LuAnn’s Farewell
Greetings,
On September 9, 2002, the Hopi Education Endowment Fund (HEEF) Executive Committee (EC) took a chance and hired a Hopi college graduate, who demonstrated the basic skills, commitment, and motivation to lead this new endeavor for the Hopi people. That new Executive Director (ED) was me.
Imagine beginning your first day of work with no office, supplies, staff, etc. but you had an appropriation of $10 million from the Hopi Tribe to start an endowed fund that was to last in perpetuity for the Hopi people. I must admit, I had reservations about my decision to become ED but worked with my Board who helped mentor me in all aspects of the job including helping me to mobilize a young Hopi staff to get the job done.
The learning curve was long and steep, but I am glad to be here today, 21 years later. As many of you know, I am now planning my departure from the organization. The decision to leave this wonderful organization was not hard as I am working towards retiring soon as I “wind down” from a long 38-year career as a public servant.
During my tenure I have witnessed the following:
· Hopi Tribal Ordinance 54 was approved by the Hopi Tribal Council (HTC), creating a 7871 Non-Profit organization focusing on providing educational opportunities for the Hopi people in perpetuity. The HEEF continues to be one of a handful of 7871 organizations in the country.
· Receiving the first gift of $10 million for the education endowment from the Hopi Tribe. Twenty-one years later, after funding programs (scholarships) and administration (staff/office), the fund is healthy, valued at $27 million as of today.
· Awards recognizing our work and giving us confirmation that we were on the right track from Harvard JFK School of Government- Honoring Nations Program, and the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Northern Arizona Chapter.
· Donations ranging from $1 to thousands of dollars from individual donors across the United States.
· Over $12 million provided to the Hopi Tribe Grants and Scholarships Program (HTGSP) resulting in over 500 degrees earned ranging from the Associates, Baccalaureate, Masters, Professional Degrees to the PhD level.
· Over $270,000 in IMAGINE Grant funding awarded to organizations seeking to implement ideas and solutions to problems and issues within their communities.
· Over 120 Hopi and non-Hopi’s serving on the HEEF Board with the focused goal on helping us grow the fund.
· The donation of beautiful artwork from Hopi artisans and art collectors to help support the fund. Many shared that they donated as they recognized the value and importance of education.
· Watching Alumni from across the nation consisting of Hopi’s and non-Hopi friends engaging in a friendly competition to raise as much money as possible within a two-week period. The 2023 competition resulted in raising a combined total of $24,619.00 within 2 weeks. Arizona State University Alumni are the 2023 Champions!
· Generous planned giving donations received from individuals wanting to leave a piece of their estate to help insure the future of the Hopi people through education.
· A hard working, creative, dynamic, and smart staff consisting of Hopi’s and those supporting Hopi families, dedicated and committed to growing the fund for generations of Hopi to follow. We are truly an organization “For Hopi by Hopi”. Over my tenure, HEEF staff that I have worked with are Sam Tenakhongva, the late Vernon Kahe, Oneita Tootsie, Ryan Tafoya, Justin Secakuku, Iva Honyestewa, Mike Adams, Carl Onsae, Deanna Machuca, Alexandra Hoyungowa and our current staff Justin Hongeva, Marilyn Lomahaftewa, Zion Ibarra and Ada Joseph.
However, most fulfilling was watching high school students I assisted in my early years as a Higher Education Counselor, earn their degrees and return to Hopi to serve our people as professionals.
I would be remiss in not mentioning my “second job” while serving as ED. My second job was unpaid but one of the most fulfilling things I’ve done in my life. In 2008, then AZ Governor Janet Napalitano asked me to be her nominee as the next member of the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR). After being confirmed by the Arizona State Senate, I became the first Native American to ever serve on ABOR. For eight years, I worked with my fellow Regents to provide governance at the highest levels to our three state public universities.
As Regent Leonard, I had the privilege of working with some of the greatest academics in the country. The role I enjoyed the most was hosting the University President’s and Senior staff on the Hopi reservation to give them firsthand experience of where our Native students come from and the challenges they face. They always left with a deeper appreciation of our people as well as a better understanding of our needs. The eight years of my term were quite an experience and something that I will cherish.
Finally, it’s been wonderful meeting and working with so many donors who believe in the benefits of education and the work that we do. Every donation is special to me and signifies that we are doing the right thing. This provided the encouragement to continue for so many years.
HEEF is moving into a new era of philanthropy. I leave with pride in knowing that I am leaving the organization strong for the next leader to carry forward into the next 20 years!
Many thanks to the HEEF Board for taking a chance on me. Askwali.
