Leota Harriman
Leota Harriman is the owner, editor, and publisher of The Independent newspaper, a small community weekly covering central New Mexico east of Albuquerque and south of Santa Fe. She is first vice president of the New Mexico Press Association and has served for several years on that board. Leota started at The Independent as office manager and worked through nearly every position at the paper on her way to the top. An employee buyout of The Independent in 2010 led to her current ownership. Leota is passionately dedicated to old-fashioned journalism and wholly convinced of the importance of newspapers to democracy. She works with young people through internships, sponsors groups and events around the community, and advocates for local business.
