3. Louise Gallegos and David Cisneros

December 13, 2025. Inspiring stories from Louise Gallegos and David Cisneros.

 

Louise Gallegos

Louise Gallegos shared stories about a broad range of life experiences: as the first female Councilor and twenty years of service on the Questa Village Council; about how her interest in politics started with her father who always took the family along with him to vote; about the restoration of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church; and stories of growing up in Questa with lots of time outside through the seasons including sledding with socks on her hands to keep them warm.

David Cisneros

We also heard stories from David Cisneros, an unsung hero from Cerro who has lived a life of service. David shared stories of his twenty years in the Navy starting at just seventeen years old, including volunteering to serve during Vietnam and six months with the Turkish Navy. He shared stories of life at sea, through battles and some of his posts and experiences during his extensive global travel throughout Europe and Asia as well as Australia and New Zealand. He also shared stories of integrating into civilian life and choosing a career path in refrigeration and appliance repair, which he learned in San Diego, CA and has done for decades in Cerro and Questa and throughout Northern Taos County.

Hosted by MC Michael Rael, these gatherings connect our community through tales of family, history, love, and adventure. Can’t make it in person? Episodes are also available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube.

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Voces de Nuestro País

Voices of Our Area

Stories of family, history, love, adventures, misadventures as told by the people of our area.

Come enjoy stories of family, history, love, adventures, and misadventures as told by the people of our area. On the second Saturday of each month, 2-4 featured guests will be invited to share their stories at Questa Library.

Michael Rael

Michael Rael hosts and curates this monthly gathering in collaboration with Voices of the Northern Rio Grande and Questa Library. Stories from these gatherings will become part of the digital community archive and be available to listen to via the library and online at QuestaStories.org.

The Voces de Nuestro País story-sharing events are now also being shared as a monthly podcast! Find the “Voces de Nuestro País” podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon music.

  • Amalia
  • Arroyo Hondo
  • Arroyo Seco
  • Cenia
  • Costilla
  • El Rito
  • La Lama
  • Questa
  • Red River
  • San Cristobal
  • Sunshine Valley

Questa Public Library
in partnership with
QuestaStories.org

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