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The Southwest Native-American Foundation

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The Southwest Native-American Foundation

Higher Education Scholarships for students of Native-American ancestry from tribes of the Southwest.

07/30/2026

SWNAF at 22 years!

07/08/2026

2026 SWNAF Scholarship Presentation - Niwot, Colorado
(So inspiring to meet Kayla!)

Kayla Singer
Navajo Nation in the Northern Agency (Shiprock)
La Cueva High School
Albuquerque, New Mexcio
M.E. Aerospace Engineering Program at Colorado State University.

From Kayla:

Hello! My name is Kayla Baazhooni Singer. I’m greatly honored to share my educational story and Navajo heritage with the Southwest Native American Foundation. I was raised in a loving family of five in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I was born into the Ta'neeszahnii, Tangled Clan, from my mother. My father was born into the Hashk'aa Hadzohí, Yucca-Strung-Out Clan. My third clan is Nóóda’í dine’é, The Ute People, and my fourth clan is Tł’ízíłání, the Many Goats Clan.

I attended the University of New Mexico. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, I was inspired to study aerospace materials and search for ways to support Indigenous communities through engineering.

I’m thrilled to share that I’m entering my second year in the M.E. Aerospace Engineering program at Colorado State University. So far, I’ve completed a fascinating set of courses that dive into the topics of space propulsion, orbital mechanics, and fluids. During the summer break, I began an internship for a power engineering firm where I’m learning about the physical scope of substation design. As I enter my final semester of school, I’m looking forward to completing my last set of courses in chemical rocket propulsion, material engineering, and turbomachinery. I’m super grateful for the support of SWNAF, thank you for believing in my work and guiding my future in a positive direction!

05/19/2026

SWNAF's Latest Scholar! Congrats Presaius!
Presaius Jade Betsuie/Navajo
Westlake High School
Saratoga Springs, UT
University of Utah

04/11/2026

SWNAF Scholar - Repeat Recipient!
Camryn Nockideneh/Diné
ASU/Physical Therapy/Clinical Exercise Science

My name is Camryn Nockideneh. I am Many Goats, born for Towering House, my maternal grandfather is Red Running into the Water, and my paternal grandfather’s clan is Black Streak Wood people. In this way, I am a Dine (Navajo) woman.

At Arizona State University I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Clinical Exercise Science. I am also planning to attend South Mountain Community College in Spring 2026 through the Maricopa Community College system. My goal is to take lower-cost courses there that will transfer to ASU and apply toward my degree. I am currently scheduling meetings with advisors to confirm which courses will transfer smoothly between the two schools.

While my academic path has shifted, my overall goal to serve and give back to my community remains the same. After further evaluation of my career options, I have decided to pursue physical therapy as my new professional path.

03/27/2026

SWNAF Trustee Josh Lucio grants scholarship to Marissa Olguin

2026 SWNAF Scholar Marissa Olguin
Southern Ute Indian Tribe/Pueblo Community College
Nursing

My name is Marissa Olguin. I am a first descendant of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe of Ignacio, Colorado. My goal is to become a NICU Nurse where I can support young infants and their families to become stronger together. I am currently finishing my prerequisites at Pueblo Community College and working with young children at a preschool. I plan to attend a nursing program in the fall.

I want to thank the Southwest Native-American Foundation for awarding me with a 2025 scholarship. It is an honor to be a recipient.

03/22/2026

Congratulations to 2026 SWNAF Scholar Tynya Kee!
Navajo/Northern Arizona University
Forestry with a certification on Forest Resilience and Adaptation.

Yá’át’ééh shí éí Tynya Taylor Kee yinishyé. Tódík’ǫ́zhí nishłį, ́ Tł’ízí Łání bashishchiin, Naakai dashicheii, dóó Ma’ii Deeshgiizhinii dashinalí. Ákót’éego diné asdzáán nishłį.́ Old Cedar déé’ naashá. Shimá dóó shizhé’é éí Tanya Begaye dóó Tyrone Kee wolyé.

My name is Tynya Kee. I am of the Salt Water clan, born for the Many Goats clan, my maternal grandfather's clan is the Mexican clan, and my paternal grandfather's clan is the Coyote Pass clan. In this way, I am a Navajo woman. I am from Old Cedar in Pinon, AZ. I am a senior student at Northern Arizona University pursuing a bachelor’s in Forestry with a certification on Forest Resilience and Adaptation.

I'm grateful and honored to be selected as a 2026 SWNAF scholar. The scholarship will help further my educational journey and allow me to engage in forest stewardship and management.

03/08/2026

2026 SWNAF Scholar Brooke Nez
Tocito, NM/Navajo
Nursing-Carthage College

My name is Brooke Nez, and I am from a little-known community in the New Mexico portion of the Navajo Nation known as Tocito. Growing up, I was always taught the importance of school and of my culture by both of my parents, who pushed me always to do my best and to accomplish things that would make not only them, but myself proud. I didn't know exactly what I wanted to major in when I was going through pre-secondary education, only that I wanted to do what I could to help my people, as all around me I saw the hardship that was a part of daily life on the Navajo reservation. I decided to pursue a BSN in nursing when a major injury led me to witness firsthand the health disparities that existed between my rural community and the bigger cities in New Mexico. I'm well into my program now and enjoying every class as challenging as it may be, and am ever excited to return home to serve my community.

Status/Work in school:
Currently, I am in my 3rd semester of a direct admittance nursing program at Carthage College in Wisconsin. Last school year I was busy completing my prerequisite courses, and since doing so, I am now in the thick of my fundamental skills and pathophysiology course. Along with that, I have traded anatomy and chemistry lab hours for a clinical wherein we are being taught important aspects of patient care that'll translate directly into our practice come graduation. I am very busy and at times stressed in equal measure, but every assignment, chapter, quiz, and exam is so rewarding as it not only shows off the work I've put into learning the material but it is another step closer to my ultimate goal of bettering the lives of my fellow Navajo.

03/04/2026

Announcing 2026 SWNAF Scholar Arica Victor
Apache-San Carlos Reservation
Grand Canyon University - BA/Social Work

My name is Arica Victor, and I am an Apache from the San Carlos Apache Reservation in Arizona. I am currently a full-time student at Grand Canyon University, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. Before attending GCU, I graduated in 2020 as part of the first graduating class at San Carlos Apache College, where I earned my certificate in Social Services. In 2022, I obtained my Associate of Arts degree in Social Work.

I am currently working at the San Carlos Wellness Center as a Behavioral Health Technician, where I have the privilege of supporting individuals on their journey to mental wellness. In this role, I engage with clients to provide compassionate care, create supportive environments, and assist them in developing coping strategies that promote emotional well-being. It is a fulfilling position that allows me to make a positive impact in the lives of those seeking help.

03/01/2026

2026 SWNAF Scholarship Presentation
SWNAF Trustee Josh Lucio and Scholarship Recipient Samantha Serna (Award Photo: Albuquerque, NM)

Yá'át'ééh, Shí éí Samantha Serna yinishyé. Táchii'nii nishłį́ naakiaii bashishchiin tł'ááshchí'í dashicheii naakiaii dashinalí. My name is Samantha Serna, and I am 24 years old, currently pursuing my degree in Physical Therapy Assistance at Pima Medical Institute. I am excited to share that I have recently completed my first round of clinical studies in the Physical Therapy Assistant program at Pima Medical Institute. This experience has been both challenging and rewarding, allowing me to apply the skills and knowledge I’ve gained in real-world settings while learning from experienced clinicians. As I prepare to begin my final two clinical rotations and last semesters, I am filled with gratitude and determination to continue growing in this field. I am also starting to prepare for my board exams, which will mark the final step toward becoming a licensed Physical Therapy Assistant.

My passion lies in helping others regain their strength and confidence, empowering them to return to the activities they love. I am honored and deeply grateful to the Southwest Native American Foundation for this incredible opportunity to continue my education and move closer to achieving my dream of returning to my community to help heal others through physical rehabilitation and compassionate care. I am proudly from Pine Haven, New Mexico, and affiliated with the Navajo Nation. I take great pride in learning more about my traditions and finding ways to connect them with modern approaches to health and nutrition. Outside of my studies, I enjoy spending time outdoors and staying active through exercise and movement, as these experiences continually remind me of the importance of balance and well-being—both physically and spiritually.

02/15/2026

SWNAF ANNOUNCES NEW TRUSTEE: JOSH LUCIO!

Josh Lucio is Zuni Pueblo from Zuni, New Mexico and a National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIE) 40 Under 40 recipient. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology from the University of Arizona and earned an Executive Master’s of Business Administration from the University of New Mexico.

Josh is a licensed financial professional teaching financial literacy to Native American families and started his own business, TrueNorth Financial. Prior to becoming a business owner, he worked for Native Forward as the Scholarship Operations Manager and the Education Coordinator for the Pueblo of Zuni Tribal Scholarship program. In addition, Josh served a number of years as a Reader for the Gates Millennium Scholars Program, a former member with the Pueblo of Laguna Investment Committee, a board member of College Horizons and Graduate Horizons, Inc., and former Chairman with the New Mexico Tribal Higher Education Commission. He currently volunteers his time serving on the board of directors for The Southwest Native American Foundation, and as the Treasurer for the Colorado Plateau Foundation. Josh enjoys hiking, traveling, and spending time with his daughters.

Address

P. O. Box W
Boulder, CO
80302

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Website

https://swnaf.org/

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