About Elaine

Dr. Elaine Sena Cortez is a Business Consultant and the owner of Sena Cortez Consulting, LLC. She is also a Professor at the University of the Southwest and Eastern New Mexico University, her two alma maters. Elaine is married to the love of her life and best friend, Efren Cortez. The couple shares a loving home with their daughter Layla, and their two dogs – Termite and Huckleberry. Elaine is the daughter of pastors and is a faithful member of King's Gate Church in Hobbs, New Mexico. Elaine is a proud American and the daughter of a Vietnam Veteran. Elaine is a lifelong resident of New Mexico and believes New Mexicans have the potential to move our Nation forward through small businesses.

Elaine grew up on the south side of Hobbs, New Mexico. Her goals and dreams as a child were greater than her family's income. Elaine's family has always been her most significant source of inspiration. Her late mother, Barbara Sena, was a pastor and educator and serves as Elaine's inspiration for support of education. Elaine's father, Pastor Fabian Sena, is a combat veteran who faithfully served in the United States Army in the Vietnam War. Both of Elaine's parents instilled in her the love of God and compassion for helping people.

For her educational achievements, Elaine committed to opportunities offered in Southeastern New Mexico. She holds a Doctor in Business Administration degree from the University of the Southwest in Hobbs, New Mexico. Elaine has worked hard to become an expert in her field. In 2006, she graduated from the University of the Southwest (Hobbs, NM) with a Bachelor of Business Administration and a minor in Marketing. In 2012, Elaine graduated from Eastern New Mexico University (Portales, NM) with a Master of Business Administration. In 2018, she graduated from the Maddox Leadership Institute (Hobbs, NM). Elaine is also an alumnus of the Leadership New Mexico Connect Program (2016). She is proud of the educational opportunities afforded in Southeastern New Mexico and is an advocate for higher education.

Elaine began her career as an educator at King's Gate Academy in Hobbs, New Mexico, where she was first a teacher and then served as a principal for seven years. In 2010, she became the local outreach director for King's Gate Church. She has conducted mission work worldwide, including South America, Central America, and Africa. Through her mission work, Elaine has volunteered in orphanages, AIDS hospices, and schools teaching English to children. In 2013, Elaine became the Executive Director of MyPower, Inc. and served there for the past 11 years.

Elaine proudly serves her community and has committed to making Lea County a great place to raise families. She was a founding Board Member for the Legacy Pregnancy Resource Center in 2012 and served faithfully for five years. She served as a Board Member for Viante, New Mexico from 2018-2022. She also served as a Hobbs Jaycees member from 2012-2022. Currently, Elaine serves on the Board of Trustees at the University of the Southwest.