DACC To Honor Distinguished Alumni

Doña Ana Community College (DACC) is pleased to announce the 2026 class of Distinguished Alumni, chosen for their contributions to their professions and the community.

Distinguished alumni are selected based on qualities of professional and community leadership that are symbolic of the goals and objectives of DACC. Honorees include:

Brittany “Kylene” Carrejo is a 2009 graduate of DACC’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program. Carrejo is the current radiology manager at Children’s Health in Plano, Texas where she has demonstrated leadership during complex operational initiatives. She collaborates with project managers, construction teams, and hospital leadership to ensure patient care. Carrejo co-authored a journal article in Emergency Radiology, received the North Texas Radiologic Technologist Society Top 25 award, participates in community outreach, and serves as an advisory board member to two college programs, along with other accolades. Carrejo also has a Bachelor of Health Sciences from Southern New Hampshire University and a Master of Arts in Organizational Management from the University of Arizona.

As a 2013 graduate of DACC’s Business Office Technology Program, Krystal Espinoza has demonstrated professional achievement in her leadership roles at New Mexico State University (NMSU). Espinoza is the associate registrar with NMSU’s University Student Records. She is responsible for directing daily operations, supervising staff, ensuring compliance with regulations, and serves as key liaison between technical teams and academic departments. Espinoza received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies with honors from NMSU.

Annalee Herrera received her degree from DACC in 2016 with an associate degree in Office and Business Technology. Herrera is a current employee within the college’s Adult Education Program where she assists students with registration, community resources, creating accounts for their GED preparation and testing, and more. As an alumnus of DACC’s Adult Education Program herself, she leads students with empathy, authenticity and excellence. Herrera also volunteers as a student ambassador with the New Mexico Adult Education Association.

In 2013, Kayleigh Hernandez received two degrees from DACC. Hernandez received her Associate of Applied Studies and an Associate of Education. Hernandez continued her education and received her bachelor’s degree in public health in 2020 from NMSU. She is the current innovative community services strategist and mobile crisis team provider at FYI+. She previously worked as a community liaison for Peak Behavioral Health and at Mesilla Valley Community of Hope in rapid rehousing. She is the cofounder of the Village of Hatch Coalition.

Mireya Rascon is the assistant director for the Doña Ana County Utilities Department and a 2002 graduate of DACC’s Water Technology Program. Rascon helped establish a partnership between DACC and the county that went into effect in 2026. This partnership allows DACC students in the Water Technology Program to apply as paid interns at the county receiving on-the-job training while in college. Rascon began her career as an intern with the City of Las Cruces Utilities Department. She was hired by the county in 2002 and has worked her way from a laborer to her current position as the assistant director.

These recipients were honored during a reception at the DACC Block Party on this past Friday, April 10th.

The DACC Distinguished Alumni Award was established for the purpose of honoring an outstanding alum who has made contributions to career and community. Awards are made based on distinction in the nominee’s field and community service.