Administrative professionals celebrate connection and collaboration at APEX 2025

For the first time in Sandia’s history, administrative professionals from sites across the Labs came together under one roof to celebrate their vital role and strengthen their professional community.

The 2025 Administrative Professional Extravaganza on April 11 drew more than 400 participants from New Mexico, California and Minnesota to Albuquerque for a day filled with inspiration, interaction and learning. “Administrative professionals are the backbone of Sandia,” said Deputy Labs Director David Gibson, who helped organize the event. “They connect teams, drive collaboration and make success possible. APEX celebrated our APs and the essential role they play in keeping Sandia moving forward.”

APEX 2025 focused on “Connection: Unleashing the Power of Building Bridges,” a theme that resonated deeply with the administrative professional community. Attendees were assigned to tables without familiar faces. “It forced me outside my comfort zone and introduced me to people I would never have otherwise known,” said Sarah Flores, an administrative support associate from Executive Protocol who traveled from California. “It was energizing from start to finish.”

Attendees networked with colleagues from across the country, participated in dynamic activities and had the chance to explore Sandia’s New Mexico site through guided tours coordinated by a team of 11 senior management assistants. In one exercise, attendees lined up according to their years of service at Sandia. The line extended from one week to 50 years, giving a strong, real-life depiction of an administrative professional’s career path.

“It was a great experience,” said Tina Jaramillo, a senior management assistant in Integrated Military Systems Development. “It was a fantastic way to meet new people and expand my circle. I appreciate the effort that goes into making sure we, as administrative professionals, feel connected and valued.”

Attendees heard from Sandia leadership during a panel discussion that provided inside perspectives into the evolving role of APs across the Labs. The agenda also featured presentations by national speakers Laura Belgrado on leadership and influence, Rhonda Scharf on thriving in fast-paced work environments, Heather Denniston on resilience and personal well-being, and Travis Crutcher on personal development and leadership. “The speakers were passionate and empowering,” Sarah said. “I felt that so much of what we learned can be applied not just to work relationships but to personal ones as well.”

APEX 2025 marked the first time Sandia’s administrative professionals from all sites convened in one place for a dedicated event. The first APEX was held last year and featured two half-day sessions in Albuquerque and one in California. Attendees gave this year’s gathering high marks, with 98% saying they left feeling energized, inspired or excited, and 99% reporting they liked or loved the experience.

“I left APEX feeling recharged and inspired,” Tina said. “It reminded me that we’re not alone — we’re part of a strong, vibrant community that makes a difference every day.”

The planning team worked over six months and included Karen Marfia, senior executive assistant for the Labs Director; Kara Franco, executive assistant in Nuclear Deterrence Modernization & Stockpile Systems; Renee Martinez, executive assistant in ND Components & Production; Angela Cabanillas, executive assistant in Global Security; and Rachel Sowell, executive assistant in Integrated Security Solutions. Karen said APEX achieved its goal of fostering a stronger sense of community among Sandia’s administrative professionals.

“APEX wasn’t just an event; it was a celebration of everything our administrative professionals bring to the Labs,” she said. “It laid the foundation for deeper collaboration and connection.”

David said APEX 2025 showed what happens when Sandia invests in building relationships and recognizing talent. “I’m proud of what this community achieved today,” he said. “And I’m even more excited about what lies ahead.”