Our HEEF Board Members
Rooted deep in the traditional values of education, generosity, wisdom, respect, integrity, & humility, the HEEF Board helps nurture and create culture initiatives and community development programs for and alongside Hopi students. Our Board represents and reflects our self-sufficient values:
Dr. Wayne Taylor Jr. | HEEF President
Executive Committee
Member Since 2022
Wayne Taylor Jr. is former Chairman for the Hopi Tribe and is Sun Clan from the village of Shongopavi. He has a B.A. from the University of Arizona. The Hopi Education Endowment Fund was created under his administration and was adopted by the Hopi Tribal Council in 2000; he brings to the HEEF Board knowledge of the Hopi government and understanding of the Hopi community.
Derrick Taylor David | HEEF Vice President
Executive Committee
Member Since 2022
Derrick David is from the Village of Sichomovi and is a member of the Hopi Tribe. He is currently serving as a Senior Sales Force Administrator. He holds an MBA from University of Phoenix, an AA and a B.S. from Chandler/Gilbert Community College in Aeronautical Management Technology. Derrick brings in his experience in Strategic planning, Technology & Communications, and outreach advocacy to the HEEF.
What made you want to be a part of the HEEF?
I believe very strongly in the mission of HEEF of providing an education to every Hopi student who seeks it. I felt that my work and life experiences could help support that mission.
Why do you support the HEEF?
I support HEEF because I was supported by The Hopi Tribe when I started my pursuit of education. There are many doors that it has opened for me; many places where I have been able to have an impact, and even more paths for growth that I would have ever have considered. I support HEEF because of how it has changed my life in the hopes that we can help further change others.
Timothy J. “TJ” Hansell | HEEF Treasurer
Executive Committee
Member since 2020
Timothy is currently a Chief Visionary for the Hansell Companies LLC. He holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of North Dakota. He is also a member of the Turtle Mountain Chippewa (North Dakota). He is a new board member and is supportive of educational opportunities. “Education is vital” and he believes the HEEF will be able to give more students the opportunity to pursue education.
What made you want to be a part of the HEEF?
Seeing the passion of HEEF Board Members like Shon Quannie and how they talked about helping the Hopi students with education. Education is an important resource for anyone, but particularly Native Americans as we seek to improve our economic and health conditions, preserve our traditions/heritage/culture, and be heard in the larger community.
Adele Pablo | HEEF Secretary
Executive Committee & Grants Committee Chairperson
Member Since 2021
Adele is currently an Applications Programmer, Sr. at Northern Arizona University (NAU). She holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work from NAU and a Master’s of Education in Educational Counseling, also from NAU. Adele comes from the Village of Mishongnovi and is both Hopi & Tewa. She belongs to the Kookyangwungwa (spider) people.
What made you want to be a part of the HEEF?
I consider myself fortunate to have received financial assistance from HEEF. I believe there's no more meaningful way to express my gratitude than by dedicating my time and expertise to an organization that played a pivotal role in funding my college education. Additionally, I eagerly anticipate being a longstanding member of this organization.
Dr. Felina Cordova-Marks
Executive Committee & Nominating Committee Chairperson
Member Since 2019
Dr. Felina Cordova-Marks is a Senior Research Program Coordinator at the University of Arizona. She holds a Ph.D. in Public Health from the University of Arizona. She is a direct recipient of funding throughout her academic achievements and is looking forward to giving back to the HEEF as a new board member. Felina is a member of the Hopi tribe.
Kathleen Nilles
Executive Committee
Member Since 2020
Kathleen Nilles is a retired Attorney and Tribal Business Consultant. She holds her J.D. from the University of Virginia Law School, M.A. in Tax Law from Georgetown University, M.A. in Religion from Yale Divinity School, and B.A. from the University of Santa Clara.
What made you want to be a part of the HEEF?
After retiring from a satisfying career as a tax attorney specializing in tribal and nonprofit organizations, I was eager to back to tribal organizations, like HEEF. I have long been impressed with HEEF as an organization, as well as the quality of its professional staff and its board. Being nominated to serve on the HEEF Board was a timely opportunity for me to contribute to a tribal organization with a strong mission and organizational structure.
Why do you support the HEEF?
HEEF's main mission is to provide funding for the future education of the Hopi people, including college scholarships It also provides emergency grants to students to fund needs for technology (e.g., computers to facilitate online learning). Both are critically important in today's world.
Dr. David Strip
Member Since 2017
Dr. David Strip is retired from work in computer science and research & development. David holds a B.A. in Mathematics from the University of Pennsylvania and an M.S. and Ph.D. from Cornell University.
What made you want to be a part of the HEEF?
The opportunity to advance educational opportunities for the Hopi community.
Why do you support the HEEF?
I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to pursue any level of education they wish for their lives. HEEF is designed to serve this purpose for the Hopi people.
Samantha Honanie
Member Since 2020
Samantha is currently the Visitor Experience Manager at the Museum of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff, AZ. She holds her B.A. in English from Northern Arizona University and has an M.A in Library & Information Science from the University of Arizona. Samantha comes from the Village of Moencopi and belongs to the Honan’wungwa (Badger) clan and Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House) people.
What made you want to be a part of the HEEF?
As a former Hopi Education Endowment Fund volunteer, I saw first-hand the wonderful opportunities the HEEF was creating to help support Hopi students through its fundraising and outreach efforts. These experiences inspired me to commit and serve as a HEEF Board Member to contribute to this worthwhile cause.
Why do you support the HEEF?
I support the Hopi Education Endowment Fund, because I believe in the work they do. By continuing their efforts, they are investing in our students and our shared future.
Dr. Pamela Powell
Member Since 2009
Dr. Pamela Powell serves as the Associate Dean: College of Education at Northern Arizona University. She holds a B.S. in Elementary Education/Physical Education from Texas Tech University, an M.A. in Elementary Education/Reading from Arizona State University, and an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction/Early Childhood from Northern Arizona University.
What made you want to be a part of the HEEF?
Having worked with Dr. Noreen Sakiestewa and Hopi students through the university, I was impressed with the commitment to culturally responsive education on Hopi. I was eager to learn about HEEF and to promote its mission in order to further serve students on Hopi and the commitment to language revitalization and culturally relevant, respectful, and responsive education.
Why do you support the HEEF?
HEEF makes post-secondary education more possible across the educational spectrum. Grants also assist the community in promoting culturally significant opportunities. The relationships built in my time on the HEEF board have impacted me greatly.
Dr. Jana Wilbricht
Marketing & Communications Committee Chairperson
Member Since 2017
Dr. Jana Wilbricht holds a Ph.D. in Communication and Media from the University of Michigan and B.Sc. in Communication & Development Sociology from Cornell University. Jana is currently a Business Owner and Researcher.
What made you want to be a part of the HEEF?
As a first-generation student myself, who has had the opportunity to pursue a college degree followed by a Ph.D., both thanks in part to scholarships, I know of the life-changing impact education can have - and of the importance of financial support for students from less affluent backgrounds. In addition, I have a long-standing relationship with the Hopi Tribe and am particularly happy to have this opportunity to be of service to the Hopi people.
Why do you support the HEEF?
What I particularly appreciate about the HEEF is that it is an Indigenous-led organization whose board president must be a member of the Hopi Tribe, whose staff members are Hopi, and whose offices are located on the Hopi Reservation. The focus on tribal sovereignty and local capacity building is important to me. In addition, the HEEF has a long-term perspective as an endowment fund, meaning that we work to secure funding for the education of Hopi people not just for now but for the future.
Dr. Amanda Tachine
Member Since 2019
Dr. Amanda Tachine is currently an Assistant Professor at Arizona State University. She holds a PhD. in Higher Education from the University of Arizona. She is from the Diné (Navajo Nation) and considers home out in Lokaniteel (Ganado, AZ). Amanda is Náneesht’ézhí Táchii’nii (Zuni Red Running into Water clan) born for Tl’izilani (Many Goats clan).
What made you want to be a part of the HEEF?
I was inspired to support Hopi College students and advance Native excellence in higher education.
Why do you support the HEEF?
To support Indigenous students in higher education.
Elke Chenevey
Finance & Investment Committee Chairperson
Member Since 2022
Elke Chenevey is currently serving as a Financial Advisor and Partner for FS Advisors. She holds a B.A. in Economics from Dartmouth College and an M.B.A. from Columbia University of New York, Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA). She is from the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska and Iowa.
What made you want to be a part of the HEEF?
Elke has long admired HEEF for its success in providing access to education for the Hopi People. Education is foundational to the bright future of not just the Hopi Tribe but for all Tribes. In recognition of how the HEEF Mission resonates with her, she has been a long-time supporter of HEEF, and now helps with the HEEF’s continued success as a Board member.
Peter Chestnut
Member Since 2019
Peter Chestnut is an Attorney for the Chestnut Law Offices in New Mexico.
He brings an area of expertise in the Finance and Investment area for the HEEF. He holds his J.D. from the University of New Mexico and is excited for the opportunity to work with strengthening the endowment fund at the HEEF which is embedded in Hopi values/community.
Dr. Clara Lovett
Founding Member
Dr. Clara Lovett is a retired President emerita of Northern Arizona University and holds a Ph.D. in History from University of Texas. She currently resides in Chevy Chase, Maryland. She is looking forward to supporting the HEEF mission and working closely with Hopi tribal members to help support Hopi students.
What made you want to be a part of the HEEF?
I was involved with the founding of the Hopi Education Endowment Fund in the late nineties. I hope to help the HEEF broaden its circle of major donors.
Why do you support the HEEF?
I feel HEEF is critical to the future of the Hopi Tribe.
Dr. Cole Crittenden
Member Since 2020
Dr. Cole Crittenden is Deputy Dean of the Graduate School at Princeton University, where he oversees all graduate programs. He holds a B.A. from Weber State University, an M.A. and Ph.D. both from Princeton University. As a new board member, he is delighted to share his educational expertise and is committed to providing service to the HEEF Board.
What made you want to be a part of the HEEF?
My grandparents helped support educational opportunities for a Hopi student beginning in the 1950s, and in part, through that connection, I have also developed an interest in working to improve and support access to education for students from groups historically underrepresented in colleges and universities.
Why do you support the HEEF?
Education can be transformative, and I admire the Hopi commitment to educational opportunities for its members through the HEEF. As a non-gaming tribe, the Hopi people have relied on the HEEF to encourage and support education while maintaining their culture and values.
Romalita Laban
Member Since 2003
Romalita Laban is the Editor of the Hopi Tutuveni located in Kykotsmovi, AZ.
She has a B.A. in Business Administration from Northern Arizona University, and also holds certificates in Business & Management, Human Resource Management, and Marketing. Romalita is an enrolled member of the Hopi Tribe from the village of Walpi (Qa'öwungwa [Corn] Clan).
Alexandra Hoyungowa
Member since 2023
Alexandra “Alex” Hoyungowa (Hopi), is Dawawungwa (Sun Clan) and from the Village of Hotevilla, located on Third Mesa. Alex graduated from Northern Arizona University (NAU) with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies. Within her prior roles she served as the former HEEF Marketing & Special Events Manager and is now a Student Development Coordinator for Native American Recruitment for Northern Arizona University.
What she brings to the HEEF are skills of Event Organizing, Grant Writing, Marketing, & Public Relations.
Kevin Coochwytewa
Member Since 2023
Kevin Coochwytewa (Hopi/Isleta Pueblo) is a freelance graphic designer based in Seattle.
He brings a strong area of expertise in Marketing, Graphic Design, Communications, & Resource Development for the HEEF. He holds a B.F.A. from the University of Arizona in Studio Art/Visual Communication and is excited for the chance to help enhance the HEEF's endowment fund, which is rooted in Hopi traditions and principles.
Verrin T. Kewenvoyouma
Resource Development Committee Chairperson
Member Since 2018
Verrin Kewenvoyouma is an attorney and owner of Kewenvoyouma Law, PLLC. He holds a M.B.A. from the W.P. Carey School of Business and J.D. from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, Arizona State University. Verrin is Ta’neeszahnii (Tangle Clan, Navajo) and Iswungwa (Coyote Clan) from the Village of Moencopi (Lower).
Natalynne Rogers
Member Since 2022
Natalynne Rogers is currently an Associate Director of Admissions. She holds her B.S. and M.A. in Social Work from Arizona State University. As a new board member, Natalynne is committed and motivated to empower Indigenous voices/perspectives and seeking an opportunity to give back her time and expertise to the HEEF. Natalynne is a member of the Hopi tribe and is from the Village of Hotevilla. Pipwungwa [Tobacco] Clan).
What made you want to be a part of the HEEF?
Thanks to HEEF, I am a proud first-generation college graduate, and am privileged to find myself in a profession that has allowed me to serve #OpportunityYouth for 9+ years. I am dedicated to helping others achieve their personal, professional, and educational dreams, particularly first-generation college students, and underrepresented populations. Serving on the HEEF Board will provide me the opportunity to contribute to the good work that is already being done and allow me to continue being a champion for our Hopi youth.
Why do you support the HEEF?
I support HEEF because I believe that every young adult deserves an opportunity to an education, especially our Hopi youth because they are the next generation to continue strengthening our communities.
Wayne Sekaquaptewa
Member Since 2021
Wayne is currently a Desktop Specialist. He holds a Bachelor’s of Science from DeVry University. Wayne comes from the Village of Sipaulovi and belongs to the Patkiwungwa (water) people.
What made you want to be a part of the HEEF?
I want to make a lasting impact on the future of our Hopi student’s goals to pursue further education. It feels time for me to give back to our community and serving on the HEEF Board is one way I hope to do that.
Why do you support the HEEF?
The people I see affiliated with HEEF are very honest and compassionate people. They all work together to support and serve our Hopi students.
Daniell Albert
Member Since 2023
Daniell Albert (Hopi/Navajo) is Parrot (Kyar'wungwa) & Kachina (Katsinwungwa), from the Village of Oraibi, affiliated village of Third Mesa. She is a proud Alumnus of Flagstaff High School, Arizona State University (ASU), & Northern Arizona University (NAU). She currently works for the Boys & Girls Club as the Director of Operations of Flagstaff.
What she brings to the HEEF is experience & expertise in Organizational Leadership, Project Management, Communications, & Special Events Coordination. Daniell is thankful for the support of the Hopi Education Endowment Fund for supporting her educational journey and would like to give back the Hopi Community, Students, & Families.
Sampson Taylor
Member Since 2024
Sampson Taylor (Hopi) is from the Village of Kykotsmovi. He is a Community Development Manager for the Native American Youth & Family Center based in Oregon.
He brings an extensive area of expertise in Finance, Accounting, Public Relations, Communications, Outreach, Grant Writing, & Event Organizing to the HEEF. He holds a degree from Mesa Community College and is excited to help contribute to the local Hopi communities and committed to garnering support for the HEEF.
Tamara Woodbury
Member Since 2024
Tamara Woodbury is currently retired and is the former CEO of Girl Scouts Arizona.
Tamara is eager to share her knowledge with the HEEF in the field of Finance Accounting, Investment Planning, & Fundraising. She has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and is thrilled about the chance to work on strengthening the HEEF's endowment fund.
Dawn Nuvayestewa
Member Since 2024
Dawn Nuvayestewa (Hopi) is from the village of Moenkopi (Lower) and belongs to the Corn clan. Dawn holds a Master of Business Administration in Finance & Accounting from Colorado College. She is currently a Grants Management Specialist for the Bureau of Indian Education.
What Dawn brings to the HEEF is her experience & expertise in Public Speaking, Finance, Accounting, Grant Writing, & Communications. She believes in the vision of the HEEF that not only invests in education but also helps to protect and continue the Hopi people in their culture and values.
Michael Lomakema
Member Since 2024
Michael Lomakema (Hopi & Navajo) is from the village of Hotevilla, affiliated village of Third Mesa. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering and a Master’s degree in Science Engineering Management & Business Administration from Northern Arizona University (NAU). He is a Senior Project Manager at Gila River Health Care.
What he brings to the HEEF is experience & expertise in Program Development, Fundraising, Strategic Planning, & Public Relations. Michael is excited to share his professional experience to serve the efforts of the HEEF in the work to support Hopi students in the pursuit of higher education.
Derrick Wheeler
Member Since 2024
Derrick Wheeler is from the White Mountain Apache Tribe. He holds a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies in Public Administration & American Indian Studies from Arizona State University. He also holds a Master of Public Administration. He is a Grants Management Specialist for the Bureau of Indian Education.
What Derrick brings to the HEEF is experience & expertise in Accounting, Grant Writing, Finance, & Public Relations. Derrick is eager to help serve Hopi students and develop the leaders of tomorrow in the field of education.
Gina Chimerica
Member Since 2024
Gina Chimerica (Hopi) is from the village of Upper Moenkopi. Her educational background includes an Associate of Arts Degree in Network Administration, and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Computing with emphasis in Network Administration from the University of Arizona. She is an IT System Administrator for Tuba City Regional Health Care Corp. (TCRHCC).
Gina brings to the HEEF her experience & expertise in Social media, Outreach, & IT Infrastructure. As a Hopi community member, she feels that it is crucial to help give back to the community in efforts that provide a more sustainable future for the Hopi people. As a previous student who had been supported by the HEEF & the Hopi Grants & Scholarships Program (HTGSP), she is honored to contribute to the HEEF in strengthening the Endowment Fund.
Darren Parry
Member Since 2024
Darren Parry is the former Chairman of the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation. He received and holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Weber State University. Parry has served on many boards, including the American West Heritage Center, Utah Humanities, the Allen and Alice Stokes Nature Center, and PBS Utah. He is currently a professor, teaching History and Environmental Humanities program full-time at the University of Utah.
Since joining the Hopi Education Endowment Fund’s board, he has contributed his dedication, experience, and deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities students face in their higher education endeavors. His areas of expertise include Fundraising, Public Relations, Communications, and Public Speaking.
