Ambassador Program
The NAN Ambassador program is a leadership program for young Native womxn designed to develop skills, build networks, and prepare the next generation of Native womxn leaders. The program is one calendar year long and candidates should be prepared to be involved with Native Action Network’s many programs and events.
The program selects Native womxn to represent NAN at national events throughout Indian Country, preparing her for future leadership positions at the tribal, state, and national levels. With the guidance of NAN, they will develop a strong Indian Country network, refine their professional skills, and learn to advocate for issues that matter.
We are proud to announce our 2024 Ambassador - Sophia Monica Faith TurningRobe.
-
Sophia Turning Robe represents the Spokane Tribe and Pauquachin First Nation on her maternal side, she comes from the Siksika Nation on her paternal side.
Sophia is a recent graduate of Whitworth University where she was an ActSix scholar and received her B.A. in political science.
Sophia and her fellow ActSix scholars worked diligently to create a more equitable environment on campus by hosting numerous community events, fundraisers, and clubs.
On top of her studies, she played volleyball for two years at Whitworth.
Sophia plans to pursue a JD from the University of Montana with a focus on American Indian law.
Currently, Sophia is an operations support specialist at Sister Sky Inc. a 100% Native American woman-owned company, dedicated to delivering culturally conscious training, and technical assistance to Tribal communities. She is a key part of their product, service development, and communication team.
Sophia is extremely passionate about serving Native communities and advocating for Indigenous peoples.
She recently graduated from the inaugural cohort of the Native Youth Grantmakers program with Native Americans in Philanthropy and is eager to bring knowledge about economic development, philanthropy, and Native youth values wherever she goes.
She attended the 2023 United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, and in March of 2023 met with the office of Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers regarding economic development for Native communities in Eastern Washington.
She also partnered with Native Voices in January of 2023 to help review and award $3.5 million to 112 Indigenous and Native-led advocacy groups in support of social movements that amplify Native voices.
Sophia holds her Native traditions and values close to her heart and is excited to deepen and foster relationships that will create positive change for Indigenous people.
And congratulations again to our 2023 Ambassadors Annella Tucker (Nez Perce) and Christie Wildcat (Northern Arapaho).
-
Nez Perce
Annella is a junior pursuing her bachelor’s degree at Stanford University. She is focused on how scientific, technological, and social factors interact to shape the modern constraints, needs, and responses of society and intends to pursue law school post-undergrad. She is Southern Sierra Miwuk of Yosemite and an enrolled member of the Nez Perce Tribe of Northern Idaho. She is passionate about the protection and preservation of tribal communities and “leaving the ladder down” for future generations.
A current undergraduate student, Annella rides for Stanford’s Equestrian Team and works part-time as a lesson instructor while taking classes. Throughout her collegiate career, Annella has been involved with various student organizations on campus such as Stanford Women in Politics, where she facilitated conversations with professors, activists, and policymakers at the tribal, state, and federal level through her role as a Programming Director. Annella also serves as the Ad Sales Committee Head for her campus’ student-run powwow and enjoys hanging out with her friends at Muwekma-Tah-Ruk, going for coffee, and the occasional workout class at Barry’s Bootcamp.
Annella seeks to dedicate her career to attacking problems, especially related to global health, tribal communities, and youth. She aims to work across the academic, government, and private sectors to maximize impact and is looking forward to the year with NAN.
-
Northern Arapaho
Christie is enrolled Northern Arapaho and a Cherokee descendant on her maternal side, she is Pawnee and Navajo from her paternal side. Christie is from the Wind River Reservation that is located in central Wyoming, currently residing in Laramie, Wyoming. She is studying at the University of Wyoming as a second-year graduate student. She is majoring in Anthropology; and has a Bachelors in Native American studies, Anthropology, and Political Science. She has received her dual-reverse associates from Central Wyoming College in Anthropology.
At the University of Wyoming, Christie is a Rosemarie Martha Spitaleri and Tobin Memorial recipient, played for the club soccer team, ran track for the UW’s Women’s track & field team, is a part of Keepers of the Fire; and is the first recipient for the Richard Baldes Biodiversity Award. Her career goals are to recover lost artifacts in cases across the globe, and to be a curator of the American Indian National Museum. She currently serves as the founder of Wind River All Action Crew, is a McNair Scholar, a Cobell Scholar, and serves on the Youth Advisory Board for Center for Native American Youth. Christie works for the Native American Education Research & Cultural Center at the University of Wyoming.
Christie is planning to attend law school to get work done in policy reform. Her goal is to work alongside her grandpa John EchoHawk at NARF. Being a NAN ambassador will assist in these goals by building networks and teaching skills to learn about different policies and issues across Indian Country. She is looking forward to meeting other successful indigenous women, and to be a role model to the youth back in home communities, and across the country.
-
Erica is a citizen of the Quinault Indian Nation and direct descendant of the Chehalis Tribe. Erica holds degrees in Political Science and Sociology from the University of Oregon and is currently pursuing her Masters in Indigenous People’s Law through the University of Oklahoma.
Throughout her undergraduate career Erica volunteered for the UO Native American Student Union and the Annual Nike N7 Youth Movement and worked as student advisor. Through these programs she has been able to fulfill her passion for helping youth and fellow students to create a healthy relationship with their culture, education and bodies.
Erica currently works in public health as a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator in covid-19 response, and as an Expeditor for Banister Advisors, a lifespan navigation company based in Seattle, WA.
Locally, she has worked for the Washington State legislature and various Chehalis Tribal services. Nationally, she has interned for the Democratic National Committee while participating in the Native American Political Leadership Program. She looks forward to continuing to network and create space for Indigenous voices.
-
Kaya is a citizen of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe and undergraduate student at Western Washington University, studying Sociology. She plans to pursue a career in social work, working 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 has taught her many job skills. In high school Kaya was a running start student at Highline College. During that time 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.
2022 Ambassadors Erica Mendez and Kaya Fernandes
