Elisa Dimas

Director of Special Prosecutions, New Mexico Department of Justice

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Elisa Dimas is the director of special prosecutions at the New Mexico Department of Justice. In her prior role, she led efforts to build trust in the justice system across 22 tribal communities. A former child abuse prosecutor and social worker, Elisa has dedicated her career to advancing justice for those most vulnerable—particularly Native American families, women, and children. Under her leadership, her former office implemented a statewide tribal liaison model that served as a national blueprint. Her holistic approach to public safety centers on victim advocacy, alternatives to incarceration, and deep relationships with tribal leaders. Elisa’s long-term vision is to embed restorative justice practices in federal systems and elevate Native voices within national criminal justice reform.