Hopi Leadership Program participants announced

<i>Courtesy photo</i><br>
Participants in the 2010-2011 Hopi Leadership Program pose for the camera.

<i>Courtesy photo</i><br> Participants in the 2010-2011 Hopi Leadership Program pose for the camera.

KYKOTSMOVI, Ariz. - The evening of Sept. 13 marked the beginning of the 2010-2011 Hopi Leadership Program. A small reception was held for the new participants, program alumni, family members, Hopi Foundation staff and Board of Trustees. The intimacy of the small group allowed for ice breaker activities in which all attendees learned more about one another.

This third program will be different from the two previous programs in that the Leadership Program alumni will play a larger role in facilitating and leading session activities.

The "Getting to Know You" session held on Sept. 14 was facilitated by Lisa Lomavaya with afternoon activities led by Kassondra Yaiva, both alumnae of the 2008-2009 Program. The "Mentorship" session held on Sept. 15 was facilitated by Laurel Sekakuku, an alumnus of the inaugural 2006-2007 Program and current Hopi Leadership Program Coordinator.

By giving back to the Leadership Program and the community in this way, Hopi Foundation staff is able to see the growth of past participants. Giving back also provides motivation to current participants to see their potential upon completion of the Program.

The following individuals have been confirmed participants of the 2010-2011 Hopi Leadership program:

• Ruth Ami is a member of the Greasewood clan from the village of Hotevilla. She works in the Moencopi area as the Senior Community Health Representative with the Hopi Tribe's Department of Community Health Services.

• Malinda R. Andrews is a member of the Corn clan from the village of Mishongnovi. She serves the Hopi/Tewa community as the WIC Coordinator under the Hopi Tribe's Department of Community Health Services.

• Angie Harris is a member of the Eagle clan from the village of Mishongnovi. She works as the Executive Administrative Manager for The Hopi Foundation.

• Norman Honie Jr. is a member of the Cloud clan from the village of Tewa. He is currently the Director of the Mining and Mineral Resources Program under the Hopi Tribe's Department of Natural Resources.

• Eldon Kalemsa Jr. is a member of the Sun-forehead clan from the village of Sipaulovi. The "Tobacco Man" is Program Coordinator for the Tobacco Program under the Hopi Tribe's Department of Community Health Services.

• Bernita D. Kuwaninvaya is a member of the Reed clan from the village of Hotevilla. She is currently the Program Administrator for the Hopi Child Care Center under the Hopi Tribe's Department of Education.

• Gloria A. Lomahaftewa is a member of the Water/Fog clan from the village of Songopavi. She recently joined the team of the Cancer Assistance Fund as Program Coordinator under the Hopi Tribe's Department of Community Health Services.

• Janalda V. Nash is a member of the Deer/Flute clan from the village of Sichomovi. She is currently a student at Northland Pioneer College and also works part-time as the Systems Control Manager for Sichomovi Village.

• Kevin C. Nash is a member of the Tobacco clan from the village of Sichomovi. He works as the Program Manager for the HOPI Substance Abuse Prevention Center, a project of The Hopi Foundation.

• Nikishna N. Polequaptewa is a member of the Badger clan from the village of Kykotsmovi. Nikishna serves as the Director of the American Indian Resource Program at the University of California, Irvine.

• Hilario J. Tanakeyowma is a member of the Bamboo clan from the village of Lower Moenkopi. Hilario is currently the Sergeant/Acting Commander for the Gila River Police Department.

These participants will continue to attend two-day sessions each month until October 2011 with the closing event scheduled for November 2011. Some of the remaining session topics include: Hopi Cultural Values, Governance, Tradition and Change at Hopi, Basic Communication and Management Skills, Organizational Marketing, Organization Sustainability and Introduction to Nonprofit Organizations.

"If Hopi organizations are to become strong and vibrant, we must find ways to boost leadership capacity among the Hopi people, one that supports Hopi values and culture and enhances ones knowledge of western management skills and best practices," stated Barbara Poley, Executive Director of The Hopi Foundation.

When Sekakuku was previously asked what her wish was for the 2010-2011 program year, she responded "I would love to see the Hopi Leadership Program alumni become the guest speakers and presenters for the program." As we can already see, her wish is coming true.

For more information about the Program, contact Sekakuku at (928) 734-2380 or e-mail sekakuku@hopifoundation.org.

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