Kayla Dawn Begay

Kayla Dawn Begay is a Diné woman from the community of Navajo, NM.

She is Tódích’íi’nii born for Táchii’nii. She earned her B.A. in Sociology and Education from Occidental College and M.A. in Elementary Education from UNM. As a product of Navajo, NM, Kayla returned to fulfill the desire of Diné Nation’s wish that Navajo students go and get an education and return to make their communities better.

Her work with the community of Navajo and partnership with the NACA Inspired Schools Network to co-found the Dził Ditł'ooí School of Empowerment, Action & Perseverance (DEAP) based in the community vision speaks volumes to her understanding and deep belief that all students deserve an education that allows them to be firm in their identities and reclaim their rights as Native people on a sovereign land.

CROSS-TRIBAL INDIGENOUS AFFINITY GROUP MEMBERS

• Are Indigenous educators and advocates

• Desire to connect and strengthen Native communities

• Prioritize Decolonial Thinking & Action

• Embrace Movements for Personal and Collective Liberation