Advocacy Boot Camp Cohort 1
The inaugural Advocacy Boot Camp brought together 19 womxn in from 17 tribes and formed a sisterhood over 2.5 days at Islandwood on Bainbridge Island.
This was an opportunity for participants to open themselves up to new opportunities, to allow themselves to be vulnerable, and set leadership goals. It’s not often that we get the time to connect with a sisterhood of like minded womxn who share similar goals. NAN encouraged participants to use this time to get to know one another, network with the presenters, and explore their passions. NAN created a safe place to be open and honest and share fears and celebrate amazing accomplishments.
Anna Armstrong, Kalispel
Anna Armstrong is a Kalispel Tribal member, current Cusick School Board member, active in the Washington State Indian Education Association and serving on the Washington State Native American Education Advisory Committee. Her work as her tribes Director of Education has allowed her the honor of assisting tribal and community members access learning and educational programs to enhance their lives and assist their work towards goals they set. Anna values hard work and positive thinking to bring hope and faith to the work she does for the people she lives beside. Anna is active in her community to help and assist friends and families in need. Her goals are to leave the world a better place for future generations to enjoy.
April Brown, Muckleshoot
April is a member of the Muckleshoot Tribe. April is driven by the 40 years work of her late father, she would like to protect his work by protecting the salmon habitat and educate and elevate the recycling process. More specifically, April would like to educate and elevate proper recycling practices and habits and see her community use less single use plastics. Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.
Lydia Faitalia, Tongan/Samoan-American
Lafaitele Lydia M. Faitalia is Tongan and Samoan- American. She is the eldest of eight children, five brothers and two sisters. She is the Interim Family Services Director for United Indians of all tribes. Lydia is finishing up her masters thesis in American Indians Studies at the University of California Los Angeles. She was appointed in 2022 by Governor Inslee to serve on the WA Commission for Asian Pacific American Affairs and appointed by her village to hold the High Chief title of Lafaitele from the village of Neiafu, Savaii. Lydia states that great leaders think about how their decisions impact the community, their families/tribes/villages, and seven generations to come. They honor their elders, embrace their identity, and understand that it takes a neck (the support community) to lift their head that holds the crown. Leadership isn't about self....but for future generations to come! Lydia is a wife, proud godmother of many children and a lifelong student. Her hobbies include reading, traveling, heartwork, advocacy, learning, working out, and spending time with beloved family.
Kaya Fernandes, Lower Elwha Klallam
Kaya Fernandes is an enrolled member of the Lower Elwha Klallam tribe. She is from Burien, Washington, and is currently living in Bellingham, Washington. Kaya is a student at Western Washington University, going for her bachelor’s degree in Sociology. She hopes to use her sociology degree to pursue a career in social work and be able to help and work with Native families. Kaya has worked at the Kumon of West Seattle since she was 16, working with students with Kumon’s math and reading curriculum. Working at Kumon has grown her love for education and taught her many work skills. Kaya was a running start student at Highline College where she was a student ambassador for a program called AANAPISI (Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution) which included many opportunities including public speaking and working and mentoring with other students and being able to attend conferences for leadership and diversity. Working at Kumon and AANAPISI has helped shape Kaya’s leadership skills and having the opportunity to be an ambassador for NAN, will help further her leadership skills.
Tleena Ives, Port Gamble S’Klallam
Tleena carries the ancestral names of Kwewatanat and HaʔhaʔMu and is an enrolled member of the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe. She worked for her people as the Together for Children Project Manager and now serves many tribes in Washington State as the Tribal Liaison for the Department of Early Learning. She has diverse work experience, serving in education, health, fitness and cultural instruction. She has also spent time working within her Tribe in the fields of curriculum development, tribal law, social work and parent advocacy. Tleena is the author of taʔt̕ə́wəsnaʔ “Star” - a S'Klallam children’s book expressing the wishes and dreams for our children through an environmental health perspective.
Tleena has been trained as a trainer in the following areas that support early learning: Fatherhood/ Motherhood is Sacred facilitator, a Family Literacy Consultant with the National Head Start Family Literacy Center, Physical Activity Kit in Indian Country (IHS), Digital Storytelling (IHS), and My Amazing Body an Indian Health Service Head Start Cultural Nutrition curriculum. Recently Tleena participated in the Brazelton Touchpoints American Indian Early Childhood Community Leadership Program and she is a graduate of the 2015-2016 Leadership Kitsap class. Currently Tleena is a student at the University of Washington participating in the Native Education Certificate program.
Tleena demonstrates leadership with her actions as a healthy role model and spends much of her free time instructing others in their fitness. As former Miss Indian USA, her motto was “You will only fail if you fail to try!” In her spare time, she trains for Ironman Triathlons, works part-time for the Seahawks, runs her own fitness business and finds joy in witnessing her four children grow into the dreamers and leaders of her Tribe’s future.
Tleena Ives earned her bachelor’s degree in Indigenous Education from the Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington. She is also a recipient of the 2016 “Woman of Achievement” award from the YWCA Kitsap County.
Merian Juneau, Quinault
Merian Juneau is a member of the Quinault Indian Nation and resides on the Quinault reservation. She is a single mom of 3 boys and has strived to provide a strong example of working hard to achieve success. Shortly after graduating from Taholah High School, Merian began her career in Human Resources at the Quinault Beach Resort & Casino to support herself and her 3-year-old son. She spent 10 years at QBRC, gaining valuable knowledge and experience in every aspect of Human Resources. Merian then became the first HR Manager for the Quinault Nation Enterprise Board to oversee the tribal convenience stores, seafood processing plants and timber enterprises.
Merian is also very active in making improvements within her community. Merian currently serves on the board of directors for The Taholah School District #77 and the Quinault tribal gaming commission. Within these roles, she is able to influence policies and help move the school district and gaming commission in a positive direction. Giving back to her community and making a positive impact for her family is an important part of Merian’s drive and future, and she is always looking for ways to learn and grow to help her in these endeavors.
Jasmine Martinez, Yakama Nation
Jasmine L. Martinez is a mother of three children, one daughter and two sons. She has worked at the Yakama Nation: Confederated Tribes and Bands for over 11 years, where she started out in the gaming industry to the agency. Jasmine has graduated with an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice. She’s also pursued a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice Administration. Jasmine is currently pursuing her Masters Degree in Psychology. Her goal is to work with youth throughout the reservation to let them know that they are capable of overcoming many obstacles in life. Raised by a single father named Johnnie Martinez, she was taught to always be straight forward in life and honest no matter how difficult the situation is. Most of all, he taught her to be strong. Jasmine is strong, resilient, outgoing, and adventurous. She enjoys the outdoors and being in the mountains within the Yakama Nation. Helping people within her community has always been something she’s wanted to do with her life.
Maggie McCarty, Makah
Maggie McCarty received her Masters Degree in Public Administration with a Concentration in Tribal Administration/Governance from the Evergreen State College in 2004. Her undergraduate degree was focused on Law and Policy and Federal Indian Law and Government to Government Relations at the Federal, State, and Tribal levels. Maggie’s background includes working in all capacities of relationships with federal and state agencies, local and tribal governments, and nonprofits. She is experienced in the relevant processes of institutions such as consultation, agreements, compacts, and specific local government relations. She holds a record of demonstrated accomplishments and leadership working for Washington state tribes managing complex organizations, as well as strong interpersonal skills.
Celia Olea, Puyallup
Celia Olea is a Tacoma resident and Puyallup Tribal Member. She is currently 28 years old and working to build a career in the Puyallup Tribal Government. Celia’s job is a key administrative role that provides support and leadership skills towards others in hopes of creating a system of equality and opportunity. Her job is also to work directly with Puyallup Tribal Council. Celia is passionate and determined to protect and preserve the rights of the Puyallup Tribe and its community. She actively participates in community events or leadership trainings. Celia hopes to pass teachings on to other women who are interested in building an Administrative or Leadership role.
Juanita Perez, Tlingit/Haida
Juanita Perez is a member of the Tlingit and Haida Tribes. She currently works for the Seattle Indian Health Board in Seattle, Washington as a Case Manager for the Homelessness Investment Department. This position feeds her desire to house the homeless, one relative at a time. Being a Homelessness Investment Case Manager provides her the platform needed to serve Seattle Indian Health Board relatives with their housing needs and concerns. Her service to our relatives comes from the heart of a person who has lived their experience.
Rebecca Purser, Suquamish
Rebecca Purser is the granddaughter of Mable Purser Cordero and Marcia Teal. She is the daughter of Lisa Laguna Lewis. Rebecca is an enrolled member of the Suquamish Tribe. She raises her children on the Port Madison Indian Reservation located in Suquamish, Washington, where she has lived and worked her entire life. In 2018, Rebecca graduated from Evergreen State College where she obtained her Masters Degree in Public Administration with a concentration in Tribal Governance. Growing up on a reservation, she has had many struggles throughout her life with limited resources. Over the years, she has worked in collaboration with many to ensure the services and programs offered are in the best interest of the members being served. Rebecca believes that every member deserves to be successful on their own homelands and opportunities that promote wealth and assist in the overall well being of the Suquamish people. She is currently the Office of Native Pathways Program Supervisor in the Office of Native Education. She was previously the Executive Assistant for the Suquamish Tribal Council.
Misha Rodarte, Navajo
Misha Rodarte (Averill) is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation but grew up and attended school in the Pacific Northwest. In 2013, Misha received a Bachelor of Arts in American Indian studies with a Diversity Studies minor from the University of Washington, Seattle. While at the University of Washington, Misha joined Alpha Delta Pi sorority; joined as a student of the Office of Minority and Diversity Affairs (OMDA); and received the Mary Gates Leadership Scholar award in Autumn of 2011.
Misha has been employed as a Commercial Real Estate Broker at a firm in Bellevue, Washington. Her duties include serving as real estate broker for the management and asset retention of more than a million square feet of commercial real estate throughout the US and Canada. Prior to her current employment, Misha previously worked as a paralegal for a real estate law firm and escrow office. While there, she helped families reorganize their finances, and many times saved homes from going to foreclosure, and prepare legal case filing in the US Federal Courts.
In 2013, Misha graduated from the NAN Youth Academy and loved everything NAN represented! In 2014, Misha returned to volunteer with NAN as the Youth Academy Facilitator. Misha enjoys the annual forum and youth academy and loves to engage and give back to her community and encourage native youth to keep pursing educational goals. It is most rewarding to see growth in students in professional settings, improving their public speaking skills, their introductions, and networking with other Native women leaders in their communities!
Kristena Rose, Makah
Kristena Rose is an enrolled member of the Makah Tribe. She currently works for North Kitsap School District as a Native American Education Liaison. Within this role, Kristena serves Native American students and families, as well as teachers and staff at six schools. Prior to working for NKSD for 6 years, Kristena worked in various jobs for her tribe. She’s been a language and culture teacher, a museum artifact curator, tribal archives assistant, and ICW lead caseworker to name a few. Kristena attended Peninsula College, receiving her Associate of Arts Degree and Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. She plans to continue her education once her children are older. Kristena is a board member of the Port Gamble S’Klallam ECE Policy Council. Being a mother is her favorite job. She enjoys helping others, baking, beading, and basket weaving.
Kimber Starr, Cherokee/Muscogee Creek
Kimber Starr is a real estate broker, small business owner, experienced community organizer, and legislative aide in Olympia. She has dedicated her professional and political career as champion of equity and inclusion in the government and decision making, building up communities - especially for Black, Indigenous and communities of color. Kimber is a domestic violence survivor and formerly homeless single mom; Kimber is keenly aware of the issues facing her community. She brings a deep and unique comprehension of politics and government and belief in servant leadership. Our elected leaders must approach policy decisions with empathy and understanding to better serve their constituents. It is that combination that drives her focus in economic development and affordable housing via Tacoma Community Redevelopment Authority Board or through the Tahoma Community Land Trust, which she founded. Kimber currently serves as Outreach Vice Chair for Pierce County Democrats where she spearheaded the creation of Constituency Caucuses, a brave and intentionally inclusive space, to amplify diverse voices from across Pierce County. She is a member of the class of 2021 Legacy of Leadership Cohort for the Native Action Network which is nurturing the next generation of Native community leaders and advocates. This is a great honor for her as an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation and a descendant of Muscogee Creek Nation. Kimber is also involved in City Club of Tacoma and is a Table Manager and Food is Free Project Tacoma. She also serves as a Pierce County Planning Commissioner for District 5. She is a real estate broker and co-owner of Starr Legacy Homes, a real estate company - focusing helping clients build generational wealth. Kimber is a proud bisexual member of the Queer community and is a fierce advocate for her transgendered teen. Kimber is a trained chef that enjoys cooking gourmet meals for both her children at their lively home in the Eastside neighborhood of Tacoma Washington.
Wendy Thomas, Nez Perce
Wendy Thomas hails from a family of natural helpers. Her mother worked as a Community Health Representative, her aunt was the Social Services Manager and her grandmother worked for the Domestic Violence programs with the Nez Perce Tribal organization. Wendy is a child advocate; her career has primarily been focused on early childhood education and child welfare. She currently is serving as the Early Learning Tribal Liaison with the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) | Office of Tribal Relations (OTR).
She is a Nez Perce Tribal member currently living on the ancestral lands of the Spokane and Kalispel lands in Spokane, Wa. Wendy obtained her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri and her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho.
Wendy was previously employed with DCYF in Region 1, as a Child & Family Welfare Services Supervisor. Prior to her work with DCYF, she was employed with the Kalispel Tribe as the Social Services Director which include Indian Child Welfare, Adult Protection, Emergency Services and Tribal Foster Care programs. She served as a DCYF Board Member as appointed by the Governor and member of the Tribal Policy Advisory Committee (TPAC). A career highlight was assisting in the passage of the Washington State Indian Child Welfare Act in collaboration with other Washington State Tribes. Additionally, she has several years of experience in Early Childhood Education and Social Services with the Nez Perce Tribe.
Outside of the office, Wendy is committed to being a parent, and practicing self-care. She is a two time “Half Ironman” which includes swimming 1.2 miles, biking 56 miles and running 13.1 miles also known as 70.3. In her spare time, she practices learning her traditional Nez Perce language and she likes to sew indigenous regalia and apparel.
Kady Titus, Koyukon Athabaskan
Kady, Siggadoots, is from the Native Village of Ruby, AK which is home to 200 Koyukon Athabaskan people. She is employed by Washington Conservation Voters. Kady attends Northwest Indian College and is working on a BA. She is a board member for Yoyot Spq'n'i, a nonprofit whose goal is to open a safe shelter for indigenous people escaping family violence. She describes leadership as someone who focuses on the whole group rather than self. Inspiring others around you while encouraging others to be and do better. Being courageous, honest, and having sincere enthusiasm. Kady is an artist: she loves wood burning, furniture restoration, and bead working. She treasurers her family and has been married to her husband since 2019.
Julia Wilson-Peltier, Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa
Julia Wilson-Peltier is an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, and is also Oglala Lakota. Julia is a 3rd generation urban Native from Seattle, WA. She has a Master’s of Public Health degree with a specialization in American Indian public health from North Dakota State University. Julia is currently a full-time Indigenous Health PhD student at the University of North Dakota, in which urban AI/AN health policy is her primary subject of interest. Julia is pursuing an Indigenous Health PhD in order to make change in her Seattle Native community. With a PhD, Julia will develop the knowledge and skillset needed to be able to participate in research relating to AI/AN health, and eventually policy and advocacy work. advocating for tribal environmental justice on the west coast.
Lisa Young, Tlingit/Navajo
Lisa Young has over 18 years of financial experience working for cities and Tribal agencies. In addition, she has 10 years of service at CPA firms where she worked in audit and tax. She has a BS in Accounting and Administration Office Management from Central Washington University. Lisa also has a MBA from Washington State University. She served as president of OR Finance group in 2018. She’s also served on local, nonprofit, and state committees, specifically the Budget Committee for the City of Redmond. In 2020, Lisa was elected to serve as the Board of Director for the Huna Totem Corporation. Her father’s words, “To remember who you are and where you come from”, serves as a reminder of her Native values which have shaped her life, her family, and continues to guide her career and service to others. She believes a strong community is built on trust, shared purposes, culture, and leadership.
