“Nontraditional” Is the New Unstoppable: Mercedes Ortega-Kennedy is ABQ’s Next Big Thing Mercedes Ortega-Kennedy is a model graduate. A model for any person who battles daily microaggressions and sexism, supports a family, is older than the traditional student—but doesn’t take no for an answer. During her time at UNM, Ortega-Kennedy won two pitch competitions, scaled her family business and took …