'Show up and care': How Unica Viramontes gives back to the community

Associate Laboratory Director for Defense Protection Unica Viramontes is understandably busy with her day job of helping to keep the Laboratory and its people and information safe, but she still finds time to make a positive impact in another way through a range of volunteer activities. Her community commitment recently found her on the stage at the Lensic Theater in Santa Fe, serving as an emcee for Mariachi Christmas, a nonprofit fundraising event.

Starting with a high school internship, Viramontes' 27-year Laboratory career has predominantly been in security programs and operations. That might seem a world away from the Lensic's bright lights and music, but Viramontes doesn't see it that way.

"The Lab has such a strong culture of service and mission," she said. "Whether you're working on a national challenge or volunteering at a community event, the underlying purpose is the same: you're contributing to something bigger than yourself."

This connection between service and community has deep roots.

"There's something really special about being part of a place where the work has real purpose and where people genuinely care about both the mission and the surrounding community," said Viramontes, who grew up in Abiquiú.

Her passion for community service was instilled at a young age, as she watched her educator father creating programs for young people and saw the impact one person could have.

"Giving back feels like a way to invest in the next generation the way others once invested in me," she said.

Viramontes' volunteer work has spanned a range of areas, from championing food and toy drives at the Lab, through volunteering with youth sports, to delivering meals to homebound seniors.

Mariachi and museums

The opportunity to emcee at Mariachi Christmas came through Christopher Alcala, a colleague who has been a driving force behind the event, which supports scholarships for students in behavioral health fields.

"Mariachi Christmas is such a beautiful celebration of culture, music and community, and it holds a very special place in my heart," Viramontes said. "My grandfather was a mariachi and growing up, his love for the music and the pride he carried in our traditions deeply influenced me. So being part of this event feels like honoring him and the legacy of so many musicians like him."

In addition to her work with Mariachi Christmas, Viramontes serves on the board of the Santa Fe Children's Museum.

"It immediately spoke to me because it's all about curiosity, imagination and learning through play, all things my dad emphasized as an educator," she said. "It opens doors for so many young people in our community who might not otherwise have access to those kinds of experiences."

Juggling all her commitments may sound daunting, but Viramontes stresses that she benefits from her service.

"Volunteering keeps me grounded and reminds me why I do what I do," she said. "It's incredibly rewarding to see the direct impact of your time and effort. It also gives me perspective and balance; something I think we all need."

Making the most of Lab volunteering opportunities

Viramontes has also participated in various Lab-organized volunteer events, such as shifts at The Food Depot and education outreach.

"Those efforts are a wonderful way for employees to connect outside of work while making a tangible difference," she said. "One of my fellow Children's Museum board members uses the phrase 'time, talent and treasure' to describe how people can contribute to nonprofits, and I really love that perspective. Not everyone can give in the same way, but everyone has something valuable to offer.

"You don't need a title or a big platform to make an impact, you just need to show up and care."