Hopi Foundation announces new leader
Monica Nuvamsa is the new executive director

Hopi Foundation Executive Director Monica Nuvamsa. Photo courtesy of Native Americans in Philanthropy

Hopi Foundation Executive Director Monica Nuvamsa. Photo courtesy of Native Americans in Philanthropy

KYKOTSMOVI, Ariz. - The Hopi Foundation Board of Directors proudly announces the official appointment of Monica Nuvamsa as its new Executive Director. Nuvamsa has served as the foundation's associate and program director since 2007 and succeeds founder Barbara Poley, retiring executive director.

"We are proud to have Monica lead the foundation into the future. As a member of our own community, the professional skills that she holds plus her knowledge and understanding of the community will provide a great asset and strong leadership to the work of the foundation. Monica has already contributed valuable growth and opportunities for us through organizational capacity building, research development and realignment of our work toward the foundation's mission," said Beatrice Norton, board chair.

Nuvamsa brings over 15 years of management experience that includes the Morris K. Udall Foundation's Native American Congressional Internship program in Washington, D.C., Retention Programs and Services for Native American Student Affairs at the University of Arizona as well as serving as an Intergovernmental Affairs Liaison for the Hopi Tribe and as the first director of the Hopi Domestic Violence Program. In May 2012, she completed the Generation Next Leadership Academy at the ASU Lodestar Center for Nonprofit Innovation.

Nuvamsa also currently serves on various boards and committees including Arizona Gives Campaign, Native Public Media, Native Americans in Philanthropy, and the Hopi Education Endowment Fund.

"When I was asked to consider serving in leadership of the Hopi Foundation a few years ago, it was both a humbling thought to serve our community in this capacity and an exciting opportunity for me to put into practice some of the teachings that others have shared with me. Despite those initial feelings, it took some time to consider the opportunity more thoroughly and what purpose my own leadership would bring to the work of the Foundation. I am most grateful to have the past few years to allow myself to grow into the role and gain the full support of my colleagues, family and friends. I am deeply honored by Barbara Poley and the Hopi Foundation Board of Trustees to have their trust and confidence to serve as the executive director of the foundation. I believe that the future has many more opportunities to raise our community's capacity to grow and navigate the changes of our society in ways that only work to strengthen our Hopi and Tewa values and culture," said Nuvamsa.

The Hopi Foundation's programs include the Hopi Leadership Program, KUYI Hopi Radio, HOPI Substance Abuse Prevention Center, Natwani Coalition, Three Mesas Productions, Hopi Language Program the Tucson-based Owl and Panther Project.

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