“This is what happens when you just go for it,” Tricia English says. The founder and editor of UNUM Magazine put out her first digital edition of the magazine in June, 2017 based on an idea and vision she had. “I wanted to find a way to bring together women and really show what would happen if we all supported each other,” English says.
She began by interviewing women she knew from her life and travels and presenting their stories. Now, five issues later, UNUM Magazine has profiled more than 150 women from around the world whose work ranges from the worlds of science, agriculture, the arts and beyond. This month, the magazine will herald its first print version for the sixth edition: The Visionary Issue. The magazine will celebrate the milestone and an extraordinary year of accomplishment with a party from 6-8 p.m., Dec. 20 at Opuntia. “I thought, ‘what a way to celebrate the women of UNUM, all of them, everyone that’s been a part of it,’” English says.
Deb Haaland, congresswoman-elect for New Mexico’s first congressional district, is among the women highlighted in the issue, and also will be attending the party. “I’m blown away and honored that she’s in it,” English says. Other women featured in the magazine include Tewa Women United; Andrea Serrano, executive director of Olé New Mexico; Spur Line Supply Co. founder Tess Coats; textile artist Diana Casey; writer Emily Rapp Black; designer Kelsi Sharp and more. The issue is available for pre-order.
This month’s party is not UNUM’s first event. For the magazine’s one-year anniversary in July, English organized a photo exhibit of the women whose portraits have appeared in the publication. “I’m always thinking of ways to take it out of the digital space and more into a community setting,” she says. For the magazine’s Food issue, English held a five-course dinner in October at Dolina Santa Fe, which also served as a fundraiser for the magazine, and helped contribute to putting out the first print edition.
English also was part of the 2018 bizMIX, MIX Santa Fe’s business accelerator program.
“I loved it,” she says of the experience. “For me it was about networking and looking at the business side of what I’m doing. It helped me navigate through that and streamline what I’m doing. It helped me see the value of UNUM and what I’m doing…and I met incredible people along the way—all the people who are part of MIX and the mentors.”
English came to publishing from a design background, but says she had never designed a magazine before, nor written for one. But her vision for what UNUM could be carried her through, and the community support has been overwhelming. She hopes her story inspires others to follow their passions. “It’s changed the way I view the world,” she says. It’s changed the way I walk through life. This is what happens when you just go for it.”
English welcomes contributors and others interested in getting involved with UNUM. She can be reached at tricia@unummagazine.com