Journey Gillson is a strong, confident and beautiful Dine'-Navajo woman who makes a difference everyday in her community!  As a speech therapist on the Navajo Nation, her bilingual skills create a level of comfort and understanding among her People.  We look forward to supporting her growth and education at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque as she works towards her Masters Degree.  Nizhoni, Journey Gillson

Destiny Touchine, Dine'-Navajo from Window Rock, AZ.  She is Water's Edge Clan, born for the Red Cheeks People.  Her maternal grandfather is Zuni Clan and her paternal grandfather is Red Running Into the Water Clan.  Destiny combines her love for dance and healing in her pursuit of a degree at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina.  Growing up on the Navajo Reservation, Destiny hopes to come home to her People, opening a Creative Healing Center for those who have experienced trauma, crisis and mental heath challenges.  We look forward to supporting her throughout her journey! 

Kamijo Whiteclay, aka Daxpitche Axpaaliash, Bear Medicine (Apsaalooke, Crow) born into the Greasy Mouth clan and is a child of the Whistling Water clan. She was born and raised on the Crow reservation of Southeastern Montana and is currently pursuing a Bachelor's in Fine Arts at the Institute of the American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico .  Her artistic creations are a mix between contemporary understanding and her identity as a modern day Indigenous Apsaalooke - Crow women.  Her work is very personal and intrinsic .  We are very proud to support and honor the work of this Indigenous woman rising!

TaNeel Filesteel, (Aaniih, Nakoda and Apsaalooke, Crow) graduated from Salish Kootenai College in 2021 with a BA in Tribal Administration and will graduate with her Juris Doctorate, Law Degree from the University of Montana School of Law in 2024.  TaNeel is dedicated to protecting Tribal sovereignty and plans to practice within the Federal Indian Law legal field.  TaNeel is a wonderful example of courage, tenacity and strength and we are so honored to support her along way of making a difference in other tribal lives.   Well done, TaNeel!

Laelah Jaye Kizzia, (Dine'-Navajo, Zuni Pueblo) has her sites on a degree in Political Science and Digital Marketing at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado.  Once complete, her degrees will enable her to open her own business lowering carbon footprints on earth and working with First Nations to become as environmentally responsible as possible.  We love her energy, beauty and drive!   

Horizon Gillson is Dine'-Navajo, born and raised in Gallup, New Mexico.  His High School years allowed Horizon to find inspiration in his leadership skills, mentoring talents and Indigenous cultural heritage. Horizon will finish his time at Coconino Community College in Flagstaff, AZ, and transfer to Central New Mexico Community College in Albuquerque, NM, to pursue his educational studies in physics.  In a family where academic achievement is a priority, Horizon is on to BIG things and worthy of a Chipeta Cares scholarship.

Tyanna Chavez, (Apache) from Albuquerque, New Mexico has an amazing ability to heal the planet!  A recent graduate of the University of New Mexico with a Bachelor of Science Degree, Tyanna has continued her healing ways by obtaining her credentials as a Registered Nurse and currently works in the Trauma and ICU departments at the University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque.  She has a special gift that we will continue to support for years to come!

This incredible smile can only belong to Elena Mylroie (Dine'-Navajo and Hopi Pueblo) who improves the world each and every day as a High School Chemistry teacher on the Navajo Reservation.  From Sawmill, Arizona, Elena has a BS in Chemistry from Fort Lewis College in Colorado and is just a few courses away from her Masters in Chemistry from Grand Canyon University!  With an emphasis in education, Elena will continue to teach on her Reservation, sharing  her knowledge and skills with Indigenous youth. We are so exciting to accompany her on this important  journey!  

Melissa Pochoema (Hopi Pueblo) lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico and attends the Indian Art Institute of America, IAIA, with a concentration in Museum Studies.  She has also worked at the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian for a number of years.  Melissa was recently awarded a highly sought after Summer Internship to study at the prestigious Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC, where she surrounded herself with Historic Period Native Arts.  We look forward to continuing to support Melissa on her way to becoming one of the first Hopi Pueblo museum professionals. 

Sesha Horsecapture (Dine'-Navajo and Gros Ventre) is from Farmington, New Mexico and is studying Computer Science and Engineering Management at Arizona State University.  Her goal is to gain experience as a software developer and use her knowledge to create various websites and applications. She enjoys representing her Native cultures as a model and rodeo barrel racer!  We are honored to select Sesha as a Chipeta Cares Scholarship recipient! 

Kimora Tso (Dine'-Navajo) from Farmington, New Mexico attends the University of Arizona majoring in Veterinary Science and Business Administration.  Graduating in 2024, Kimora will begin her career in Veterinary Science, working  to help control  the stray animal populations on Native Reservations.  She will be an excellent mentor to young people who wish to follow in her footsteps, and Chipeta Cares will be there to support her along the way!

Amber Begay is a (Dine'-Navajo) 3rd year student at the University of Denver, Daniels School of Business.  After a semester abroad studying in Italy, Amber will return to study banking and economics with the hopes of returning to the Navajo Nation after graduation to share her skills with her people!  It is always a pleasure watching Amber learn and grow into an amazing young leader.

Melonie Houston, from Gallup, New Mexico (Dine'-Navajo) is a freshman at the University of California at Los Angeles, (UCLA). After a prestigious High School experience with a 4.0 grade average and Student Body President, Melonie will be studying Pre-Law and Political Science.  She hopes to return to her home town as an Indigenous political figure!  We have no doubt that Melonie will be a influential and strong woman for years to come.  We look forward to supporting her along the way!