Judie Pokakaa is a Navy veteran and recent transplant to New Mexico, bringing with her a lifelong passion for sewing and textile arts. She currently serves as Vice President of the Fiber Art Council and is also the 2025 President of the Albuquerque Modern Quilt Guild. In addition, Judie serves as Community Service Director for the Thimbleweeds Quilt Guild in Rio Rancho and is an active member of both the New Mexico Crochet Guild and the Las Aranas Spinning and Weaving Guild.

Although Judie has been an avid quilter for the past four years, her journey with fiber arts began much earlier—learning to sew as a child and helping her grandmother tie quilts. Her favorite quilting style is foundation paper piecing, and she especially enjoys passing on her love of sewing by teaching Girl Scouts how to sew and make quilts.

Fiber arts hold a special place in Judie’s life. She finds peace and joy in working with her hands—whether she’s crocheting, quilting, sewing, or building dollhouses. Each project is an opportunity to relax, create, and connect with her community.