As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of The Buddhist Center, we take this moment to honor those whose vision, dedication, and compassion have shaped our journey: our past center directors. Each director brought unique strengths and heartfelt commitment, guiding us through times of growth, transition, and transformation. In this special blog, we share the stories—both big and small—that reveal the spirit and character of these remarkable individuals. Their leadership has laid the foundation for our thriving community, and it is with deep gratitude that we remember and celebrate the heroes of our story.

Ajna Seret (Center Founder and Director 2000-2002)

“What a milestone TNL is celebrating. I accepted Lama Zopa’s request to start a center in Santa Fe over half my lifetime ago. I met Roger and Rinpoche at Kopan during the November course in 1999 and heard that FPMT was moving to Taos. In early 2000, we were fortunate enough to host Rinpoche, Roger, and attendants, at our house and hotel. Such an amazing experience, that created such a strong bond with our family. Rinpoche felt a strong connection to the local Tibetan community and invited them to our house for a special talk and relic lesson, around 60 Tibetans gathered in our living room. TNL was very blessed by Lama Zopa and the great teachers he sent to help the center grow. The rest is really history… “

Ajna Seret

Karen Meador (Director 2002-2006)

“During these early days of TNL, we were honored by at least one visit from Lama Zopa at the Center on Luisa Street. TNL also welcomed Ven. Robina regularly.  TNL was very fortunate to practice a Green Tara sadhana weekly and were helped in sustaining this practice by the long time experience of David and Kayla Komito. TNL was also fortunate to experience other pujas facilitated by Ven Connie Miller and other FPMT staff who worked at that time in Taos.”

Karen Meador

Rowena Mayer (Director 2006 – 2018)

Memories composed by Gen Don Handrick: 

Rowena Mayer served as the center director for Thubten Norbu Ling from 2006 until early 2018, guiding the development of its programs and events, and helping the community to grow into one of the largest Buddhist centers in Santa Fe. As the “mommy” of the center, Rowena was a constant presence, greeting and welcoming nearly everyone who came through its doors.

During her years as center director, she persisted in inviting Geshe Thubten Sherab to return to New Mexico, where he had worked from 2001-2003 at FPMT’s International Office when it was located in Taos. It was her strong wish that Geshe Sherab become the center’s first resident geshe, and in 2013 he agreed to do that on a part-time basis, sharing the teaching duties for half of each year with TNL’s other resident teacher at the time, Don Handrick.

She also continually invited Lama Zopa Rinpoche to come to Santa Fe, and her many years of dedication to the center, the FPMT organization, and Rinpoche resulted in his weeklong visit in August 2017, which included several teachings and initiations that were attended by over 200 people. The blessings of Rinpoche’s visit continued to benefit TNL in that it has grown into a large community of practitioners with an expanded program and the purchase of the beautiful building that is now our permanent home.

Although Rowena passed away in 2022, she left us with many memories of her good heart and generous spirit. We all will remember her tireless dedication to the Dharma, and especially her joy when she was in Rinpoche’s presence during his visit in 2017.

Alex Williams (Director 2018 – 2019)

“I was director for one year only: April 2018 through March 2019.  I did not request the position, nor was I aware that Rowena had submitted my name to LZR.  It was a transition year, releasing Rowena and getting ready for Charmaine and a revamped board.  A lot of changes and an uncomfortable amount of strife, but sometimes a shake up is needed to be ready to let go of entrenched energy and get ready for newness.  An amazing experience.”

Alex Williams

Charmaine Hughes (Director 2019 – 2022)

Among many incredible achievements, Charmaine is the one who navigated our Center through the COVID pandemic and coordinated the purchase of a former church at the 130 Rabbit Road in Santa Fe. She led the beautiful renovation of this building that now serves our community as a peaceful oasis for study, meditation, movement, and socializing. 

One of Charmaine’s favorite memories is taking Geshe Sherab to see the Geshe House for the first time after the Center bought it. We were all so happy!

Geshe Sherab

As we reflect on the inspiring stories of our past Center Directors, we are filled with deep gratitude for the wisdom, kindness, and unwavering dedication each one brought to The Buddhist Center. On behalf of our entire community—and from my own heart—I offer a heartfelt thank you to every director who has guided us along this path. Your leadership has not only built the foundation of our Center but has also touched countless lives, nurturing a spirit of compassion and harmony that continues to flourish today. 

I am profoundly aware that I stand on the shoulders of giants, and it is your legacy that lights the way forward. With sincere appreciation, we honor you and celebrate all that you have given to our community.

Nina Highfill, current director of The Buddhist Center Thubten Norbu Ling