Description: Hear from students as they discuss their unique college and career pathways and how Higher Education institutions can support Native students as they work toward success. Moderator: Rebeca Ronstadt-Contreras, Salt River Higher Education Program

Presenters' Information: 

Normalinda Enas Sidney, NCIDQ, is an indigenous Construction Project Manager for the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community located in Scottsdale, Arizona. Her tribal community (Akimel O'odham and Piipaash) has employed her for the last 17 years. Previous government roles include Architectural Designer for the Engineering and Construction Department and CAD/GIS operator for the Salt River Public Works Department. 

Pauline Alvarez is an enrolled member of the Gila River Indian Community and is also of Tohono O’odham descent. She was born and raised on unceded Tongva lands (what is presently known as El Monte, California). She is currently situated on her ancestral homelands. She is a Student Advisor for her community’s tribal scholarship program and a part-time lecturer. She’s taught various courses at California State University, Northridge including Introduction to American Indian Studies, American Indian Law & Policy, and Gender, Sexuality, and American Indian Communities. She earned her B.A. in Sociology with a minor in American Indian Studies from California State University, Northridge and an M.A. in American Indian Studies from UCLA.

LeRoy C. Eswonia, M.S. - Education Social Services Facilitator- Salt River Schools and Proud member of the Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) - Mojave/Aha Macav.  LeRoy has nearly 25 years of experience working with youth and families in the social work and counseling field. He obtained a Bachelor of Science in Human Services from University of Phoenix in 2011 and a Master of Science in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University in 2016. LeRoy currently works in Salt River Schools supporting students and families with wrap-around interventions aimed at removing student barriers to success. In addition to wrap-around support, LeRoy is also a part of professional development team working on initiatives related to Trauma Informed Education and Drug Prevention. He believes in the power of relationships to connect and support for students, families, and staff.  LeRoy is also the Head Varsity Boys Basketball Coach at Sequoia Charter High School in Mesa, Arizona. He also is the Program Director and Head Coach for The River Basketball Club of Salt River, Arizona. Coach Eswonia led the club to a Top 10 Tribe Athletics National Ranking during the 2023 club season.

Member Pricing - Click Here to Register for the Series

$79 for the entire virtual series for all persons listed on your institutional roster 

$39 for the entire virtual series as an individual member