988 Conference Agenda
2026

Wes Albers, Community Liaison for the Psychiatric Emergency Response Team (PERT), is a retired Detective Sergeant and 30-year veteran of the San Diego Police Department. He’s a trained hostage and crisis negotiator and graduate of the FBI’s National Crisis Negotiation Course at the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA. Wes has developed and taught courses for Alliant International University and is vice president of the Pacific Southwest Chapter of the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP).​

Maria Ancona serves as the Outreach and Volunteer Lead for 988 Sacramento, where she oversees volunteer recruitment, training, and engagement. She also co-facilitates ASIST suicide intervention workshops and collaborates with community partners to raise awareness of 988 and other mental health resources. Maria firmly believes that human connection is at the heart of suicide prevention. Through her work, she strives to ensure that every caller, colleague, volunteer, and community member feels valued, supported, and cared for in every interaction.

Kimey Begaye is a Navajo and Lakota Beadwork Artist, Wellness Coordinator, and Community Advocate whose work is rooted in culture, storytelling, and healing. Through handcrafted beadwork and community programs, she strives to preserve Indigenous Traditions while creating spaces for connection, resilience, and empowerment. Her passion is using creativity and cultural knowledge to inspire others, strengthen community, and honor the teachings passed down through generations.

Ivan Bhardwaj is Chief of the Medi-Cal Behavioral Health – Policy Division within the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), where his team oversees program and policy for California’s Drug Medi-Cal, Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System, and Specialty Mental Health Services programs. In addition, Ivan and his team oversee DHCS’ CalAIM Behavioral Health initiatives, 988, and the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment Act. Prior to his current role, Ivan served as Chief of the Federal Grants Branch in DHCS, where his team administered most of the Department’s federal behavioral health grant programs, including the State Opioid Response grants; Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant; and Community Mental Health Services Block Grant. Ivan received a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Massachusetts.

Mindy Biondi is a dynamic and strategic healthcare operations leader with more than 25 years of experience driving excellence across patient services, access and crisis lines, and high-volume contact centers. Throughout her career, she has led transformational initiatives in complex, fast-paced environments, always with a focus on improving the experience of those seeking care and support. As a servant leader, Mindy is passionate about building high-performing, culturally responsive teams that lead with compassion, collaboration, and accountability. Her people-first approach has helped organizations achieve operational success while ensuring that every interaction remains grounded in empathy and human connection. Today, Mindy proudly supports the San Diego Access and Crisis Line and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline network, where she champions innovative strategies that expand access to essential behavioral health services. She believes that behind every call is a person with a story, and making a difference starts with showing up, listening, and caring.

Vanessa Brierty is from the Pueblo of Laguna and serves as the District Director for California’s first and only Native American legislator, Assemblymember James Ramos. Before this role, she was the Consultant to the California Legislative Native American Caucus and is among the few Native Americans to serve in the state’s Legislature.  Grounded in a strong educational foundation, Vanessa holds a Bachelor's degree in Health Education and Health Promotion and is a Certified Health Education Specialist. She also earned a Certificate in Indigenous Leadership from Arizona State University’s American Indian Policy Institute and recently completed the Indigenous Education Leadership Academy. In 2023, she obtained her Master’s degree in Indigenous Education from ASU, demonstrating her commitment to advancing Indigenous knowledge systems.  Vanessa’s work centers on amplifying Native American voices in education, mental health, and policy to ensure accurate representation of California’s diverse Tribal communities. She remains active in her community, serving on the boards of Tribal and non-Tribal educational institutions, non-profits, and county entities. In 2021, Vanessa delivered a TEDx Talk highlighting the importance of integrating traditional cultural practices into overall health and wellness.  Rooted in her cultural and traditional values, Vanessa draws strength and inspiration from her roles as a daughter, sister, and auntie. These familial ties ground her in her efforts to create lasting, positive change in Tribal communities. Her journey reflects a lifelong commitment to empowering Indigenous voices and building a more equitable future for all. 

Jirrah Paz has served as the Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault (DV/SA) Program Coordinator at Indian Health Council, Inc. since August 2026. Prior to joining IHC, she worked on Guam as the DV/SA Program Coordinator for the nonprofit Guma’ Mami, Inc. for nearly 10 years. In this role, she supported adults with intellectual disabilities and serious mental illnesses who were survivors of domestic violence and/or sexual assault. Jirrah feels deeply honored to be living out her middle school dream of serving the local Native community and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Lashawna Calac is of Luiseño heritage from the Rincon Reservation on her father's side and Navajo and Hopi heritage on her mother's side. She has dedicated her career to supporting individuals in recovery through her work in substance use treatment and behavioral health services. Lashawna has served as a Registered Alcohol and Drug Technician (RADT) at Akasha Detox Facility, a Peer Specialist, Women's House Manager, and Clinical Technician at Inner Tribal Treatment, and a Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) at Mountain Sky Detox. Her experience spans detoxification services, peer support, recovery advocacy, and client care. She is passionate about providing compassionate, culturally responsive support that promotes healing and long-term wellness.

Amanda Chavez is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the Behavioral Health Director at Indian Health Council, where she has served in this leadership position, for the past three years. She brings 21 years of clinical experience, including nine years as a practicing clinician within the organization. She is from San Pasqual, Amanda grew up among the nine consortium tribes served by Indian Health Council. She earned both her Master of Education and Master of Counseling degrees from San Diego State University. Amanda has dedicated her career to providing compassionate, culturally grounded care and is deeply committed to strengthening the wellness of Native communities. In her role as Director, she oversees behavioral health programming, builds collaborative partnerships, and champions accessible, high-quality mental health services.

Amanda Colegrove serves as the Manager of the Health Promotion & Education Department within the Tribal Public Health Division at United Indian Health Services, Inc. (UIHS), a clinical organization that serves Native American communities throughout Humboldt and Del Norte counties. She has been working in the field of suicide prevention for the last five years and is a certified trainer in ASIST, Connect Postvention, safeTALK and QPR. She is a descendent of Hupa, Yurok, Karuk and Quinault nations and an enrolled member of the Hoopa Valley Tribe.

Melody Culhane, LMFT, serves as Program Coordinator for the CARE Act Program with the County of San Diego Behavioral Health Services, where she focuses on improving coordination among service providers, County partners, and community agencies supporting individuals with complex mental health needs. She oversees program performance and quality improvement efforts and supports the development of policies and procedures to strength service delivery. Melody has over 15 years of experience across public systems, hospitals, and community-based programs, including prior roles as Behavioral Health Program Manager for the CARE Act Program and as a Licensed Mental Health Clinician and Court Investigator with the San Diego County Public Conservator’s Office. Her background also includes work as a hospital-based social worker and as a program manager for Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) and strengths-based case management programs, and she approaches her work through a strengths-based, trauma-informed lens.

David joined IHC after a three-decade career in the entertainment industry, where he developed expertise in graphic design, film production, performance, and public speaking. In 2021, he brought that wealth of experience to IHC, seeking a place where he could apply his diverse talents to meaningful work that makes a positive difference in people's lives. He has been honored to find that opportunity at IHC, where the mission is impactful, the people are welcoming, and each day brings a renewed sense of purpose. For David, IHC is a place where professional experience and personal values come together in service of work that truly matters.

Chris Devers is a member of the Pauma Band of Luiseño Indians. Mr. Devers has spent a majority of his life on the Pauma Indian Reservation. Mr. Devers graduated from Fallbrook Union High School in 1970. After 2 years at UCLA Mr. Devers enlisted in the U.S. Army. After receiving his honorable discharge, Mr. Devers began his work experience. He has worked in the construction field as a heavy equipment operator, Water Master for the Pauma Band, Native American Circuit Rider for the Rural Community Assistance Corporation, Native American monitor for Native Grounds and was formerly the Cultural Liaison for the Pauma Band.

Alicia Dhason is a Community Resource & Prevention Facilitator at Riverside-San Bernardino County Indian Health, Inc., where she has served for 9 ½ years. In her current role, she provides suicide prevention training, builds community partnerships, and promotes prevention through education and outreach. Alicia is a certified trainer in LivingWorks SafeTALK, CALM Conversations & Clinical CALM, and QPR Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training. She is passionate about empowering individuals and organizations with the knowledge and skills to recognize suicide risk and connect people to supportive resources.

Auliana Edwards is an enrolled tribal member of the La Jolla Band of Luiseño Indians and a descendant of the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians. She is currently a second-year student at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC), majoring in Psychology, with plans to declare a concentration in Neuropsychology. Auliana is also pursuing a minor in Spanish, reflecting her commitment to cultural understanding and communication. Through her academic studies and personal background, she is passionate about exploring the connections between mental health, brain function, and community well-being.

Summer Elliott is the Housing Services Liaison at Strong Hearted Native Women’s Coalition (SHNWC) and an enrolled member of the Manzanita Band of the Kumeyaay Nation. With over 20 years of experience as a background investigator and a decade in crisis response and family assistance, Summer brings deep expertise and an unwavering commitment to supporting survivors of violence.  In her role, Summer manages client intake, develops safety plans, and helps secure safe housing for individuals impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, stalking, human trafficking, and Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) cases. She provides crisis intervention,  comprehensive case management, and connects clients to employment training and aftercare services. Summer also oversees data collection and reporting to ensure the effectiveness of programs that empower survivors.  Grounded in community advocacy and her cultural connection, Summer is dedicated to restoring stability and fostering healing throughout the communities she serves. Outside of work, she is a devoted grandmother raising two “feral” spirited boys. Between her professional commitments and the whirlwind of kid activities, life is never a dull moment.

Estela Flores is the Program Manager for the San Diego County Suicide Prevention Council at Community Health Improvement Partners (CHIP), a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the health, safety, and quality of life for all San Diegans through collaboration, advocacy, and community engagement. Estela collaborates with public agencies, healthcare providers, schools, faith communities, media partners, and other stakeholders to strengthen prevention efforts, promote mental wellness, and support priority populations. Estela is passionate about improving awareness, capacity, and collective action in support of suicide prevention and behavioral health throughout San Diego County.

Tina Garcia is a Native American Substance Use Disorder Counselor with extensive experience serving Tribal youth, families, and adults across Southern California. An enrolled Tribal member from the Los Coyotes Reservation in northeast San Diego, Tina is deeply committed to culturally grounded SUD prevention, youth leadership development, and trauma-informed care. She is known for bridging Tribal and non-Tribal systems, advocating for Native youth, and supporting culturally rooted pathways to sobriety, healing, and community wellness.

Andrea is a queer Mexican Ñuu Davi born in San Diego and raised in Tijuana, Kumeyaay Territory. She currently works as a Community Organizer at 'ataaxum Pomkwaan. Her lifelong work focuses on developing life-affirming institutions and community spaces that center the healing and autonomy of Indigenous, Black, migrant, queer and trans peoples. She has seventeen years of community and coalition organizing experience on youth, education, racial, economic, environmental and housing justice.

Paul Gonzalez is a proud Tribal member of the Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel and has been traveling the Red Road for over 27 years. With 23 years of experience as a Substance Abuse Counselor, he has dedicated the past 17 years to serving local communities through Indian Health Council. Paul has held leadership roles within his Nation, serving as Legislative Speaker for four years and Vice-Chairman for a total of eight years. He actively participates in and facilitates healing ceremonies, honoring traditional practices and supporting community wellness. He is deeply honored to be part of the First Peoples Nation and remains committed to being of service for the people.

Currently a research assistant at Inner Tribal Treatment, also a current student at Palomar College working to become a SUD counselor to help guide fellow Native Americans towards a lifetime of sobriety and wellness. I am a registered SUDRC and am also a proud Inner Tribal Treatment Alumni and grateful to be able to give back to my community by building lasting relationships with clients and my peers by sharing new and old life experiences.

Season Goodpasture, founder of Acorns to Oak Trees, is a marriage and family therapist who is Maidu and Paiute and an enrolled member of the Susanville Indian Rancheria; her husband, James (Cupeño), and their four children are members of the Pala Band of Mission Indians. For over 15 years, Season has served tribal families through infrastructure, capacity building, and program development in child welfare, victim services, early intervention, education, mental health, and tribal court, with advocacy resulting in legislative changes including SB 1460 and the Tribal Early Start Outreach initiative with the Department of Developmental Services. Inspired by her oldest daughter Harley’s autism diagnosis and the family’s journey navigating the Regional Center system, the Goodpastures dedicated their ranch on the Pala reservation to providing therapy services to surrounding tribal communities. Acorns to Oak Trees became the first tribal organization in California vendored to provide pediatric developmental services, is now vendored with five Regional Centers, and its clinical team travels statewide providing free developmental assessments to Native families.

Orvin Hanson serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Indian Health Council, Inc. (IHC), bringing more than 31 years of healthcare leadership experience dedicated to improving the health and well-being of Native communities. Throughout his tenure at IHC, he has held several executive leadership roles, including Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and Associate Executive Director, before becoming CEO in 2020. Known for his collaborative and people-centered leadership style, Orvin has helped expand access to culturally responsive healthcare services, strengthen organizational sustainability, and support programs that improve health outcomes for Tribal communities. He has successfully guided organizational growth, managed multimillion-dollar budgets, and fostered strong partnerships that enhance the quality of care available to community members. His commitment to service and community wellness has helped position IHC as a trusted healthcare resource for generations of Native families. In addition, Orvin has contributed more than 25 years to IHC's Research Core Team, supporting IRB oversight and research initiatives focused on addressing health disparities and advancing community health.

Angie is a dedicated Behavioral Health Clinician and proud North County San Diego community member with ancestral roots in the Northern Mexican states of Jalisco and Zacatecas. Since October 2024, she has served as an Associate Social Worker (ASW) at the Indian Health Council. Beyond her clinical role is a graduate of Cal-Poly Humboldt with a Master of Social Work specifically focused on Indigenous perspectives, a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and currently serves as the Vice-Chair for the NASW CA Native American Chapter. She is a mother to two wonderful children and two loving dogs.

Skylar Hughes is a behavioral health and community engagement professional specializing in trauma-informed education, suicide prevention, and cross-sector partnership development. As Training and Outreach Manager at Community Health Improvement Partners, she leads county-wide suicide prevention initiatives, coordinates a network of trainers and volunteers, and delivers evidence-informed education to communities, caregivers, and frontline professionals throughout San Diego County. Skylar is passionate about expanding access to behavioral health resources and building community capacity through collaboration and education.

Pineniece Joshua (she/her) is a cultural anthropologist and community mental health educator. She serves as the Didi Hirsch Suicide Prevention Center Tribal Program manager where she provides culturally grounded training for 988 crisis counselors, and works with native community-led mental health initiatives across California. In collaboration with the CA 988 Tribal Taskforce – a coalition of Tribal and Urban Indian Health organizations and 988 Crisis Line Call Centers – Pineniece develops the “988 is Good Medicine” educational series exploring indigenous perspectives on mental health, suicide, identity, and the importance of culture/community as protective factors. Pineniece is Cherokee Nation lineage (maternally, non-enrolled).

Joyce Llanos serves as the 988 Program Coordinator, where she leads efforts to strengthen mental health and crisis response services within Tribal communities. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University San Marcos and brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her role. Her Filipino heritage provides a multicultural perspective and a deep appreciation for the importance of family, community, and collective well-being. As a mother of four, Joyce recognizes the vital role that culture, connection, and family play in supporting mental wellness. Her work is driven by a passion for helping others, advancing equitable access to care, reducing stigma around mental health, and fostering culturally responsive approaches to behavioral health and crisis support within Tribal communities.

My name is John A. Machado, also known as "Bud," and I serve as an Executive Committee Member for the Pala Band of Mission Indians, as well as a dedicated Cupeño Language instructor. Over the past decade, I have immersed myself in learning and revitalizing my native language, Cupeño, driven by a passion for preserving our cultural heritage and sovereignty. When not advocating for the preservation of native languages, I relish sharing a delightful sushi dinner, catching a movie with loved ones, or relaxing with a perfect cup of coffee. My commitment extends to being a steward of the land, ensuring the protection of our natural environment for future generations.

Lisa Malul is Executive Director of the Contra Costa Crisis Center, where she leads the organization’s 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline center and 211 information and referral services serving residents throughout Contra Costa County. The organization also provides grief support and mobile crisis response, supports 911 diversion, and works across the behavioral health continuum to help ensure that people experiencing crisis find the right support at the right time. Trained as an attorney and shaped by decades of nonprofit leadership, Lisa approaches her work through a systems lens while keeping the human experience behind every policy, partnership, and decision. She is known for asking how organizations can become more effective and more trustworthy, creating places where people know someone will answer, listen, and help them find a path forward. Before joining the Crisis Center, Lisa served as Executive Director of Rebuilding Together Oakland East Bay, where she expanded partnerships with cities, counties, healthcare organizations, and community nonprofits to preserve safe housing and help residents remain independent in their homes. Earlier in her career, she worked on an international peacebuilding project for young children in conflict settings with the World Forum, developed culturally responsive early childhood initiatives in multiple countries with the International Child Resource Institute, and led multilingual publications at Action Alliance for Children. Together, these experiences reinforced her belief that lasting community change depends on collaboration across sectors. Today, Lisa’s work centers on integrating crisis response with broader community systems. She serves as a designated voter on the 988 California Crisis Center Consortium and holds American Association of Suicidology (AAS) and 988 certifications. She works to position 988 and 211 as complementary entry points into care, connecting behavioral health, social services, emergency response, and community resources into a more coordinated network.

Cheryl McMahen is the Health Promotions Director at Indian Health Council, Inc. She has been a committed community leader with over 14 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. She earned a Bachelor's in Kinesiology from California State University San Marcos and a Master's in Public Administration from California State University Dominguez Hills. Beginning her career as a health educator, Cheryl consistently advanced initiatives that supported community health and well-being. Her expertise includes community outreach, volunteer engagement, health education, grant management, and event coordination. She has led grassroots efforts, facilitated trainings, and served on multiple committees. In 2021, she was honored as a Healthcare Heroes Award recipient by the San Diego Business Journal.

Minnie Ostberg is a proud descendant of the Payómkawichum people from the Pala Band of Mission Indians. Throughout her life, she has served her community through teaching, coaching, mentoring, and embracing the role of an auntie to those around her. For the past year and a half, she has worked as a Peer Support Specialist, supporting individuals through advocacy, meaningful connections, and culturally grounded approaches to wellness and healing. She is passionate about helping her community build strength, resilience, and a sense of belonging through culture, and shared experiences.

Hellyaachwehay "NewMoon" Quisquis is a Kumeyaay photographer, creative director, and visual storyteller from the San Pasqual Reservation in Southern California. As founder of New Moon Cre8tive Studios, his work focuses on people, culture, and community, creating imagery that carries meaning beyond the lens.
His work spans from Native community storytelling, Indigenous fashion, and major creative platforms including the First Peoples Fashion Show, Runway 7 at New York Fashion Week, and community-centered projects such as the 988 campaign. Across all spaces, he approaches his work not just as capturing images, but as being entrusted with pieces of other people’s stories. For New Moon, trust is the foundation of the creative process. He believes a person’s story always belongs to them. His role is to listen, understand their message, and translate it into photography, film, and visual media that carries their voice to a wider audience. Whether working with a model, artist, community member, or someone sharing something deeply personal, he holds the same responsibility: earn trust, protect the story and create the content that allows people to share their story with the world while still recognizing it as their own.

Luis Ramirez is the Tribal Opioid Response and Medication Assisted Treatment Program Coordinator at the Indian Health Council, Inc. Luis attended Northern Arizona University and Fort Lewis College where he received his Bachelor's Degree in Public Health. Luis is dedicated to providing recovery support services and treatment options for substance use disorders for the community. He enjoys hiking, gaming, and sports in his free time. 

Kyle Ramos is a Community Resource & Prevention Facilitator with the Behavioral Health Services Department at Riverside-San Bernardino County Indian Health, Inc. (RSBCIHI), where he has served the community in various capacities since 2012. He holds a B.A. in History from the University of California, Irvine, and is a certified trainer in safeTALK, QPR, CALM, and Adult Mental Health First Aid. Through his work, Kyle is committed to promoting mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and community well-being through education and outreach. Outside of work, he enjoys playing guitar, reading, and spending time with his two cats, Gidget and Penny Lane.

Angelina Renteria, Diné, Chief Operations Officer at Indian Health Council, Inc., has more than 25 years of experience in the health industry and a lifelong commitment to whole-person wellness. She holds a Master of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Physical Education, along with certifications in Yoga and Reiki and is the CA state delegate on the National Community Health Aide Program Board. Guided by her values of compassion, connection, and culture, Ms. Renteria provides executive oversight for grant program development, implementation, sustainability planning, and the successful operations of tribal community-based programs. With a heart for service and a strong belief in the power of listening and community, she focuses on fostering culturally grounded programs and resources that help every person feel seen, heard, and valued—especially during life’s most challenging moments.

Erika Richmond is Mixtec nu savi, raised in Valley Center. A first-generation college graduate, she earned her bachelor's degree in liberal studies from California State University San Marcos and completed her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. She is a dedicated educator committed to supporting student learning and growth. Ms. Erika is passionate about creating supportive, engaging environments where students feel confident, valued, and motivated to learn.

Rhonda C. Romero is a Research Coordinator for Inner- Tribal Treatment. Rhonda  believes meaningful research begins with listening, respecting community knowledge, and  working collaboratively to create lasting positive change. She is passionate about using  research as a tool to strengthen Native communities by increasing access to culturally  responsive services, honoring tribal knowledge, and improving the health and well-being of  future generations.

My name is Oscar Sagastume and I am a Case Manager for the Pala Mobile Crisis Response Team. I have worked on the Pala Reservation for approximately 8 years with the last two years as a member of the Mobile Crisis Team. I recently graduated from San Diego State University and will be starrting law school this fall . I have a passion for helping our community members in the worst time of their lives recover and get back on their feet. On my free time I enjoy going to Angel games, mixed martial arts, traveling, and most of all spending time with my 4-year-old son Liam

Linda Schwartz serves as the Program Services Director, bringing more than 15 years of experience supporting Tribal families, along with a strong educational foundation and deep commitment to serving Tribal communities. She holds a Master’s Degree in Marriage, Child, and Family Therapy and has dedicated her career to providing culturally responsive support to children, individuals, and families.  Prior to joining the team, Linda served as a Child Abuse Prevention Social Worker at Indian Health Council, Inc., where she developed extensive experience in crisis intervention, mental health assessments, behavioral risk management, and supporting families involved in the court system. In this role, she also facilitated support groups for teens and provided services to families who had been exposed to violence.  As Program Services Director, Linda is responsible for implementing the goals and objectives outlined in the program proposal, overseeing the collection and tracking of program data for reporting and evaluation purposes, and participating in and coordinating collaborative meetings, trainings, and community partnerships. She also provides community education and crisis intervention services as needed.  Through her extensive experience, clinical expertise, and unwavering commitment to Tribal communities, Linda plays a vital role in ensuring the program's effectiveness, accountability, and responsiveness to the evolving needs of the community.

Brandy Scurlock serves as a Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault (DV/SA) Program Coordinator with the Family Tribal Services team at Indian Health Council, Inc. Her professional background includes public health communications, community outreach, health education, and program coordination, gained through her work in environmental health with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. Now based in Southern California, Brandy is grateful for the opportunity to support and collaborate with the local Native community through culturally responsive services and community-driven initiatives.

Robert H. Smith serves as the Tribal Chairman of the Pala Band of Mission Indians, a position he has held since 1990. Chairman Smith successfully negotiated the first Tribal-State compact in California with Governor Pete Wilson in 1996, and subsequently supervised the opening of Pala Casino, creating thousands of jobs for Tribal members and area residents. Chairman Smith’s work for the Pala Band includes providing health, vision and dental insurance for all members, launching a $300,000 scholarship fund for higher education, purchasing additional land for the Tribal cemetery, opening the Pala Learning Center and the Pala Child Care Center, and securing 24-hour on-site ambulance, firefighter and paramedic service for the Pala Reservation. Chairman Smith is a member of, sits on the board of, or is a delegate of numerous boards, alliances, associations, committees, and consortiums. 

James Trujillo is the Program Director for the La Jolla Avellaka Program. James has always been an active Tribal member of the La Jolla Tribal community and past Tribal leader. He is deeply committed to supporting his community and ensuring that tribal members and community members have access to culturally grounded services, advocacy, and safe spaces. James believes that culture is a powerful source of healing and strength, and he continues to work toward creating programs that promote safety, wellness, and resilience throughout the tribal community.

Alaya Vasquez, Kumeyaay and Luiseño, began her work in Native youth advocacy, through the Native Youth Foundation, where she developed a passion for supporting indigenous youth and strengthening community connections. She now serves as the 988 Community Outreach Worker at Indian Health Council, partnering with Tribal communities to increase awareness of suicide prevention, mental health resources, and culturally responsive crisis support. Through outreach, education, and community engagement, Alaya is committed to promoting resilience, reducing stigma, and encouraging help-seeking in ways that honor Tribal values and culture.

Keith Vasquez serves as the Event & Sports Director of Native Youth Foundation (NYF) and founder of California Indigenous Athletes (CIA). He is dedicated to empowering Native youth through sports, leadership, cultural connection, and mentorship. Keith has organized youth camps, leadership summits, and community events that promote mental wellness, resilience, and health lifestyles. Through his work with tribal communities and youth across the country, he strives to create opportunities that inspire confidence, hope, and future success while strengthening the next generation of Indigenous leaders. 

Keely Wright, LCSW, is a Suicide Prevention Coordinator at the Jennifer Moreno San Diego Veterans Affairs Medical Center, where she also serves as a practicing clinician and speaker. With over 20 years of experience, she has worked extensively in community crisis response, grief and family counseling, emergency department psychiatric and medical operations, and high-risk mental health for transitioning service members. Keely has dedicated her career to serving Veteran populations across Arizona and California, with a focus on suicide prevention. In San Diego, she is a leading collaborator advancing suicide prevention efforts within the firearms community. She is passionate about equipping healthcare professionals with evidence-based, inclusive approaches to firearm safety that align with Veterans’ values and rights.

Under the direction of Diana Duro, the KUPA Song and Dance Group is dedicated to preserving and sharing KUPA cultural heritage through language, music, and dance. Through meaningful performances, the group honors traditional ways while celebrating the strength, resilience, and identity of American Indian people in today's society.