HEEF Accepting Nominations for Members

The Hopi Education Endowment Fund (HEEF) is accepting nominations for members to the Board known as Members. Dr. Cedric Kavena, HEEF Nomination Committee Chairperson stated "We are looking for nominees who are dynamic and willing to act as ambassadors of the HEEF, actively participate on a Committees and contribute to the HEEF by sharing their time and resources."

There are currently 26 Members serving on the Board with capacity up to 30 Members. Kavena stressed that "Additionally nominees should be individuals who have a vested interest in helping to fulfill the HEEF mission of Cultivating and nurturing the future of our Hopi people through education by growing and safeguarding a perpetual source of funding." He went on to share that "The role of a Member is important as they provide governance for the Fund and in return they are rewarded by knowing that their efforts have helped to sustain future generations of Hopi students and the community as a whole."

Once elected, Members serve three-year terms and are provided opportunities to actively engage with the HEEF in a variety of capacities such as serving on committees, volunteering, networking and supporting special events. HEEF Executive Director, LuAnn Leonard stated, "The growth and success of the organization over the past ten years speaks volumes about the skills, expertise and commitment past members have shown". She added, "Our focus for the next ten years is to work with the members to grow the fund and expand our services to meet the increasing needs of the Hopi people." Funds raised by the HEEF support various educational programs and endeavors of the Hopi Tribe such as the Hopi Tribe Grants & Scholarship Program, which awards grants and scholarships to Hopi students across the U.S., the Hopilavayi Summer Institute and the Hopitutukaiki Summer Arts Program.

Any Hopi tribal member or current HEEF Member may nominate a person for election to the HEEF Board. Nominations are accepted until 5:00 p.m. (MST) June 30, 2011. To submit a nomination, contact Sam Tenakhongva at samt@hopieducationfund.org or call 928-734-2275. The HEEF is a non-profit entity of the Hopi Tribe.