Meet CNM's Navigators

Astrid Diaz Murillo 

Astrid Diaz Murillo was born in Albuquerque and is a Mexican-American and first-generation college student. She has been part of the CNM family for six years: she started as a work-study; worked as a full-time employee in Admissions and Records; and then became a Navigator, all while working toward her Associate in Integrated Studies. 

Astrid loves traveling with her son and husband. During their free time, they love to go out and eat, dance, and try new activities.

Astrid's advice is "Don't let anyone stop you - especially yourself!" 

You can reach Astrid at nav5@cnm.edu or set up an appointment with her. Astrid speaks both English and Spanish.

Karen Grandinetti

Karen Grandinetti has worked for CNM helping students enroll, persist to graduation, and find jobs that they are passionate about since 2015. Her previous roles have included Career Liaison & Business Relations Specialist for Deep Dive Coding programs and as an Enrollment Strategist for the CNM School of Skilled Trades & Arts.

Before working at CNM, Karen graduated from Rutgers University with a BA in Journalism/Mass Media. Her journey has included working in many positions as a marketing professional and then owning her own fundraising business for eight years before working in higher education.

Karen brings transitional skills from her career and passion for helping others to her role as a Navigator. She is always full of ideas and knowledge that will assist students with their multiple needs.

Karen and her husband enjoy traveling, bike riding, and beaches. She says, "If you don't try, you'll never know if it's for you. Don't worry about making mistakes: that's how you learn, grow, and have better outcomes the next time around."

You can reach Karen at nav2@cnm.edu or schedule an appointment with her.

Gerald Romero, Jr.

Gerald Romero, Jr. is a first-generation college student who was born in Las Vegas, NM and raised in Albuquerque. He is the father of two children and is a non-traditional student who entered college many years after finishing high school.

Gerald worked at Financial Aid as a work-study student while he attended CNM, where he earned four associate degrees. He then worked as a TRIO Advisor at Northern New Mexico College while continuing his education at UNM. After, he returned to CNM working for Scholarships while earning his BA at UNM, followed by NMSU for his MA in Educational Administration.

Gerald is a firm believer that it is never too late to go back to school. He understands the challenges students face when entering or re-entering college from his own experience of being a student. Gerald is committed to working hard every day to ensure student success while advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. Gerald believes that we truly lead when we provide quality service through innovation and student support.

You can contact Gerald a nav3@cnm.edu or schedule an appointment with him.

Diego Montoya

Diego Montoya was born in Albuquerque and raised in Magdalena, New Mexico, where his family has lived for generations. 

Before coming to work at CNM, Diego graduated from the University of New Mexico, where he earned a bachelor's degree. As an AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) tutor for APS, Diego guided middle and high school students to achieve their goals of higher education.

Diego is a music fan and New Mexico United supporter. He is a proud New Mexican, loves to support his culture and traditions, and believes that you are never too young or too old to start learning.

Get in touch with Diego at nav6@cnm.edu.

Diana Sandoval

Diana Sandoval was born in Mexico and relocated to Albuquerque at age nine. She is a first-generation college student who attended CNM after high school and worked as a CNM work-study in Scholarships before transferring to UNM, where she earned her bachelor degree. 

CNM's values and Diana's passion for helping students led her back to CNM, where she worked for Admissions and now as a Navigator. She uses her experiences as a former student to help her students succeed and achieve their goals.

Diana enjoys traveling and spending time with her family. She is a strong believer that small actions can make big differences.

You can reach Diana at nav4@cnm.edu or schedule an appointment with her.

Daniela Zamora

Daniela Zamora was born in Mexico and relocated to Albuquerque at age seven. She graduated from Rio Grande High School and attended CNM. In college, Daniela saw that her peers often struggled with the enrollment process, so she volunteered to help. That led to a position with CNM's Student Services and then to her current job as one of CNM's Navigators.

Daniela, who's fluent in Spanish and English, is a problem solver whose willing to tackle anything you bring her. She also has a thorough understanding of campus resources, so she can point students to whatever they might need.

Finally, Daniela has seen the power of a CNM degree and is committed to helping every student meet their educational goals, no matter the path they choose.

You can contact Daniela at nav1@cnm.edu or schedule an appointment with her.