Meet The 2024-2025 Cohort

My Hopi name is Pongyahongsi, my Pahaana name is Angel Abeita. I am from the village of Songoopavi and am Oomaw’wungwa (Cloud clan). I am the youngest of three with one sister and brother. I’ve been with my husband, Zach, for 9 years and completed our Hopi wedding in January of 2023. I’m the current Associate Operations Director with The Hopi Foundation where I handle the Human Resources functions. I am a first generation student attending Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business and am studying for my Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

I am Pumpkin Clan from the Village of Sipaulovi. My Hopi name is Kiivensi. Currently I work at the National Association of Healthcare Access Management as a Certified Healthcare Access Associate.

"Nu Puhuyesva pu Kuulu yan matsiwa. Nu iss'wungwa. Hotevel'naqo pu Nuvatukya'ovi ep kiita." Boisiu (Poosiw) 'Bo' Dewangyumptewa is Iswungwa (Coyote Clan) from the Village of Hotevilla.

I currently serves as the Native Services Director with the Boys & Girls Club of Flagstaff; ensuring high-quality programs, mentorship, character & leadership development, and healthy lifestyle opportunities are provided to Indigenous high school students that reside in the Residential Halls in Flagstaff, Winslow, & Holbrook.

I use the Hopi values as the foundation for my work in the communities I serves. Mentorship and leadership are two areas I advocate for, as I know how impactful these two qualities can have on an individual or group, especially for youth. I have experience in active community engagement, encouraging cultural learning/ teaching, hospitality management, uplifting conversations about mental health, and supporting grassroots advocacy efforts. I find comfort in hiking, weaving traditional Hopi sifter baskets, gardening, engaging in critical conversations, and being a part of my communities.

Cody Honani, Sootanpi (Hopi name meaning Tobacco Pipe Cleaner), is Daing-yoh/Yuhwehloo towa (Stick [Bluespruce]/Spider Clan) from the Village of Tewa. I currently serves as the Development Manager for The Hopi Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in Kykotsmovi, AZ. In my free time, Cody enjoys sewing, creating both traditional cultural attire and modern outfits. My journey in the nonprofit sector has brought unexpected opportunities, including a memorable trip to New Orleans for a conference attended by over 3,600 fundraising professionals. Sharing ideas with like-minded individuals and gaining new skills, all while experiencing the vibrant setting of the French Quarter and the Louisiana River, was a highlight of my career.

I’m Veronica James from the village of Musangnuvi and member of the Pumpkin clan. Currently, I am Health Benefits Advocate at North Country HealthCare where the brick-and-mortar office is based in Holbrook, but also includes the communities of Payson, Show Low, and Winslow.  I’ve been in the field of outreach and community engagement since 2011 and am passionate about helping others gain their own voice in obtaining resources, services, and goods they need to be self-sufficient. I received my AA degree from CollegeAmerica and Northland Pioneer College and have a short-term goal to attain my bachelor’s within the next few years. This is something I have put off for far too long and view the goal as my next step towards the next level in my professional career. Over the past 10 years, I have worked within tribal lands and off the reservation in the areas of health care, education, substance abuse & recovery, nonprofit organizations, state agencies, tribal programs, and at one time an entrepreneur. While my career path has zig zagged, I find working for the greater good for the community is most rewarding. Most recently, through community partnerships built within border town communities, I became an active member of the Soroptimists International of Winslow, The Cherry Bombs, and a newly elected board member for the Holbrook Chamber of Commerce. When not at work, my small family of three enjoy our weekends together as we all have little time together during the work week.

My name is Cruz Nuvayusia. I am from the village of Orayvi. My clans are Rabbit and Tobacco. I currently reside at Sipaulovi with my wife and 2 sons

I am a committed Program Associate at the Natwani Coalition, a program under The Hopi Foundation, dedicated to promoting sustainable agricultural practices within the Hopi community. With deep knowledge of plant medicine and extensive experience as a Master Gardener of Northern Arizona, I am passionate about empowering others to connect with the land and cultivate their own gardens.
 

I am actively involved in data collection, expanding the network of farmers and producers within the community, and facilitating farmers market meetings with collaborators. I also leverage my marketing knowledge to promote Natwani’s initiatives, contributes to fundraising efforts, and engages in strategic planning for both the program and the organization as a whole. Beyond my professional responsibilities, I treasures time spent with family. I love exploring the beautiful landscapes of my home, continuously expanding my knowledge of local native plants and traditional agricultural methods. I am a strong advocate for the power of community, education, and the healing properties of nature, and I am committed to sharing my expertise and experiences with others.

My name is Alicia Youvella and I am corn clan from the Village of Walpi.