2023-2024 Legacy of Leadership Cohort
Christina Diego Nimipuu/Dinè
Christina Diego (Nimiipuu/Dinè) is the Policy Director for the Seattle Indian Health Board where she advocates for the health and wellness of American Indian and Alaska Native people on a local to national level.
Christina identifies as an urban Native and seeks to improve the resources dedicated to Native people regardless of where they reside. She has supported the transition of the Healthy Native Babies Project from the National Institutes of Health to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and has supported the acquirement of over $20 million to support the expansion of Seattle Indian Health Board facilities.
Her work today uplifts the voices of community members, supports traditional ways of knowing, and utilizes research to advocate for the needs of Indian Country. Christina also advocates for community-based initiatives that support Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, and resilient communities.
Her work supports initiatives for responding to systemic racism in public health, maternal and infant health, gender-based violence, and essential health and human services. Christina received her Master of Public Administration from the University of Colorado Denver, received her Master of Social Work from the University of Washington, and received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Oregon.
Dezerae Hayes, Quinault
Dezerae Hayes comes from the Capoeman Family of the Quinault Indian Nation; her late Gram is Barbara “Chee” Capoeman, and her late father is Ernest Hayes.
Dezerae works for Sound Transit on the Executive Team within Government and Community Relations as the Director of Tribal Relations.
Currently, she is leading Tribal Engagement as Sound Transit builds the largest Infrastructure Project in North America and the first light rail service in the United States on an Indian Reservation.
Dezerae has an AA from Spokane Falls Community College, a BA in Psychology with a pre-major in American Indian Studies and Sociology, an MPA, and a Master’s in Tribal Planning from Eastern Washington University, and finally, a Ph.D. – ABD from Gonzaga University her dissertation is titled– Forgiveness, Justice, and Power between the United States Government and American Indian Tribes.
Jami Ishmael-Barney, Warm Springs
Jami Ishmael (Snuneymuxw First Nation and N’quatqua First Nation) was born and raised in Washington, daughter of Melody Ishmael and granddaughter of Laura Barney and Stanley Bob.
While Jami’s family was greatly impacted by the sixties scoop she has found a strong community among the Seattle Urban Indians as well as continues to make connections within her First Nations.
Jami has a BA from The Evergreen State College in Public Health with an Emphasis on Tribal Communities.
While Jami has held many positions in the non-profit world, she is currently the Senior HR Generalist at Chief Seattle Club. Jami is married to Jessi Miller and has a boisterous two-year-old son named Henri Ray.
Brooke Lolnitz, Koyukon Athabascan
Brooke Lolnitz is Koyukon Athabascan from the Native Village of Koyukuk Alaska, also known as “Meneelgahaadze T’oh” (the village at the base of the bluff).
Brooke was raised in Koyukuk with a subsistence lifestyle, harvesting moose and salmon with her family to get them through the harsh winters.
Brooke comes from a strong family of tribal leaders and is passionate about carrying on her family legacy.
As a self-starter, Brooke forged an 18-year career in the financial services industry, spanning from entry-level teller to her current role as Branch Manager and top leadership in the Federal Way area.
Through her role at Red Canoe Credit Union, Brooke is passionate about financial wellness for all, and most particularly involved in financially empowering communities of color and recently immigrated.
Katie Manzanares, Coast Salish
Katie Manzanares is a passionate communications professional specializing in digital media. Currently serving as the Communications Digital Media Manager at the Puyallup Tribe, Katie plays a role in effectively conveying the tribe's message to a wide audience.
She is a dedicated advocate for inclusivity and equality, contributing significantly as a member of the Puyallup Tribe's Pride Planning Group. Katie's commitment to the group stems from her belief in the power of unity and the collective responsibility of building a more inclusive society.
Recognizing the importance of amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. Katie also is the founder of SalishStyle.com, a platform that celebrates and promotes the rich cultural heritage of the Coast Salish people. Collaborating with numerous artists throughout the Coast Salish territory, Katie is helping to revitalize the art form by creating wearable clothing and accessories that showcase the beautiful art and the stories behind the designs.
As a first-generation college graduate with a bachelor's degree in communication, Katie embodies the values of perseverance, determination, and a commitment to education. Her academic accomplishments have provided her with a solid foundation to excel in her professional endeavors and positively impact her community.
With her multifaceted skills in communications, digital media expertise, and a genuine passion for her culture Katie Manzanares continues to make significant strides in promoting cultural understanding, advocating for her community, and inspiring others to embrace their own unique identities.
Irene McCloud, Puyallup
Irene McCloud is an enrolled member of The Puyallup Tribe of Indians and has many ancestral ties to the Nisqually, Chehalis, Quinault, and Quileute people.
Irene began learning the Southern Lushootseed language in 2017 from consultant and mentor Zeke Zahir.
She received her First Peoples' Language, Culture, and Oral Traditions Certification in 2020.
Irene currently works as a Lushootseed Language Teacher for the Puyallup Tribal Language Department.
Irene is passionate about the Lushootseed language and has dedicated herself to ongoing efforts towards language revitalization.
Celia Olea, Puyallup
Celia (Lia) Olea is an enrolled Puyallup Tribal member with a strong background in administration and a deep commitment to community service.
With seven years of experience working for the Puyallup Tribe, she has made significant contributions in her role as the Executive Admin Assistant and Projects Coordinator for Administration.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Celia is an active member of the Puyallup tribal community. She currently serves as the Chairwoman of the Puyallup Tribal Housing Committee, where she works proactively with other members to address housing needs and improve living conditions for tribal members.
Her dedication to this role highlights her passion for making a positive impact on her community's well-being. In addition to her professional and community work, Celia is an avid learner, always seeking opportunities for personal growth.
She has a keen interest in government affairs and stays informed about relevant policies and legislation that affect the tribal community. Celia's passion for learning is complemented by her love for traveling, which allows her to explore diverse cultures and broaden her understanding of the world.
Celia Olea's exceptional dedication to her work, community, and personal growth sets her apart as an exceptional individual. With her unwavering commitment to the Puyallup Tribe, her passion for cultural preservation, and her thirst for knowledge, she continues to make a meaningful impact in both professional and personal spheres.
Kelsea Pullin, Chippewa Cree
Kelsea Pullin's career path epitomizes her unwavering commitment to promoting diversity and empowering underrepresented communities, especially Indigenous peoples.
As a member of the Chippewa Cree Tribe of Rocky Boy, MT, she has utilized her educational background and professional experiences to make a profound impact in diverse industries.
Her journey led her to earn a bachelor's degree in business marketing from Eastern Washington University, laying the foundation for her future work in the business and tech sectors.
In the tech industry, Kelsea held recruiting roles at Microsoft and Meta (formerly Facebook), actively working to increase Indigenous representation within their workforce. At Microsoft, she played a crucial role in establishing their first external Indigenous Mentorship program, creating opportunities for Indigenous students pursuing STEM or business-related degrees and supporting their entry into the tech sector.
Co-leading the Seattle Native ERG at Meta, Kelsea provided strategic direction and support for Indigenous employees, fostering a more inclusive work environment.
Currently serving as a Diversity Supplier Program Manager for a major General Contractor, she continues her commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the construction industry.
Breezy Reems, Navajo
Breezy Reems is a 37-year-old Navajo woman who resides in Seattle WA. She is a mother of 5 children, 3 girls and 2 boys ages 3-17 years old.
She has been employed at the Chief Seattle Club for almost 2 years and has worked as a case manager in the Eviction Prevention department, The Re-Entry Program, and the Assistant Manager of The Day Center.
In November 2022, she was promoted to program manager of the ?AL?AL building which is a great responsibility and an amazing achievement for her.
In 2022 she attended Highline Community College in the Housing Shelter and Facility Operations program. She is not complete in the program but plans to go back part-time soon.
She has worked very diligently in life to regain her spirit, break intergenerational and generational trauma, and to be able to heal herself, her family, and her community.
Rosalinda Turk, Cherokee
Rosalinda Turk, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, is a dedicated advocate for community, culture, and social justice.
With an undergraduate degree in pathology and extensive research in bacteriophage therapy for salmonid pathogens, she delved into the world of public service, serving in the Washington State government for over a decade.
Rosalinda's pursuit of knowledge led her to obtain a Master's Degree in Public Administration, focusing on emergency preparedness and community engagement.
Her commitment to data-driven decisions is evident through her work as the Equity and Social Justice Manager for the Department of Health's Office of Resilience and Health Security. Rosalinda's passion for community wellness led her to volunteer with local non-profits and serve on boards promoting equity and inclusivity, including her role as board chair for the Wa-Ya Outdoor Institute, which she co-founded.
Named after her ancestral clan, Aniwaya ᎠᏂᏩᏯ (Wolf Clan), the institute aims to connect youth with nature through an indigenous lens, fostering environmental advocacy and critical changes. Rosalinda's love for the outdoors drives her to explore hiking, backpacking, paddleboarding, and Nordic skiing with her husband and five children.
Her unique experiences and perspectives enrich her work and fuel her commitment to creating a positive impact on the well-being of the community and the environment. Sgadug duhdatlesuh, the Cherokee way of coming together as a community, serves as Rosalinda's guiding principle.
Drawing wisdom from her boarding school survivor grandfather and great-grandfather, she recognizes the importance of preserving ancestral ways of life and promoting individual and communal wellness.
Through WaYa and her role as a leader, Rosalinda aspires to instill respect for the environment, advocate for public health, and ensure a brighter future for the next generations.
For Rosalinda, leadership is about leading with love, courage, and integrity to create positive change that benefits all.
Cohort Projects
Legacy of Leadership Cohort members work within a group of their peers to complete a project intended to build on their passions and interests. In 2021, 4 amazing teams collaborated to make a positive difference in our communities:
