Dezirae Armijo helps coordinate recreational events for the city of Socorro.
Greg Byrd | El Defensor Chieftain

 

Dezirae Armijo works as the assistant director of tourism and recreation at the Socorro Heritage Center.

How did you get the job?

My boss James called me up one day and asked me if I would be interested in helping here. I said yes. It was a very simple process.

What are your duties in the office?

I am part of the group in charge of coordinating the recreational side of the community. Sports, especially youth competition, are big for my position. I also help in promoting events around Socorro for the local community. On the tourism side I try to promote all the things that we have to offer here. Right now we just had the Box Canyon climbing competition. The farmers market is going on and coming up is the Holiday Electric Light Parade. Pretty much highlight everything happening in Socorro because there’s a lot of cool stuff here.

How much input in the various events do you have?

It’s different with each event. Our office evaluates what is going on here and weighs which ones need our support or not.

What is your typical day like in the office?

This is why I like this job so much. Every day is different. For example, yesterday had me creating the courts for youth basketball. Now I’m working on getting the healthy kids contract going and getting the word out for ballers next week. And then I know something new will pop up in the coming days.

How do you support upcoming events?

We have multiple social media outlets. Facebook, Instagram, SnapChat and Twitter. E-mails and phone calls are also a good tool for our office. Whatever we can.

When not working, you also participate in coaching, correct?

Yes, I help out with the girls’ soccer team. I’m also helping with track coming up. I came back to Socorro around four years ago and I have been doing it ever since. This job and coaching combined have me seeing all kinds of places while meeting great people. The only con is that there just aren’t enough hours in the day for everything.

Were you born and raised in Socorro?

Born and raised. I love Socorro. My parents Michael Armijo and Shannan Griego are still here, as well as two of my three younger brothers, Michael, Jordan and Marcus. Michael just graduated from the Air Force Academy and has just been stationed in Pensacola, Florida. I did go to college at Adam State University in Colorado to play soccer. I studied exercise science and after four years I moved back here. That experience in college was amazing and I met a lot of great people while making lifelong friends along the way. It gave me the tools to be doing what I am today. But Socorro is my home.

What is your favorite movie?

“The Pursuit of Happyness.” It reminds you to be grateful of the little things every day.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Don’t get me wrong, I love Socorro, but I would love to be on an island somewhere. It doesn’t really matter where. But just like my favorite movie choice, being on an island always reminds you of all the things you should be grateful for.

Outside of work or coaching, what is your favorite thing to do?

I still like to play recreational sports: soccer, basketball and weight training. I try to stay physical every night of the week.

If you could change one thing about Socorro, what would it be?

We all just need to work together.

The youth of Socorro is very important, and we all need to do what we can to provide things for the kids to do outside of school. It will increase their mental health.

 

Greg Byrd | El Defensor Chieftain