meals on Wheels New Mexico (Government Affairs Chair)
Specialized Trust Company
Global Give a Book
New Mexico Federation of Democratic Women (Legislative & Resolutions Chair)
New Mexico Hispanic Heritage Committee
La Mesa Community Improvement Association (President)
Glenwood Hills Neighborhood Association
Glenwood Lofts HOA
District 8 Coalition of Neighborhood Associations

Her past board roles include Vice-President of Community and Government Relations for MANA de Albuquerque, New Mexico Hispano Round Table, Chair of the Foothills Community Policing Council, Vice-Chair of the Council of Chairs, and Co-Chair of the Johnny Tapia Project, a program addressing mental health and addiction awareness.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Idalia is a passionate patron and practitioner of the arts, as well as an avid global traveler. A classically trained violinist, she has performed with the Albuquerque Philharmonic and holds a deep appreciation for opera, classical, and mariachi music. She is also an accomplished painter and dancer—trained in flamenco, salsa, and ballet—and performs annually in The Nutcracker in the Land of Enchantment. Her active lifestyle includes practicing yoga, skiing, playing golf and tennis, and holding a 1st degree black belt in Taekwondo. In addition, she is a dedicated winemaker, blending creativity and her Spanish tradition in her craft. Idalia is married to attorney Marco Gonzales, and together they enjoy a rich family life with their beloved service Chihuahua, Tekila.