LEADERSHIP Angelique Albert, MBA Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes Chief Executive Officer Dr. Sandra Boham Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes Chief Operating Officer Erin Griego Chief of Staff Christa Moya,
Angelique Albert, MBA
Chief Executive Officer
Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes
Angelique Albert is the CEO of Native Forward Scholars Fund, the largest provider of direct scholarships to Native students in the United States. She is a mission-driven leader with expertise in public service, philanthropy, social justice and ensuring that Native students have the resources and support to fulfill their academic and professional aspirations.
Since assuming leadership in 2017, Angelique has transformed Native Forward into a national force, surpassing $400 million in total scholarships to over 20,000 students from 500 Tribes in all 50 states. Both Native Forward and Angelique have garnered notable acclaim, exemplified by the 2024 RealLeaders Impact Award which honors global companies catalyzing transformative change for the greater good. Angelique has also earned a spot on the 2023 NonProfit Times’ Power and Influence Top 50 CEO list, and a recognition as a Woman Worth Watching in Leadership by Profiles in Diversity Journal 2023.
Beyond her role at Native Forward, Angelique is an award-winning artist celebrated for her innovative approach to cultural preservation through traditional native arts. Angelique has earned the Best of Show award at the Southwestern Association of American Indian Art (SWAIA) Indian Market and has showcased her work at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian Art Juried Art Exhibition.
Raised on the Flathead Indian Reservation, Angelique is a proud member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. Her leadership is grounded in over 25 years of experience spanning nonprofit, philanthropy, business, and government sectors. Prior to her tenure at Native Forward, she served as the Executive Director of the Salish Kootenai College Foundation and Associate Director of the National American Indigenous Business Leaders Organization. She has also forged enduring work in the philanthropic realm, notably with the Johnson Scholarship Foundation, the Case Foundation, and the Beaumont Foundation of America.
Angelique is a first-generation college student and graduate of Salish Kootenai College where she received three degrees in Native American Studies, Liberal Arts, and Human Services. She received her MBA with a concentration in American Indian Entrepreneurship from Gonzaga University, where she now serves as an Advisory Council Member of Gonzaga University’s MBA-AIE Program. Angelique also lends her expertise to the Obama Foundation’s MBK Alliance Advisory Council and serves on the board of directors for the Johnson Scholarship Foundation.
Dr. Sandra Boham
Chief Operating Officer
Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes
President Dr. Sandra Boham retired from Salish Kootenai College. The College has had much success under the leadership of Dr. Boham. She served as Acting President from 2014-2016 and became President in 2016. The accomplished work could only have been done with the strong relationship between the SKC Leadership Team and the SKC Board of Directors. During this time, Salish Kootenai College has become fiscally stable, including the establishment and significant increase in funding allocated explicitly for culture and language education, professional development, and support for the Office of Institutional Advancement, which provides scholarship support for SKC students. President Boham also led the establishment of an endowed reserve fund that can be used in times of financial strife in the future.
On organizational and academic levels, President Boham aimed to achieve a decentralized participatory governance structure that brings departments together within divisions to create more supportive networks and communities. During her tenure, SKC has expanded academic programs to include two (2) Master’s Degree Programs, a Drone Pilot Program, Medical Assisting, Digital Design Technology, an Emergency Services Certificate, Grant Management, Health Promotion Practice, and a Dual Enrollment/Early College Program. Under President Boham’s tutelage, Salish Kootenai College has achieved nearly-perfect accreditation site visits, at both the seven-year and three-year mid cycle terms.
President Boham’s oversight of maintenance and facilities has resulted in addressing previously deferred maintenance in housing and throughout campus facilities. She provided the leadership necessary to begin overseeing a long-term campus-wide facilities and construction plan. To date, the Michel classroom building has been reconstructed; and, the Agnes Vanderburg Student Health Clinic and John Peter Paul buildings have been remodeled. New buildings have also been and/or are being added to our campus community. They include: the Health Sciences building, the new Classroom building, the Digital Sign, and, the completion of the Robert Depoe III building. President Boham also built the infrastructure to begin construction on a 42-bed studio apartment building.
The achievements President Boham holds nearest to her heart are related to the well-being of Salish Kootenai College’s students and their success rates. The U.S. Department to Education’s College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/) shows how, in spite of undergoing the recent COVID-19 pandemic, SKC has developed the highest Tribal College/University retention and graduation rates throughout the nation. Additionally, SKC has the second highest graduation rates in the state, next to Pima Medical Institute-Dillon. Additionally, Salish Kootenai College falls within the top 20 small, rural institutions of higher education in the nation. As a result of President Boham’s leadership, and the focused efforts of SKC’s employees, Salish Kootenai College has been recognized as a model institution. It has been asked to present to multiple national and governmental organizations about the strategies the college has used to achieve such success.
Dr. Boham has served on both the Executive Committees of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) and The American Indian College Fund during her tenure. She has testified before the House Sub Committee on Education and Workforce and the American Indian Affairs Committee and has been an invited panelist to three Department of Education Summits on student success. President Boham recently received the Jeanette Rankin Shining Star Award, the University of Montana Educational Leadership Award, and the American Indian College Fund Honoree of the Year Award.
When asked to comment, Dr. Sandra Boham stated:
Serving as President of Salish Kootenai College has been the most profound honor and challenge of my career. I have loved every minute of it and will miss my colleagues and students the most. Salish Kootenai College is truly a unique and special institution. It is a place where dreams and opportunities become realized. It represents all that can benefit our students, families, and communities.
Erin Griego
Chief of Staff
Erin joined the Native Forward staff in April of 2011 working with students in the GMS program. Constantly inspired by the students she worked with, she enjoys celebrating the successes of Native Forward and its students. Erin is now the Chief of Staff and is responsible for various projects, and processes and coordinating the CEO’s calendar and travel. Erin brings a background in customer service to Native Forward. She draws on this experience to lead the administrative team in providing support to staff.
Christa Moya, MCRP
Director of Scholarship Operations
Navajo Nation
As the Director of Scholarship Operations, Christa manages and directs all aspects of student services and financial aid operations. She also supervises Outreach, Academic Empowerment, Leadership, and Alumni relations programs for Native Forward and the Gates Millennium Scholars Program (GMSP). Her passions include developing innovative approaches to delivering programs and services to GMS Scholars, as well as assisting scholars with exploring positive educational experiences through program support, outreach, and advocacy.
Christa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Criminology and a Master of Arts in Community and Regional Planning, both from the University of New Mexico. Christa is an active participant in the organization’s community outreach activities and represents Native Forward scholars on the Gates Millennium Scholars Advisory Council and Gates Foundation Domestic Scholarship Provider Partnership.
Sara LaBarge, M.S. Ed.
Director of Strategic Partnerships and Interim Marketing Director
Menominee Nation
Pōsōh! My name is Sara LaBarge, I am an enrolled member of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin. My Menominee name is Sāwānoh Kēsēkokīw, which means Southern Sky Woman. I was born and raised on the Menominee Reservation in Northeastern Wisconsin.
I joined Native Forward Scholars Fund in 2015. Equity, especially in higher education, for Native people is a passion of mine. I currently serve as the Director of Strategic Partnerships at Native Forward. It is my role to provide oversight of our fundraising strategy to support the organization’s long-term sustainability goals. To achieve this, we partner with the federal government, corporations, foundations, Tribes, and individuals to deliver transformational scholarship programs, culturally relevant student support services, and programming.
Before joining Native Forward, I served as an academic advisor at the College of Menominee Nation (CMN) for several years. During my time at CMN, I was fortunate to serve on the college’s Institutional Effectiveness Council. Fast forward to today, I serve as the Vice-Chair of the College’s Board of Trustees. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Saint Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin, in 2008. I also earned my Master of Science in Education in Higher Education Administration from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse in 2011.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, fishing, reading, and golfing.
Elisa Gonzales-Phillips, MBA
Controller
Elisa joined Native Forward in 2020 as a Controller. She has served as a nonprofit accountant in New Mexico for the last 12 years. She has a Bachelor of Arts from Colorado College and is currently pursuing her Master of Business Administration from the University of Southern New Hampshire. She enjoys running, crafts, and spending time with her three dogs.
Sara Barnett, M.Ed.
Associate Director of Student Programming
Muscogee Nation
I am a citizen of the Muscogee Nation, residing in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and I currently serve as the Associate Director of Student Programming at Native Forward Scholars Fund. From 2015 to 2023, I served as the Director of the Center for Tribal Studies at Northeastern State University. Prior to that, my professional experience includes educational outreach and developing student support programs in secondary and higher education settings, as well as nearly two decades of grant writing experience that includes private and state/federal grants. My specialty and passion are centered around the development and administration of educational programs specific to low-income/first-generation college students and retention strategies for American Indian students.
I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Developmental Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice (2004) and a Master of Education in School Counseling (2006) from Northeastern State University, both funded by the Gates Millennium Scholars Program. I am currently pursuing my doctorate in Adult and Lifelong Learning (Ed.D.) at the University of Arkansas.
Marveline Vallo Gabbard
Scholarship Operations Manager
Acoma Pueblo
As the Scholarship Operations Manager, Marveline is responsible for the oversight of Native Forward scholarships and fellowships for undergraduate and graduate-level students throughout the country. She assists with the application processes, responds to academic inquiries including financial aid issues, and assists with outreach efforts.
Marveline is from the Pueblo of Acoma, New Mexico. She earned her Bachelor of University Studies from the University of New Mexico. She’s been with Native Forward since June 1998 and enjoys working with Native American students in pursuing their educational goals. Prior to joining Native Forward and where she began her higher education career, Marveline worked with the Pueblo of Acoma Higher Education Program.
Michael Bates, M.Ed.
Scholarship Operations Manager
Cherokee
As Scholarship Operations Manager, Michael works with undergraduate, graduate, and professional students throughout the country and is responsible for the oversight of Native Forward scholarships. He assists with the scholarship application process, advises on scholarship requirements and responsibilities, and facilitates the resolution of academic and financial aid issues. Michael provides overall support for scholarships, programs, and outreach efforts.
Originally from Locust Grove, Oklahoma, Michael joined Native Forward in May of 2015. He was named a Gates Millennium Scholar in 2008. Michael holds a bachelor’s in science education and a Master’s in School Administration, both from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.
Alshana Jake
Scholarship Operations Assistant
Navajo Nation
Alshana Jake joined Native Forward in November 2020. She’s part of the Navajo Nation and grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Alshana is the first point of contact for Native Forward and a helper to other departments. She enjoys making and creating art through different mediums and spending time with her family and dogs.
Daryan Singer, MPS
Student Programming Manager
Navajo Nation
Daryan joined Native Forward in 2021 as the Mentoring Program and Research Specialist and has since been promoted to Student Programming Manager. Daryan’s experience includes over three years of student mentoring, public advocacy, and research. She continues to be highly motivated and invested in tribal communities’ current and uprising generations.
Originally from Shonto, Arizona, Daryan remains rooted in her traditional Navajo upbringing. She attended the University of Arizona, earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and American Indian Studies, and obtained a Master of Professional Studies in Indigenous Governance with an emphasis on Indigenous education policy. In her free time, she enjoys sewing traditional wear, running, and spending time with family.
Kakiley Workman, M.S.
Cherokee Nation
Scholarship Operations Manager
I grew up in Stilwell, Oklahoma, and graduated high school in 2014, where I was named a Gates Millennium Scholar. I earned my Bachelor of Science from the University of Central Oklahoma in 2019. I was a scholarship advisor for the Cherokee Nation College Resource Center. While there, I earned my Master of Science in Leadership with an emphasis in Higher Education Administration and graduated in December 2022. I am excited to start this new position as one of Native Forward’s Scholarship Operation Managers and continue to work with Native students through their higher educational journey.
Adriann Francis
Grants Manager
Pueblo of Laguna & Mojave
As a Grants Manager, Adrian focuses on grant management, compliance, development, and reporting. She is from the Pueblo of Laguna and joined Native Forward in January 2018. She is currently working towards her Bachelor of Science in Earth & Planetary Science with a concentration in Physics at the University of New Mexico. Adriann is passionate about helping her Native American community, on and off the reservation, and is happy to be a part of Native Forward, helping Native American students reach for higher education.
Parker Duff, M.A.
Development Associate
Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
Gabriel Diamante
Data Analyst
Gabriel joined Native Forward in July 2022 as a Data Analyst. Previously, he managed a large scholarship program and the Salesforce database for a college access nonprofit and has experience in college admissions and financial aid at multiple universities in South Texas and Oklahoma. His past positions showed him, that even small scholarship awards can make a large difference in college affordability for students, and good data is vital in using scholarship funds to make the most impact in communities. He hopes to help Native Forward continue to thrive by contributing to a strong data foundation. Gabriel enjoys road trips with his wife, coffee, and restoring vintage computers.
Justin Hongeva, Hopi
Major Gifts Officer
Justin Hongeva began at Native Forward Scholars Fund in December of 2024 as the Major Gifts Officer. Justin is responsible for cultivating relationships with high giving donors to help them meet their philanthropic interests. Justin has spent the last seven years as a fundraiser with experience in new donor acquisitions, monthly donor cultivation, major donor cultivation, campaigns, special events, and planned giving.
Justin is an enrolled member of the Hopi Tribe and is from the village of Moencopi (Lower). He is a proud alumnus of Arizona State University having earned both his bachelors and masters degrees in American Indian Studies. He is a proud father to four children and a loving husband.
Alexis Locklear, MBA, Lumbee
Alumni Engagement Manager
Alexis Locklear is a proud double graduate of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and currently resides in Leland, NC. With over five years of nonprofit experience, Alexis is deeply committed to empowering Native communities through education and engagement. As the Alumni Engagement Manager at Native Forward Scholars Fund, she fosters meaningful connections among scholars and alumni, strengthening a network dedicated to uplifting Native voices.
Alexis’s professional journey is rooted in philanthropy and relationship-building. Previously, she served as the Development Officer for Diversity Initiatives at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW), where she managed strategic initiatives and cultivated support for transformative educational opportunities. Her work consistently reflects a dedication to creating opportunities that elevate Native stories and perspectives.
An advocate for cultural preservation and growth, Alexis specializes in event planning, stakeholder engagement, and community development. Her efforts ensure that Native Forward alumni remain integral to advancing the Fund’s mission and inspiring future generations of Native scholars.
Taylor Clements-Hammond
Accounting Specialist
Taylor was born in Ontario, Canada, and moved to the United States in 2003. He joined the Native Forward in 2021. Taylor’s responsibilities include accounts receivable, general ledger reporting, and assisting with audit procedures and state compliance. He attended Ohio State University: Fisher College of Business where he earned his bachelor’s in business administration specializing in accounting. An avid gamer, he enjoys both video and tabletop games in his free time.
Denise Olivarez
Accounting Assistant
Tarahumara
Denise joined Native Forward in 2022 as an Accounting Assistant. She is from El Paso, Texas, where she attended UTEP and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Accounting and a minor in Computer Information Systems.
Denise loves to read anything from novels and plays to comics and manga, as well as everything in between. When she doesn’t have her nose buried in a book, she can be found drawing, crocheting, watching films, or updating Wikipedia to her favorite series.
Angel M. Burnside, PHR
Human Resources Manager
Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes
I am a member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and currently reside on the Flathead Reservation in beautiful Northwest Montana. I started with Native Forward Scholars Fund in October 2023 as the human resources (HR) business partner for all departments within the organization. I am a certified Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and an active Society for Human Resource Management member with over 20 years of experience implementing and managing HR programs in multiple industries, including Tribal corporations. I love to travel and consider myself a foodie. I frequently travel to my hometown of San Francisco, the foodie capital of the U.S., where I can be found eating my way through its culturally diverse food landscape.
Judy Bentley
Marketing Manager
Judy Bentley joined Native Forward in August 2024 as the Marketing Manager. She is an enrolled member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and currently resides in Polson, Montana on the Flathead Reservation.
“I have always been an artist at heart, expressing myself through digital art, ink, pencil, and many other forms. Driven by the ever-evolving world of creativity and design, I thrive on the challenge of transforming a blank canvas into a vibrant reflection of someone’s vision. Laughter is a big part of my life; I love to laugh and bring joy to others. My goal is to leave a lasting, positive impact on every person I meet.
I am a proud graduate of Montana State University, earning my master’s degree in 2007.
I am honored to be a part of the Native Forward team, dedicated to empowering Native scholars and making a meaningful difference in Native communities. It is incredibly fulfilling to know my work is part of something greater, contributing to the development of future Native leaders for generations to come.”
Michelle Taylor
Executive Assistant
Michelle joined Native Forward in April 2024 and brings over nine years of Executive Assistant experience working with a non-profit organization and golf marketing company based in Hawaii.
Now a resident of Albuquerque, Michelle is excited to be near her mother’s homeland on the Navajo reservation and enjoys frequent visits. She is also a proud member of the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribe from the Northwoods of Wisconsin.
As the Executive Assistant, Michelle coordinates the CEO’s calendar, travel, and works closely with the Executive team.
She is excited about joining a high-quality organization that is making a difference in the lives of Native students across the country.
In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, watching her son play college baseball, and spending quality time with family.
Megan Sierra
Administrative Services Manager
Born and raised in New Mexico, I currently reside in Albuquerque with my husband and three children. I’m passionate about helping the community and making a difference. As the Administrative Services Manager, I support internal cross-departmental partnerships, ensuring Native Forward Scholars Fund runs smoothly to continue positively impacting Native scholars. Most of the time, you will find me hanging out with my family, having fun, and attending my son’s soccer games.
JT Schreier
Scholarship Operations Assistant
JT joined Native Forward in 2021 as a Scholarship Coordinator. JT most recently served as the sole mail controller for the Lovelace Health System for the last three years. He has an associate degree in Communication, Geography, Liberal Arts, and Integrated Studies from Central New Mexico Community College and earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Western Governors University. In his free time, JT enjoys traveling, cooking, board games with friends, and spending time with his spouse and three dogs.
