Welcome our 2025 NASWAC Cohort!

The Center for Native American Cancer Health Equity (C-NACHE) is delighted to introduce the second annual cohort of the Native American Student Webinar Advisory Coalition (NASWAC)!

Representing a wide range of tribal nations, universities, academic disciplines, and degree levels, this exceptional group of student leaders brings a wealth of lived experience, academic insight, and cultural knowledge to the table. Their collective contributions will strengthen the NASWAC program’s mission to uplift Indigenous voices and expand culturally grounded approaches to cancer health equity.

This year’s cohort will play a vital role in shaping a dynamic new webinar series focused on Indigenous-led perspectives in cancer prevention, care, and research across the Four Corners region. Through mentorship, collaboration, and outreach, these scholars are poised to drive impactful conversations and learning opportunities rooted in Native community knowledge and priorities.

Scroll down to meet each member of this inspiring coalition! 

Trena Bizardi wearing a green top and black blazer with red and white earrings

Trena Bizardi (she/her/hers) 

Tribal affiliation: Navajo Nation

University/college: Northern Arizona University 

Program of study: Public Health 

Academic level: Graduate Masters

Yaahteeh, my name is Trena Bizardi. What’s crucial to know about me is my perseverance and dedication—I set out to complete what I start. I am always open to learning, but I also believe in paying it forward. On my days off, I mentor youth from my community on the Navajo Nation and work on building my small business. Being an entrepreneur is a challenge, but my strength lies in relationship-building. In every conversation, my mind is always considering who and where might benefit—I think about others, and I think about my community. My work is driven by a deep commitment to creating opportunities, fostering connections, and making an impact. 
Billy Bragg wearing a dark gray polo and a black hat

Billy Bragg (he/him/his) 

Tribal affiliation: White Mountain Apache Tribe 

University/college: Tohono O’odham Community College 

Program of study: Nursing

Academic level: Undergraduate Junior

Hello, My name is Billy Bragg and I am from the White Mountain Apache Tribe and currently living in Chandler. Currently working on two degrees one in GIS and the other in Life Science. I work in emergency management for the Gila River Tribe and work along with our public health coordinator which has bring interest in working in that sort of field. But my long term goals would be in nursing and I am slowly taking those steps into that field.
Joyceline Greymountain wearing a long sleeve grey top with a large turquoise necklace and long turquoise earrings.

Joyceline Greymountain (she/her/hers) 

Tribal affiliation: Navajo Nation

University/college: Diné College 

Program of study: Biology 

Academic level: Graduate Masters

Yáʼátʼééh (Greetings), My name is Joyceline Greymountain, and I am honored to represent the Navajo Nation from Coalmine, Arizona. I am of the Salt People Clan, born for the Mexican People Clan. My maternal grandfather is of the Red House People Clan, and my paternal grandfather is of the Tangled People Clan. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Biology and an Associate of Science in Health Occupations from Diné College. I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Biology at Diné College, with the long-term goal of becoming a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.). I am deeply committed to uplifting underserved communities throughout the United States. I believe that healthcare is a collaborative endeavor, where individuals from diverse backgrounds and professions unite to promote health equity. In my free time, I enjoy volunteering with local non-profit organizations that focus on indigenous health, solar energy initiatives, and environmental enhancement. I also greatly value the opportunity to learn beyond the traditional Western academic framework and actively seek to grow through my everyday experiences. As I continuously strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, I am a strong advocate for giving back.
Sunflower Huskie wearing a white top and white flower earrings with nature in the background

Sunflower Huskie (she/her/hers) 

Tribal affiliation: Navajo Nation

University/college: Fort Lewis College

Program of study: Public Health & Pre-Nursing

Academic level: Undergraduate Senior

Ya’at’eeh (hello), I’m Sunflower Huskie and currently a Senior at Fort Lewis College majoring in Public Health. I have been working as a caregiver for one year within the Durango community and with the Southern Ute tribe in Ignacio. I enjoy helping elders and those with mental and physical disabilities. After graduating with my Bachelors in PH from FLC I plan to attend NAU for my Bachelors in Nursing. Once I am a Registered Nurse I plan to work in my hometown Tuba City, AZ and give back to my community. After gaining bedside nursing experience I want to become a travel nurse and help other communities outside of the Navajo Nation. I will continue further my education to become a Nurse Practitioner and focus on Oncology or become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. Then again apply that knowledge back to my Native community.
MaRiah Peter wearing professional attire with her turquoise jewelry.

MaRiah Peter (she/her/hers) 

Tribal affiliation: Navajo Nation 

University/college: Fort Lewis College 

Program of study: Public Health 

Academic level: Undergraduate Senior

Greetings from Durango, CO! My name is MaRiah Peter, and I am of the Folded Arms clan, born for the Mexican/Wandering People clan. I was born and raised in Kirtland, NM, and graduated from Navajo Preparatory School. I earned my associate degree in Liberal Arts from San Juan College in Farmington, NM. Currently, I am entering my senior year at Fort Lewis College, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Public Health. I am excited about this fellowship opportunity to gain mentorship from Native American public health professionals, expand my network, and build career-related experience. My passion lies in addressing health disparities within Indigenous communities, and I look forward to growing my knowledge and skills to contribute meaningfully to the field of public health. 
Michael Sam wearing a navy blue button up with a natural floral background

Michael Sam (he/him/his) 

Tribal affiliation: Navajo Nation 

University/college: University of Oklahoma 

Program of study: Applied Statistics 

Academic level: Graduate Masters

Hello. My name is Michael Sam, a Navajo Nation tribal member and a Staff Epidemiologist at the Albuquerque Area Southwest Tribal Epidemiology Center (AASTEC) in Albuquerque, NM. I am currently pursuing an M.S. in Applied Statistics at the University of Oklahoma, building on my MPH from New Mexico State University and my bachelor’s degree from the University of New Mexico. My work focuses on cancer prevention and public health initiatives for American Indian communities, particularly in colorectal cancer screening efforts across New Mexico. I am passionate about advancing cancer health equity and utilizing data to support tribal health initiatives. Through this program, I hope to gain insights into cancer research and mentorship that will further my ability to contribute to tribal health initiatives in my home state of New Mexico. 
Jessica Sanchez wearing a black floral top with beaded butterfly earrings.

Jessica Sanchez (she/her/hers) 

Tribal affiliation: Santo Domingo Pueblo & Navajo Nation

University/college: University of New Mexico 

Program of study: Public Health 

Academic level: Graduate Masters

Gu’waa’dzi Hopah! (Hello!) My name is Jessica Sanchez, I am from Santo Domingo Pueblo and a member of the Navajo Nation. My journey into public health began through teachings I was taught which emphasized kinship and intentionality. These core values have guided me to pursue work that merges passion with impact, aiming to strengthen community health by way of Indigenous methodologies. Essentially, my goal is to advocate for the health of future generations and return to the communities that are congruent with those who helped influence my upbringing. 
Shannon Taylor wearing her traditional regalia and a beaded necklace

Shannon Taylor (she/her/hers) 

Tribal affiliation: White Mountain Apache Tribe & Navajo Nation

University/college: University of Arizona 

Program of study: Geographic Information Systems Technology

Academic level: Undergraduate Junior

Shannon Taylor, White Mountain Apache & Navajo, resides on the ancestral lands of her mother’s people, Dził’łigai Sí’áń Ndee (White Mountain Apache), in northeastern Arizona. She is a first-generation and non-traditional student in her family. Shannon is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science degree in Geographic Information Systems Technology (GIST) and a Minor in Environmental Science & American Indian Studies from the University of Arizona (UA). After graduation, Shannon’s career goals are to apply her knowledge of GIST and Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge (ITEK), as well as advancing the representation of Indigenous peoples and knowledges in environmental decision-making and Indigenous data sovereignty. Shannon hopes to highlight the importance of ITEK in western science, she believes that becoming a steward of the land will ensure that the traditional stories, knowledge, practices, ceremonies, and language of Indigenous peoples will live on. 
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