KIVA Club 2024-2025 Officers
See the UNM Kiva Club on Facebook
Introducing our 2024-2025 Kiva Club Officers!
Co-Presidents
Hello all, my name is Kaia Begay and I am so excited to be your co-president! I am Navajo from Gallup, New Mexico. I am a senior majoring in Psychology and Native American Studies. A fun fact about me is that I collect and make stickers. I also enjoy exercising- running, golfing, and swimming. I look forward to working together and making a difference in our community!
Hi! My name is Tashina Parker. My tribe is the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska and I am from Albuquerque.
I am a 3rd year biology major (premed) with a minor in chemistry. I am also a member of UNM's pre-med society and UNM's American Chemical Society. A fun fact about me is I play the pedal harp and play golf.
I am excited to be one of this year's co-president for Kiva Club and excited to work with everyone!
Powwow Co-Chairs
Hello everyone! My name is Ireland Chosa. I’m a freshman here at UNM, I’m double majoring in Native American Studies and Political Science! I want to go to law school for tribal law to protect treaty rights and sovereignty. I’m Ojibwe from the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community in northern Michigan. I was born and raised on my reservation. I’m also an Ambassador for American Indian Student Services (AISS). I love the outdoors and learning new things. A fun fact about me is that I co-owned and operated a business with my mom :)
My name is Shavona Elliott. I am Ta'neezahnii, born for Deeshchiinii, my maternal grandfathers are the Nakaii Dine'e-Tódich'ii'nii, and my paternal grandfathers are the Ma'ii Deeshgiizhii'nii. I am from the communities, Salina Springs, AZ and Manyfarms, AZ located on the Navajo Nation Reservation. I am in my final year at UNM, pursuing my bachelor's degree in Secondary Education with a focus in Social Studies. I'm happy to be the Co-Chair for the Nizhoni Days Pow-Wow. Looking forward to what this year brings for Kiva club!
Vice President
My name is Natalia Shije, and I am from the Pueblo of Zia. I am currently a freshman and plan to major in computer engineering. And a fun fact about me is that I enjoy fishing.
I am honored to be vice president, and I hope to have a good year of fun and knowledgeable experiences with my fellow officers.
Treasurer
My name is Nautisha Keeto. I was born without a voice and talk in a whisper, which is a fact about myself I like to share because it is a unique and noticeable quality. I am from Gallup, New Mexico, which should already tell you I am Navajo (lol). I am pursuing my degree in business with a concentration in operations management, and I am your new Kiva Club treasurer. I am the co-president for the American Indian Business Association (AIBA), and a member of the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA), and the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) on campus. This summer I’ve taken a fair share of new hobbies, some of which include hiking (mainly in the Sandias), playing tennis, running, and going to local band concerts. I am very excited to work with everyone this semester!
Secretary
Ya'at'eeh shikéí dóó shidiné’e’, shi’ei McKenzie Johnson dah shijini, Tódich'ii'nii nishli, Tsinajinii báshishchiin, Tsénjikiní dah shicheii, adoo’ Tódich'ii'nii dah shinali. Hello, my name is McKenzie Johnson, I am Diné, and I am currently in my junior year, earning my bachelor's degree in business administration & accounting with a minor in Native American studies. I am also happy to announce that I am the new secretary for Kiva Club and plan to join more clubs like AISES and AIBA! I grew up here in Albuquerque along with my older brothers Tiresius and Demetrius Johnson. In the future, I hope to run my own business making ribbon skirts, painting custom shoes, and making jewelry. Maybe run my own cat cafe selling Navajo tea boba as well.
Ahéhee’, thank you, and I am looking forward to this semester with Kiva club!
Media Coordinator
I am delighted to join the KIVA club as their new media coordinator! I believe my experience in social media work and graphic design will be something that will greatly benefit the club's planned endeavors. - Maximilian Marmon
Communications Chair
Hello! My name is Alicia Clouser and I am this year's Kiva Club Communications chair! I am from Flagstaff, Arizona and I am part of the Diné (Navajo) Nation.
I am currently majoring in environmental science with a minor in management. I am a part of the TRIO program, AISES club, AISB Fall experience, and an intern at Four Corners Science and Computing Club at Northern Arizona University.
A fun fact about me is I run a beading business.
Events Coordinator
Hello all! My name is Mary E. Benavidez, I come from Isleta and Kewa Pueblo.
I am a Family and Child major with a concentration in Early Childhood Education. In the future I am hoping to be a Early Head Start teacher. During my free time I like to listen to music, fish and play Stardew Valley. I am looking forward to hearing your ideas and putting together some great events for us to enjoy this school year. Thank you for the opportunity to be this year's 2024-2025 Events Coordinator