Laura Mairel Parra
Candidate, Deming City Council District 2
Elections and appointments
Education
Personal
Laura Mairel Parra ran for election to the Deming City Council District 2 in New Mexico. She was on the ballot in the general election on November 4, 2025.[source]
Parra completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
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Biography
Laura Mairel Parra provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on September 30, 2025:
- High school: Deming High
- Bachelor's: Western New Mexico University, 2020
- Gender: Female
- Profession: Social Work
- Prior offices held:
- Executive Director (Prsnt)
- CCSW (Prsnt)
- Incumbent officeholder: No
- Campaign slogan: Turning voices into action! Porque cada voz importa!
Elections
General election
Election results
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Parra in this election.
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Laura Mairel Parra completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Parra's responses.
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I am Laura M. Parra, a first-generation Latina and community organizer from Deming, New Mexico. I have a background in social work and education, with experience advocating for underserved communities, organizing, and leading youth civic engagement programs. My passion is empowering others to use their voices for positive change, ensuring that all members of our community have access to resources, education, and opportunities.
- I am committed to empowering our youth by advocating for their rights, creating safe spaces, reducing crime, and ensuring their voices are heard in local government decisions.
- I bring hands-on experience in education, social work, and community organizing, with a proven record of developing programs that uplift youth and equip them to become active, engaged leaders.
- I focus on improving local infrastructure, street lighting, and community resources to create safer, stronger neighborhoods where our community can thrive and participate in civic life.
I am passionate about youth empowerment, education, civic engagement, social services, community development, crime reduction, human rights, and equitable access to opportunities for all residents.
This office bridges the gap between the legal system and the community, ensuring access to justice and protection of rights. It holds the power to impact local governance through legal decisions, influence policy implementation, and serve as a visible example of fairness, transparency, and accountability.
I look up to leaders who dedicate themselves to serving others, especially those who advocate for underserved communities. People like Dolores Huerta inspire me because they combine passion, courage, and action to create real change.
Integrity, transparency, and accountability are essential. An elected official must be empathetic, responsive to the community, and committed to equitable policies that serve all residents, especially youth and underserved populations. Courage to stand up for what is right and dedication to public service are also critical.
The core responsibilities include representing constituents’ interests, ensuring local policies are fair and effective, overseeing public resources responsibly, and promoting community safety and well-being. This office must listen to the community, create opportunities for civic engagement, and work toward long-term solutions for pressing issues.
I want to leave a legacy of empowering youth and marginalized communities to believe in themselves, to use their voices, and to take action. I hope my work inspires others to engage in public service and community advocacy long after I’m gone.
I remember the events of September 11, 2001. I was about 9 years old at the time, and it left a lasting impression on me about the fragility of life, the importance of community, and the need to help others in times of crisis.
My very first job was as a summer intern at Families and Youth, Inc. (FYI). That experience solidified my passion for social work. I loved it so much that after my internship ended, I continued as an unpaid intern to continue learning and serving the community. I was there for almost two years.
Growing up as the oldest daughter of immigrant parents, I faced challenges navigating education and community spaces where I often felt underrepresented. Balancing responsibilities at home while pursuing my education and career was difficult, but it shaped my resilience and commitment to serving others.
This office often shapes community standards and public trust in the legal system in ways that go beyond courtroom decisions. It can influence youth programs, community safety initiatives, and outreach efforts, all of which affect the everyday lives of residents.
Yes, previous experience can provide valuable insight into how government works and how to navigate complex systems. However, lived experience in the community, hands-on social work, and understanding the challenges of constituents are equally important for effective leadership.
Strong communication, community engagement, problem-solving, and legal knowledge are essential. Skills in conflict resolution, youth advocacy, and program development are also highly valuable for creating meaningful, equitable outcomes.
It serves as a direct link between the community and the legal system, ensuring justice, safety, and fairness. The office has a unique role in shaping public trust, protecting rights, and addressing local concerns in a way that strengthens both governance and civic participation.
Hearing from farmworker families about the daily struggles they face, from unsafe working conditions to limited access to resources, has deeply impacted me. Their resilience and hope inspire me to continue advocating for policies that protect and empower our most vulnerable community members.
I am proud of founding my own non profit Voices for Change NM, which empower my community and specially young people to learn about their rights, participate in local government, and become leaders in their communities.
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See also
External links