My Background
Personal Profile
Personal Vision
I created L Designs, Etc. as a family-oriented business that is passionate about making our community a better place to live. I believe in a collective effort in creating something that one person cannot do alone and am committed to contributing to a better and brighter future.
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At L Designs, Etc., we strive to share the stories and wisdom of the Apache people. Through my website, I provide information and resources to help promote understanding and respect for the Apache culture. My mission is to honor the memory of the Apache elders who shared their knowledge with us and to ensure that their wisdom and teachings live on. I invite you to explore my website and join us on this journey of understanding and appreciation.
Education
1996
University of New Mexico
Anderson School of Management at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, NM. Master's of Business Administration.
1987
East Central University
University of East Central in Ada, Oklahoma. Bachelor
of Business Administration with a concentration on Economics.
1972
Wayne High School
Wayne High School in Wayne, Oklahoma. High School Degree graduated 5th in the class of 65.
June 24, 2023 Presentation to the Moral Cultural Event in Mora, NM on Indigenous Prophecies.
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Feb. 3, 2023 Presentation to Dulce Public School Teachers on the Importance of Jicarilla Apache culture and language.
Spring 2022 Volunteer St. Francis School, Culture and History of Jicarilla Apache
Fall 2021 Presentation to Dulce School Board, Language is Our Way Home
Introductions to the Landmark Forum, transforming Native America, 2010-2014
Jicarilla Apache History and Culture, ConocoPhillips Indian Day, Farmington, NM 2011.
Spiritual and Health Benefits of Bison, Native Diabetes Conference, Phoenix,AZ, January 2009.
Jicarilla History and Protocol, Dulce Public Schools New Teacher Orientation, August of each year.
Jicarilla Traditions and Culture as it relates to alcohol and substance abuse, once a month for the Jicarilla Detox Center. (2000 to 2003)
Organizing and Planning a Culture Camp, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Scottsdale, AZ, March 2002.
Creating Culture Camps, Navajo Housing Utility, San Juan College, Farmington, NM.
History of the Jicarilla Apache, San Juan College, American Studies Program, 2002
NIEA, Past, Present and Future, NIEA Conference in Rapid City, South Dakota, 1996.
Jicarilla History and effects of Reservation Life, Pathways to a Healthy Nation Conference, Dulce, New Mexico, February 2004.
Cultural Issues in the Community, Pathways to a Healthy Nation Conference, Dulce, New Mexico, February 2004.
Jicarilla Apache History in Colorado Prior to 1542, Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site, Colorado Springs, Colorado, October 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, & 2008.
Jicarilla Apache History, Rotary Club, Chama, NM, August 3, 2005
Jicarilla Apache in the San Luis Valley, “From Subsistence to Supermarket: Great Sand Dunes Research Symposium”, Adams State College, Alamosa, CO, October 8, 2005
Jicarilla Apache History, Santa Fe Trail Historical Society, Las Vegas, NM, July 20, 2006
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Presentations and Public Speaking
Accomplishments
School Board Member, Dulce Public Schools, 2024 to present. A policy making Board that oversees the School Superintendent and an advocate for the needs of the community.
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Member, Women's Elder Group made up of elder women from across the Nation and internationally. We meet once a year on tribal lands and participate in Zoom calls quarterly. Our purpose is to share culture, prayers, and support with each other for our work in our communities.
Founding member Jicarilla Traditional Culture Committee. The local non-profit organization is responsible for the preservation and perpetuation of Jicarilla Apache culture and traditions. Two sub-committees were established: the Language Revitalization Committee and the “Just Do It” Committee, both dedicated to addressing issues in the community.
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Member, Dulce Public Schools and Dulce Community Partnership, 2010 to 2019.
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Lead Organizer, Dulce Base UFO Conference in Dulce, New Mexico, 2019. Tourism Event with a projected income of over $50,000 for AID, Inc., a non-profit organization committed to preserving language and culture.
Introduction Leader, Landmark Education, 2010 – 2014. An international training and development company that offers unique educational programs that provide breakthrough results for people and organizations, and as a result elevates employee performance, productivity, and effectiveness.
President, Apache Indigenous Defenders, Inc. (now Apache Journeys), 2005 – 2015. A non-profit organization that provides funding for cultural projects and economic development in the community of Dulce.
Secretary, New Mexico Tourism Board – Region V, 2006 – 2008, Member 2006 – 2010. A position appointed by the New Mexico Secretary of Tourism to promote tourism in the north-central area of New Mexico.
Member, North Rio Grande National Heritage Area Board of Directors, 2009 - 2010. A Board was established by the Congressional legislation with the purpose of developing a plan to protect the historical resources in its region: Rio Arriba, Santa Fe, and Taos Counties.
Member, Running Elk Corporation Board, 2005 – 2007. A corporate business venture owned by the Jicarilla Apache Nation.
Member, St. Francis School Board of Education, February 2006 – 2009. A parochial school offering excellent education grades K – 8.
Member, Healthy Native Community Coalition, 2007 –2011. A SAMSA-funded program with the purpose of combating suicide and bullying in the community of Dulce.
Secretary, New Mexico Tourism Board – Region V, 2006 – 2008, Member 2006 – 2010.
Member, Jicarilla Apache Language Team, 2002-2003. Tribal Presidential appointee to develop a memorandum of agreement between the Jicarilla Apache Nation and the New Mexico State Board of Education which provided a mechanism for certification and licensure for fluent Jicarilla Apache speakers to teach in the public schools.
Member, Advisory Council Leadership Team, Dulce Elementary School 2002-2003. A policy-making board was established to provide parental involvement in the elementary school.
President, National Indian Education Association, Alexandria, VA 1997, the largest national Indian organization leading the way in Indian education issues and lobbying for educational reform in Congress.
President, Confederation of Indigenous Elders of America, 1996-2000. Organizer for the Indigenous gathering of elders across the Americas. In 1999, a gathering of over 500 elders gathered in New Mexico addressing global environmental issues and human rights.
Chair of the Board of Regents, Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute, 1995-2001. One of two Bureau of Indian Affairs Post Secondary educational institutes providing free education of tribally enrolled students across the United States. Responsible for policy and lobbying efforts on behalf of the community college.
President, Indian Education Committee, 1995. Local board representing Indian education.
Chair and Founding member of the SIPI Foundation, 1998-2001. A non-profit organization that provided a mechanism for grant funds and donations.
Board Member, National Indian Education Association, Alexandria VA 1994-1997
Board Member Apache Indian Development Inc., 1999-present. A non-profit organization established to offer funding to local alcoholic and drug-free projects.
Lead Organizer, Flame Spirit Run, Santa Fe to Dulce, October 1992
Lead Organizer, Spirit Run for Sobriety, Dulce to Ignacio, CO, 1996