Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) Office
Programs and Services
For more information about the JEDI Office, contact JEDI Coordinator Rita Veleta rita.veleta@edd.nm.gov.
The JEDI Office works to directly address systemic inequities and barriers to entry for New Mexican business owners and entrepreneurs in EDD by supporting and creating programming and business tools to aid the growth of socially and economically disadvantaged businesses.
The JEDI Office is committed to:
- Help businesses connect to services, resources, and financing options
- Assist business owners as they navigate working with state government
- Support and advocate for businesses that generally fall through the cracks
- Promote growth for businesses interested in film, outdoor recreation, and science and technology
The JEDI Vision
To create a space where all New Mexican business owners, regardless of background and affiliation, can comfortably access the resources and services they need to create thriving business and economic mobility.
Sponsorships & Resources
Each fiscal year, the JEDI Office sets aside a limited amount of funding for sponsorships. These sponsorships are available for events that align with our mission to connect underserved entrepreneurs to resources and economic development programs.
If you are interested in applying for a sponsorship, please contact JEDI Coordinator Rita Veleta at rita.veleta@edd.nm.gov to set up a time to discuss your event and guide you through next steps in applying.
Explore Our 2024 JEDI Outcomes Report
Discover how we are advancing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion across our programs and initiatives.
This report highlights our progress, shares key outcomes, and reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting underserved businesses and communities throughout New Mexico.
Learn more about the impact we’re making in economic development!
What is Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and What Does it Look Like in Practice?
Justice: Seeking to remove barriers and inequities that inhibit economic mobility.
Fair treatment of all people in EDD’s programming, resources, incentives, and services to promote equitable opportunities and outcomes for all.
Equity: Providing the level of resources and assistance necessary that give everyone the opportunity to participate from the same starting line.
Acknowledging the challenges, needs, histories, and identities of each individual to whom EDD provides needed assistance and resources to ensure business owners and entrepreneurs have equitable access to opportunities.
Diversity: A culmination of individuals that come from a multitude of identities, including but not limited to age, socioeconomic status, race, gender, location, cultural backgrounds, and more.
Recognizing and acknowledging differences and diverse representation as valued assets is a critical step to increasing equitable economic opportunities.
Inclusion: Honoring the perspective of everyone within our community. Creating a space where people feel welcome and comfortable enough to be part of the creation and implementation of the systems they participate in.
Not limited to diversity and quantitative representation, inclusion involves encouraging authentic and empowered participation by all New Mexicans and deliberately creating space for belonging and full access to opportunities.
Stay Informed!
To stay informed about the workings of the JEDI Office, please sign up for updates with your email address below.
JEDI on the Airwaves
Just starting out? Check out these quick infographics with information about getting your new business up and running.
2023 Hispanic Business Summit Entrepreneur Panel – Rita, Guillermina Osoria, Diana Cano, Cindy Campos
2025 Black Biz Summit – Neema, Shani, Rita, and Arlen
2024 Hispanic Biz Summit – English panel
2024 Hispanic Biz Summit – Yuri, Beatriz, Rita, and Larissa
2024 Hispanic Biz Summit – Rita gives opening comments
2023 Black Biz Summit – Councilor Nichole and Shani
2023 Black Biz Summit
