ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR

Wendy Shelly Greyeyes, Ph.D. (Diné) is Tódích’íinii (Bitterwater Clan), born for Tódích’íinii (Bitterwater Clan), maternal clans are of the Tł’ízíłani (Many Goats Clan) and paternal clans are of the Tó’ahání (Near the Water Clan). She grew up in Tódínéeshzhee’ (Kayenta, Arizona) and currently has a homesite in Tsegi. Dr. Greyeyes is an Associate Professor of Native American Studies at the University of New Mexico. Greyeyes just completed the 2023-2024 Nits’áá dóó ídahwiil’aah Fellow (“We Are Learning From You”)at Diné College, funded by the Mellon Foundation. 

At University of New Mexico, Dr. Greyeyes was awarded the 2023 Ovation Award for Research and Scholarship from the UNM Office of Vice President for Research, the 2023 Research and Creative Works Leader Award from the UNM Provost Advisory Review, and 2022 Faculty Teaching Award from the UNM Alumni Association. Dr. Greyeyes formerly worked for the Arizona Governor as a Tribal Liaison for the Arizona Teacher Excellence Program and Homeland Security, former Grassroots Manager for the Indian Self Reliance Initiative in Arizona, former Statistician/Demographer for the Department of Diné Education, former Program Analyst/Chief Implementation Officer for the Bureau of Indian Education, former research consultant with the Department of Diné Education, former chair for the New Mexico Indian Education Advisory Council (IEAC), former President of the Diné Studies Conference, Inc., and former President of the American Indian Studies Association (AISA).

Currently, she is the faculty advisor for the Kiva Club. Dr. Greyeyes received her M.A. and Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Chicago and B.A. in Native American Studies from Stanford University. Her research is focused on political sociology, organizational analysis, Indigenous education, tribal sovereignty, and Nation Building. Recent publications include her book titled A History of Navajo Education: Disentangling our Sovereign Body (2022) and The Yazzie Case: Building a Public Education System for Our Indigenous Future (2023), edited by Wendy S. Greyeyes, Lloyd L. Lee and Glenabah Michelle Martinez.

OWNER, ETD, INC.

Eunice L. Tso is the owner of ETD, Inc. in Flagstaff, Arizona with many years of work experience.  She founded the business in 1995 to provide environmental consulting, grant writing, and land use planning services. Today, her business provides Project Management, Environmental Consulting & Permitting, Strategic Planning, Natural Resource Planning, and Public Relations. Her clients are tribal and federal agencies, local governments, private businesses, and individuals who are planning and developing projects on Tribal lands. 

Over the years, Eunice has managed a wide range of projects. Examples include Navajo Chapter land use plans, 100’s of environmental assessments, 100’s of archaeological and biological surveys, and public relations for the Navajo Nation Water Rights, Navajo Housing Authority, and Navajo Agricultural Products Industry. Other projects that she managed include the Navajo Partitioned Lands Agricultural Resource Management Plan, Oljato Canyon Stream Restoration Plan, District 14 Fencing Project, and the Navajo Nation Comprehensive Economic Strategies Plan. 

Over the years, she’s developed a deep understanding of federal and tribal laws regarding “environment and development in Navajo Country”. This is complemented by a strong understanding of the government, natural resources, and social and economic conditions. She has a unique perspective on conservation vs. development on the Navajo Nation.

Eunice was raised in LeChee Chapter and attended Northern Arizona University (NAU) where she earned a B.S. in Geology and an M.S. in Environmental Geology. She is married with two grown sons. She currently services as the President of the LeChee Chapter Planning and Zoning Board.

WIR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Amber has been ranching for nearly 20 years at Antelope Springs Ranch near Cohagen, MT, managing 53,000 acres of native grassland. She is dedicated to helping rural families thrive and supporting people in pursuing work aligned with their passions.

Her work with NGOs in the Middle East and as an Activity Director in a rural nursing home has strengthened her commitment to creating dignified, joyful, and accepting spaces. As Executive Director of WIR, she collaborates with those closest to the land, building a network of peers who believe in a better future for all.

AGRICULTURE FRTEP AGENT

Ya’a’teeh! Greetings my name is Alexendra Carlisle, and I am of the Navajo Nation located in New Mexico where I am employed as the Agriculture Federally Recognized Extension Program (FRTEP) Agent for the University of Arizona. Serving the Navajo Communities and People with Production Agriculture, Natural Resources, Cultural Revitalization through food, agriculture, and Youth Programming on the Northern part of the Navajo Reservation. I have a background in Agriculture raised in a small rural town constantly around livestock, including growing up within the 4H program. In 2014 received my Bachelor of Science in Animal Science with emphasis in Livestock Industry & Production. Following graduation, I worked as the Alfalfa Crop Manager at Navajo Agriculture Products Industry overseeing 17,000 acres of alfalfa. 

In 2017, joined the University of Arizona Tribal Extension Program as a FRTEP Agent. Agriculture Extension work includes working with adult agriculture education focused on livestock production and improving quality herds though Beef Quality Assurance Program, Herd Health Education and Record Keeping. As the Extension Agent, programming is design specifically to fit the Navajo producers’ specific needs that best fits their production goals and operation. The University of Arizona Tribal Extension also strives  to partnering with local programs to revitalize our native culture through food, crafts and agriculture for all ages. 

WIR PROGRAM MANAGER

Hannah Luz Rice is a dedicated Program Manager at Women in Ranching, leveraging her experience as a community builder, social and food justice advocate, land steward, and avid cyclist. She graduated from Weber State University with a B.A. in Geography, emphasizing Environmental Studies and Spanish. Passionate about land stewardship, healthy food systems, and community advocacy, Hannah's Mexican-American heritage and identity as a Chicana offer her a unique perspective in agriculture.

Beginning her farming journey, Hannah is committed to stewarding the land, fostering community, and promoting the right to healthy, culturally relevant foods produced with respect for the land and those who harvest. She is driven to amplify voices often overlooked in agriculture and serves as one of four co-leaders on the Southern Arizona Young Farmers and Ranchers Coalition.

ROOTED IN THE LAND PROGRAM CO-LEADER

Erin Thomas is from White Cone, Navajo Nation (Arizona), and is the daughter of countless generations of conservationists and ranchers. Erin owns White Shell Resource Consultants, a natural resources consulting firm based on the Navajo Nation, and is a managing member of 4 Canyons Land & Cattle Co, a ranching operation also based on the Navajo Nation. Erin has a Bachelor’s degree in Rangeland Ecology and Management from the University of Arizona, worked for over a decade for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service as a Rangeland Management Specialist, and is experienced in nonprofit management.

Erin’s most significant accomplishment to date was deciding to build a business at home on the Navajo Nation after years of working off the reservation. She focuses on the continued development of a culturally relevant conservation consulting business, building a profitable ranching business with her family, and empowering land users through knowledge and awareness of conservation issues.