Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye and Amanda Tachine in Washington, D.C. Photo from Facebook
Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye congratulated one of the tribe's citizens for being recognized by the White House. Amanda Tachine was one of 11 women selected as Champions of Change. She credited her tribe with helping her become a leader in education. “It’s quite an honor and I’m grateful for this recognition,” Tachine said. “I don’t see this as an individual award. I see it as an award bestowed to the Navajo Nation. The Navajo Nation has influenced me and shaped who I am today. I do this work for our people.” Tachine founded the Native SOAR (Student Outreach, Access, and Resiliency) at the University of Arizona, where she received her Ph.D. in Higher Education. Through the program, Native college students mentor Native high school students. The younger Native students and their families are encouraged to visit the UA campus. “It’s a two-tiered mentoring program which is meant to increase college attainment,” Tachine said. Tachine, who is now a postdoctoral scholar at Arizona State University, shared her experiences in a panel discussion at the White House on Tuesday. She also met with Begaye and other tribal representatives at the Navajo Nation Washington Office. “The Navajo Nation would like to congratulate Amanda Tachine from Ganado for being recognized by the White House as a Champion of Change,” Begaye said. “For her ideas and effort, she was selected as one of eleven young women that are leading and inspiring their communities as advocates for change.”
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