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. Carrie Joseph | President
Executive Committee
Member since 2018

Carrie recently completed her Ph.D program at the University of Arizona in the department of Soil, Water, and Environmental Science. She is Is’wungwa (Coyote Clan) from the village of Moencopi (Lower).

Romalita Laban | Vice President
Executive Committee
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). 

Timothy J. “TJ” Hansell | 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.

April Sewequaptewa-Tutt | Secretary
Executive Committee
Member since 2018

April Sewequaptewa is an Archaeologist/Historic Planner for the Arizona Department of Transportation. She holds a B.A. in History from Northern Arizona University. April comes from the village of Sichomovi and belongs to the Poovolwungwa (Butterfly) people.

What made you want to be a part of the HEEF?
Education is valuable to my personal success, and I want to help someone else achieve their own success.

Why do you support the HEEF?
I support HEEF for the motivation and financial support it gives students to become excited about their futures.

Dr. Felina Cordova-Marks
Executive Committee
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.

Dr. David Strip
Grants Committee Chairperson
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.

Adele Pablo
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.

Why do you support the HEEF?

I support HEEF because I share their conviction that education is fundamental. Investing in the education of our Hopi sinom not only enriches the lives of students but also strengthens the entire Hopi community. I am eager to contribute to HEEF's mission by helping more Hopi students access higher education.

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. Kim Kahe Corkin
Member Since 2013

Dr. Kim Kahe-Corkin works as a Supervisor of Grants Management Division for the Bureau of Indian Education. She holds a B.S. in Business Administration, an M.B.A. in Healthcare Management, and a D.B.A. in Business Administration, all of which are from the University of Phoenix. Kim comes from the Village of Sipaulovi and belongs to the Iswungwa (Coyote) people.

What made you want to be a part of the HEEF?
My cousin Vernon (former RDC Manager) always talked about how much fun he had working with HEEF. At that time my cousin Susan nominated me for the board and the rest is history. I am truly passionate about higher education and enjoy seeing the success of our Hopi students.

Why do you support the HEEF?
The HEEF serves as a critical component to our Hopi Students who aspire to continue their education. Without hesitation, I know that vesting my time and financial gifts have demonstrated a positive outcome for our Hopi Students. The support of our donors and our Tribal Leaders truly makes supporting HEEF rewarding.

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.

Stephanie Parker
Member Since 2011

Stephanie is of Irish heritage and a native Bostonian. Stephanie holds a B.S. in Chemistry from Merrimack College and an M.B.A. from Babson College. Stephanie currently resides in Chestnut Hill, MA. 

What made you want to be a part of the HEEF?
The most important thing we can give our children, all children, is love and education. By becoming a HEEF Board member, I could apply my experiences to ensure monies continue to be raised to fund scholarships for the Hopi students.

Why do you support the HEEF?
By supporting the HEEF, I am able to impact the future of the Hopi students by providing the financial means to a higher education.

Dr. Jana Wilbricht
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.

Derrick Taylor David
Marketing & Communications Committee Chairperson
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.

Elke Chenevey
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
Finance & Investment Committee Chairperson
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
Resource Development Committee Chairperson
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.

Kathleen Nilles
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.

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
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.

George Mase
Member Since 2021

George is currently an Operations Assistant at the Hopi KUYI Radio Station. He holds an AA in Industrial Engineering. George comes from the Village of Sipaulovi. He belongs to the Qalwungwa (Sun Forehead) people.

What made you want to be a part of the HEEF?
Help with the issues of furthering our Hopi youth and building capacity on Hopi. I hope to provide insight and experience as an older Hopi member and maintain the funding needed for our future students

Why do you support the HEEF?
HEEF is providing a necessary and vital path to success for the Hopi people.

Christina Interpreter
Member Since 2021

Christina is currently a Family Nurse Practitioner. A primary care provider with Salt River Integrated Healthcare in Scottsdale, AZ. She holds a B.S. in Health Promotion from Northern Arizona University, a B.S.N from the University of California San Francisco, and a M.S. in Family Nurse Practitioner Program with a Minor in Diabetes Medical Management. Christina is both Hopi and Diné (Navajo Nation), she comes from the Village of Kykotsmovi, and belongs to the Dawawungwa (sun clan) people.

What made you want to be a part of the HEEF?
The Hopi Tribe Scholarships Department has always come through to support my educational endeavors. Therefore, being able to give back by being a part of HEEF allows me to help other tribal members achieve their educational goals. At this time in my life, I am well settled with my career and the timing was perfect to do this next step.

Why do you support the HEEF?
Education has always been an important topic in my family as I come from a long line of Hopi Aunties who have received higher educational degrees. Supporting HEEF allows me to support others who are working on their educational goals. With this support, a student is able to concentrate more on completion and not worry so much about finances. By completing, they are also working toward being self-sufficient, not only for themselves but as a role model for their family. 

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.

Todd Wilcox

Todd Wilcox (Navajo) is currently an Early College Advisor at Northland Pioneer College.

What Todd brings to the HEEF is expertise in Higher Education development, with schools covering Hopi, Winslow, Holbrook, and Ganado areas to name a few.