Professional Experience
Constellations Fellow
March 2023 - August 2024
I applied and received an Artist Disruptor Fellowship from the Center for Cultural Power. My project was to develop 10 O'odham-inspired 3D models and it was a great experience to have the time and space to complete the historical research and work toward revitalizing history through 3D printing. The intersection of history and emerging technology - *chefs kiss*. I was also able to work with the amazing Three Precious Miracles to deliver the models to Native Youth in the foster care system.
Director Mentee
Sept 2022 - March 2023
As the Director Mentee with Gila River Employment & Training Department I was able to learn how workforce development...works. During my time here I mainly focused on GRIC's Tribal Employment Rights Office. Learning about the unique relationship between tribes and surrounding employers, as well as some of the struggles that tribal members face to find and keep employment.
Senior Planner & Policy Analyst
Nov 2019 - Sept 2022
As a Policy Analyst with Gila River's Department of Environmental Quality I focused on policy development and planning for the environment. I got to flex my evaluator skills from time to time to help maintain GRIC's position as a nationally recognized tribal environmental program. The role included lots of interaction with state and federal officials as well as the amazing Regional and National Tribal Environmental Groups like RTOC and Exchange Network.
Systems Administrator
Aug 2019 - Nov 2019
I worked briefly for Gila River Healthcare as an HR System Admin. I learned a great deal about HR systems and the state of our Healthcare system in Gila River. I also figured out how the heck a 401K works... but ultimately I wanted to move back to doing more policy and less coding.
Program Evaluator
Aug 2017 - Aug 2019
At the GRIC Office of the Community Manager I primarily worked with elected officials, department directors, and community stakeholders to better the Community through increased efficiency and evaluation. It was here that I learned how policy meets practice.
Grant Coordinator
Aug 2017 - Aug 2019
At GRIC Employment and Training I was promoted to develop and run a new AmeriCorps grant. I developed a program and supervised a team of AmeriCorps members who provided services to Veterans and military families that was the foundation for the eventual Veteran & Family Services Office for Gila River.
Internship
Apr 2014 - Aug 2014
I interned with GRIC Employment & Training office providing case management services to youth and adults looking to develop their work skills. I also did a fair bit of research and grant writing. This internship was the first time I realized that I love research and program building, but also that I really don't want to be a counselor.
Production Lead
March 2010 - April 2014
I worked at Papa Johns Manufacturing Center making dough. Like, LOTS of dough. Our team was responsible for manufacturing thousands of pounds of dough every day for stores and schools in American Southwest, Mexican, and Latin American locations. I learned a lot about process and optimization at this job along with the kneads of factory workers.
Various Jobs
2005-2010
Ah, my humble beginnings. My earliest jobs were a cashier at Wendys and a customer service representative at a pool place along with odd jobs along the way.
Educational Experience
2013
Bachelor of Science Degree
Sociology
2017
Masters Degree
Science & Techology Policy
Other Experience
2016 - Present
Google Next Gen Policy Leader
Google Next Gens are a select group of diverse professionals who work at the intersection of tech policy and racial justice. Next Gens convene to share training and knowledge with each other to better understand tech policy impacts on communities of color.
2018 - 2019
Volunteer - Three Precious Miracles (TPM)
TPM's mission is to support the foster families of Native American children who are displaced so they can provide a loving, caring, and culturally sensitive home. They do work with a ton of local Arizona tribes providing front-line support and information for parents housing indigenous youth.
2018
Tribal Professional Cohort
January in Tucson (JIT) is put on by the University of Arizona to bring together professional in the field of Indigenous governance and Indigenous rights to give them the opportunity to teach and hold discussions with Indigenous leaders, practitioners, and community members.
2014 - 2017
Indian Nations Camp
Indian Nations Camp is a week-long summer camp put on by GRIC Employment & Training. The camp is around 100-150 youth from Arizona tribal communities that is a place for learning life skills, sharing culture, and meeting new friends.