Advocacy Boot Camp Cohort 2
The second Advocacy Boot Camp Retreat brought together 18 womxn in from 10 tribes and formed a sisterhood over 2.5 days at Islandwood on Bainbridge Island April 28-30, 2023. Speakers over the weekend included the amazing Cecelia Firethunder (Oglala), Peggen Frank (Northern Arapaho), Senator Claudia Kauffman (Nii Mii Puu), Melanie Montgomery (Quinault) and Shayna Daitch.
The second session is on Communication and Public Speaking June 3, 2023 in Seattle.
Meet the Cohort
Jeanette Allen | 34th Legislative District
Jeannette Allen is a Nii Mii Puu (Nez Perce) two spirit woman running a new business with her wife of 33 years. She graduated from UW with dual degrees in Political Science and Theater. She and her wife share two daughters, six grand children and four great grandchildren. She has revealed that she has been afraid for most of her life and that it is a form of PTSD that most of her family suffers from. This program is a way for her to be brave in the face of the challenges ahead, for her, for all of us.
Jennifer Braveboy | 27th Legislative District
Jennifer Braveboy is a registered member of the Turtle Mountain Chippewa tribe (Anishinaabe) of North Dakota and is also part (not registered) of the Rosebud Sioux (Lakota). Jennifer grew up in Northern California, graduated from Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, KS with her AA in 1998 and most recently graduated from the University of Washington, Tacoma with her B.S. in Environmental Science in 2022. Jennifer has volunteered with Puget Soundkeeper Alliance conducting Coho salmon pre-spawn mortality surveys. Before that, she interned with NOAA, participating in their IN-FISH program where she conducted a review of scientific literature in order to create a model that showed the ITEK of fishing in the Bering Straight region. Jennifer has lived in Washington state for over 15 years. Her interests are environmental justice, tribal sovereignty and Indigenous/Traditional Ecological Knowledge (ITEK).
Jessica Elopre | 31st Legislative District
Jessica Elopre is a tribal citizen of the Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska. She is currently a Domestic Home Manager and a silent co-owner of Gracean Homemade Food Products in the Philippines. Her educational background is in Anthropology and Alaskan Native Studies. She is interested in the NAN Advocacy Bootcamp to expand her range of skills for the betterment of the local Tlingit and Haida community in the greater Seattle area.
Karen Elliott | 44th Legislative District
Karen Elliott is a citizen of the Tlingit and Haida Tribes of Alaska, she is Taakwaaneidi from the Raven, Woodworm women and Sea Lion. Karen has a BA degree in American Indian Studies at the University of Washington (UW) and a Master of Education Policy she utilizes her education for her position as the Indian Education Specialist for Edmonds School District (ESD). She will be starting the UW Tacoma and Muckleshoot Cohort Doctoral in Education Leadership that will start in the Summer of 2023. I am in Emerge Leadership and I have learned about running for a local and state candidacy. She believes Native Action Network would enhance her knowledge and experience with networking with other Native leaders.
Breanna Foulkes | 28th Legislative District
Breanna Foulkes is an enrolled member of the Puyallup Tribe. She is a mother to her son Noah and is currently completing her paralegal program at Tacoma Community College. Although she is proud of continuing her education, some of her proudest moments come from teaching her son how to read and the importance of reading, while being a young parent. This advocacy boot camp program acceptance would be the next step to provide Breanna the tools to be able to assist those whom she can and place her in spaces to grow from everyone she is around. Acceptance to this program would also provide her the ability to be challenged, as this program is a rare opportunity, the goal is to alleviate uncertainty for women stepping up to help those in need.
Dezerae Hayes | 31st Legislative District
Dezerae Hayes comes from the Quinault Indian Nation - the Capoeman Family. Her Gram is the late Barbara “Chee” Capoeman, and her late father is Ernest Hayes. She is currently the Director of Tribal Relations at Sound Transit. Prior to her employment at Sound Transit, she created the Muckleshoot Tribe’s Transportation Division. She earned her BA in Clinical Psychology, Master’s in business and Public Administration and a Masters in Tribal Planning from Eastern Washington University. She received her Doctorate Degree (PhD) from Gonzaga University in Leadership Studies – her dissertation is Titled: Forgiveness, Justice, and Power between American Indian Tribes and the United States Government. She is interested in the Advocacy Program because she wants to learn more about advocacy and how to elevate Indigenous voices. In addition, Dezerae would like to learn how to move forward in creating opportunities for Native American women in elected leadership positions.
Lakeisha Jones | 37th Legislative District
Lakeisha Jones was born and raised in Seattle, Washington. She completed her Bachelors in Child and Family Studies, with the focus on Early Childhood Education. Lakeisha would like to continue her education to obtain a Master's Degree in the ABA field. Even at a young age, Lakeisha always had a passion for teaching. Lakeisha's grandmother is a retired principal, her aunt is a childcare licenser for the city of Seattle, and her sister is a retired preschool teacher. She always admired these women and they have taught her to value her work and grow everyday as an educator. Lakeisha is indigenous and African American, she is Tlingit from Alaska. Lakeisha is working on advocating for equity and inclusion not only in her career but also in her community. She lives in subsidized housing and utilizes her local food bank. Lakeisha loves interacting with her community because she feels that is keeps her connected.
Fawn Sanchez | 28th Legislative District
Fawn Sanchez is Shoshone Bannock from Fort Hall, Idaho, and Carizzo-Comecrudo, an Indigenous tribe in Mexico. With Amazon for over 9 years, Fawn is currently a Senior HR Leader and is President of the Indigenous Employee Resource Group. Fawn is a diversity thought leader; member of the AISES Corporate Advisory Council, an AISES Sequoyah Fellow, and a member of the Minority Veterans of America Board of Directors. Fawn drives programs to support the recruitment, retention and representation of Indigenous professionals, and innovative technology solutions to meet the needs of underrepresented communities, removing barriers to accessing STEM education. Fawn is a 3rd generation Army Veteran and served during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Fawn has a BA in Journalism, MA in Human Resource Management, an MBA, a PHR Certification, and is a Certified Cloud Practitioner. Fawn lives in the Seattle area with her children, Eli (6) and Isabella (14). Brief Statement of Purpose Leadership is part of my family legacy. My aunt, Tawna Sanchez is serving her 2nd term as an Oregon State Representative. When she was elected, I suddenly realized that I too, could serve my people and my country, by enacting change thru policy and political avenues. As an officer in the US Army I supervised groups of 50-100 Soldiers working in defense of the United States, in highly confidential projects that required the highest levels of judgement. I continue to serve now to remove barriers for my community, but my tactical skills and knowledge of political processes is limited. I intend to grow in this space, and run for elected office.
Paula Sasticum | 24th Legislative District
Paula Sasticum (La Flame) is a Puyallup Tribal Member. She currently manages a kite shop for Bucks NW in Pacific Beach. She also has been in Direct Sales for 25 years. Paula earned her BA in Business Administration in 2008. She completed her degree while being geographically separated from her husband who was stationed in Korea. At the time, her kids were 16, 14, and 10. She spent most of his army career alone. Puyallup Tribe paid 100% of her tuition. Paula feels now it is time to give back to her Tribe and the Tribal community. Paula gained knowledge of dealing with families in crisis as a Family Assistance Center Coordinator for the Pennsylvania National Guard. Paula is also a survivor of domestic violence. She feels it will be an honor to represent and advocate for other Native women, and she appreciates Native Action Network for this opportunity.
Nicole Sims | 2nd Legislative District
Nicole Sims is a tribal member of the Nisqually Indian Nation, where she works as the OMB Director. She sits on the MCEC Board of Directors as Vice President and helps to manage Nisqually’s enterprises. Nicole went to school at North West Indian College and graduated with a BA degree in Tribal Governance Business Management with a concentration in business. Nicole worked hard to develop a program within the tribe aside from her job to bring financial literacy to the tribe and community members, she is working with youth groups, ICW students, Head Start parents, Yelm High School, and Bank of America. She would love to be apart of this program to strengthen the skills she has, become a better public speaker, and to be able to touch more lives in a positive way, She feels like if she is not creating ways to be of assistance and support to others, she is not doing what she was taught as a Native American woman.
Shannel Squally-Janzen | 27th Legislative District
Shannel is a citizen of the Puyallup Tribe. Shannel earned her Masters in Social Work from UW in 2015. She did her school practicums at Chief Leschi Schools, the Native American Community and Child Welfare Advocates, and the Suquamish Tribal Indian Child Welfare Department. She is currently the Extended Support Services Caseworker for Children’s Services at the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. Shannel has been a foster parent and guardianship parent. Shannel has a husband, two biological children, and many other children who have passed through her home. She has personal experience working with the child welfare system and navigating mental health challenges with a family member. She has always had a strong passion for helping families and trying to work through generational trauma. Shannel enjoys beading, hiking, spending time with her family, traveling, attending cultural events, speaking Twulshootseed, and learning new things.
Sarah Stafford | 27th Legislative District
Sarah Stafford, Seneca Nation descendant, is a Senior Tribal Specialist with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Child Care (OCC). She has 15 years of experience working in Indigenous early learning at the tribal nation, national, and state levels. She has supported tribal nations in implementing comprehensive Child Care and Development Fund programs that meet the diverse needs of Native children and families. In her work, she brings awareness to tribal sovereignty, racial equity, and culturally responsive practices. Sarah has served as a Washington State Indian Education Association board member, Puget Sound Educational Service District Racial Equity Transformation Team member, and as co- author of the Since Time Immemorial: Tribal Sovereignty Early Learning Curriculum. Sarah received her Bachelor of Arts degree in American Indian Studies from the University of Washington. This special opportunity would support her goals of running for elected office.
Jennifer Vasilez | 27th Legislative District
Jennifer Vasilez is a member of the Puyallup Tribe, and has relatives from various Coast Salish tribes in the Puget Sound region. Jennifer is a mother, wife, sister, and daughter, who was born and raised in the Tacoma area. Jennifer has worked in education for the last 13 years, and has served in both Tribal and traditional public schools, as a teacher and school administrator. Jennifer has been active in service of her community since she was a teenager and has an extensive volunteer history, working primarily with young adults. While passionate about education, she has also served in the social services field, and has also served on various committees for the City of Tacoma, OSPI, and UW Tacoma. Jennifer currently has her Master’s Degree in Teaching, her Administrator and Superintendent Credential, and is a current Doctoral Student at the UWT, pursuing her Doctorate in Education.
Emma Jo Velador | 25th Legislative District
Emma Jo Velador is an enrolled member of the Quinault Indian Tribe and Mexican. Emma Jo graduated with her Associates in Business Management and was able to obtain a position with her Tribe as the Child Support Court Liaison, that began her journey in the legal field. She currently works as a Paralegal for the Nisqually Indian Tribe and has been in the legal field for 12 years. Emma Jo is a single mom of 5 daughters, they love to go out and explore life together. During their summer times, they enjoy camping and being on the lake. Emma Jo has a passion and drive to make a better world, not only for her daughters, but for generations to come. Emma is interested in this program because she feels she has much to learn. Emma has a deep passion and will to learn. She wants to help bridge the gaps that she endured while growing up. Emma wants to be the voice that her ancestors weren’t allowed to use. This is a long journey that Emma has just begun, but she knows she is meant to make a difference.
Ixtli White Hawk | 37th Legislative District
Ixtlixochitl I. Salinas-White Hawk, is a Mexika- Tenochca/Otomi/Tarasco from the communities of Iztacalco and Tlacopan. Ixtlixochitl is a cultural worker and community organizer as well as a traditional artist and printmaker. She is a current Board member at United Indians of All Tribes Foundations, and sits on the Governing Board with the Cultural Spaces Agency with the City of Seattle, and recently joined the Governing Board at HealthierHere. This is an incredible program to support her professional development, learn new skills and build a strong network with other Indigenous women to continue the arduous work to uplift and advocate for Indigenous Peoples in all spaces. She has helped create a Native nonprofit, secure grants, and create programming. Being a part of this cohort, will help her continue developing professionally and personally to take her work for community to the next level.
Trisha Kautz | 22nd Legislative District
Trisha Kautz is an enrolled member of the Quinault Indian Nation. She grew up attending school on the reservation in the small village of Taholah. After graduating from Taholah school she continued her education goals and attended SPSCC for 2 years. After living in the “big city” of Olympia she wanted to add more adventure and moved to NYC to take a summer course in Fashion. Once returning home she took a year off of college and worked for Quinault Pride Seafoods and QIN TANF, but she knew she needed to return to College and finish her degree. Trisha completed her bachelor’s degree in Design and Marketing. From there she continued opening more opportunity for herself and completed Cosmetology school while managing two salon/spas. Just recently she took a job working for her tribe in the TANF program as the Lead Caseworker of the Hoquiam Office. This was a very hard decision to make as she left a program that she worked for 12 years for, but her goal was always to work for her own Tribe. In 2022 Trisha joined NAN 4th Legacy of Leadership Cohort and from there she has grown and continues to take what she learned in those 10 months. This has made her continue to strive and keep learning even if its outside of her comfort. Bootcamp is the prime opportunity for her to keep learning and meeting new sisters to help her along her journey.
Christina Laigo | 43rd Legislative District
Christina Fernandez Laigo is a citizen of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate of the Lake Traverse Reservation in South Dakota and currently works and resides in Seattle, Washington. She is unique because growing up in Rainier Valley/Beacon Hill and always moving between worlds (urban, rural, Indigenous and non-Indigenous) has helped to guide her from being an Intellectual Property paralegal to entering the University of Washington, first earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in American Indian Studies and Political Science; and then earning her Masters in Sustainable International Development with a focus on Indigenous Rights Law from UW School of Law. As a mother of two, her passion for health, education, and providing opportunities for under served student populations, has prompted her volunteer work for John Stanford International School, United Indians of all Tribes Foundation, Urban Native Education Alliance and Clear Sky Native Youth Group, as well as her desire to be on the board for Ethnic Cultural Heritage Online Exchange (EchoX). My purpose is to maintain a connection with the community in continuing to be visible in sort of way that can assist in the positive representation of our people in the mainstream working industry that has a so many negative myths and misconceptions.
Natosha Rosado | 2nd Legislative District
Natosha Rose Rosado is a Nisqually Tribal Member. She is currently the Grants Compliance Manager at the Nisqually Tribe. Natosha has an MPA degree and is completely interested in the Advocacy Boot Camp. She loves learning and claims to have never had the courage to step in and take a seat at the table. Natosha is hoping to gain tools and courage to learn to take charge if she ever chooses to.
