Founded in 1991, Leonardo is a student run magazine that focuses on the aspects of showcasing student talents throughout Central New Mexico Community College. This magazine looks to display the literary and fine art works of our talented and hardworking students. The editors of Leonardo work closely with our faculty advisers to seek and accept submissions for exceptional editions to be published each Spring. Currently, Leonardo is part of CNM’s Honors program. The class is: Honors (HNRS) 1120, section U01, CRN 85129. Class is on Fridays from 12:00pm to 2:45pm.
If you are a student looking for information on submitting your work, please click here for our Submission Guidelines.
For all other visitors, thank you for taking a look at Leonardo! Feel free to follow events catalogued in our blog or otherwise admire student submissions, either in the print publication itself or Leonardo Long-form.
Editorial Team, 2023-2024
Jessica Mills
Faculty Adviser
Jessica Mills has taught at Central New Mexico Community College since 2009. Jessica started publishing her writing as an undergraduate at the University of Florida and has since continued by independently publishing zines, contributing chapters to anthologies, writing a monthly column for Maximum Rock N Roll (2000-2010), and authoring My Mother Wears Combat Boots (AK Press, 2007). Every October, you can catch her tabling at Albuquerque Zine Fest, doing zine readings, and leading workshops.
Heather Gunn
Student Editor
Heather Gunn currently is serving as a student editor at Leonardo Literary Magazine. She won the literary award from Leonardo Magazine in 2022. In 2007, 2008 she was awarded the Editor’s Choice Award for outstanding poetry presented by poetry.com and the International Library of Poetry. She is a member of Billy Brown’s Fixed and Free Writers Community and a member of Rebecca Aronson’s Writers Workshop.
Fiona Page
Student Editor
Fiona is working to get her Associate’s of English. She is a dual-credit student with a tendency to write dark, disturbing short stories. This is her first year at Leonardo.
Maria Pearson
Student Editor
Maria has been at CNM since 2019, presently pursuing Associate’s Degrees in both English and Psychology. Her photography work has been exhibited and awarded in Albuquerque Museum’s Focus On Youth exhibit, the North Fourth Art Center’s “N4th Gallery”, and her writing in Scholastic’s Southwest Golden Key awards. She is a lover of Gothic fiction and has a “love-hate” relationship with the Victorians and the authors of their time. Otherwise, Maria’s time is spent drafting, drabbling, and… dabbling!
Candice Clark
Student Editor
Candice Clark is a non-traditional first-generation student pursuing an Associate’s in English, Communications, and Liberal Arts at Central New Mexico Community College. A former contributor to The Prospect News (Doniphan, MO), Candice was inspired to resume her love of writing after being published by Leonardo in 2023. When she’s not studying, writing, or serving as President of CNM’s Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society, Candice can be found at home, just being a mom to her seven amazing kids.
Shakkri Ortega Jackson
Student Editor
Shakkri Ortega Jackson is one of thought and wonder. A Psychology major, having previously obtained an Associates degree in IT. With roots originating in ABQ, she has traveled the continent in search of yogasmic wonder, spiritual bliss, and biological joy, while training as a yoga instructor in Costa Rica. While in Florida, Shakkri became enchanted with movement therapy. She earned a certification as a Pole instructor, simultaneously elevating her healing and others by becoming a Reiki Master Teacher. A purveyor of fine rocks and crystals, Shakkri enjoys all things esoteric, spending time with her daughters reading psychology related self-help books, journaling, and is a lover of all art forms.
Davina Purnell
Student Editor
Davina Purnell has been a student at CNM since the Fall of 2022. She will graduate in August of 2024 with an English degree. She was born in Santa Fe, New Mexico and now resides southeast of Belen. She is a published Poet, Writer, Wife, Mother, and Grandmother. She spends her extra time reading, writing, and enjoying the mountains and deserts of New Mexico with her family.
Want to work with us?
Watch out for Leonardo as an Honors class to register for, or keep an eye out for future Volunteer invitations!
Leonardo Magazine 
Submit your writing to Leonardo, CNM students! Hooray for art!