Staff Directory.
 Phillip S. 'Sam' Deloria, Director (Standing Rock Sioux Tribe)
American Indian Graduate Center
Sam attended both undergraduate and law school at Yale University and, for the previous 35 years, served as Director of the American Indian Law Center, Inc. Under Mr. Deloria's direction, the American Indian Law Center performed groundbreaking work in the analysis of Federal Indian Policy, including helping to define the role of tribes in the federal system. The Law Center has also taken the lead in strengthening tribal government institutions. He will remain active as one of the premier analysts of Indian policy in the nation. Mr. Deloria was the founder and first Secretary-General of the World Council of Indigenous People and, in 1976, was one of the founders of the Commission on State-Tribal Relations. He is also a member of the National Institutional Review Board for the protection of human subjects of research, established by the Indian Health Service.
You may reach Sam via e-mail at sam@aigcs.org or by phone at (505) 881-4584 ext.112, Toll Free 1-800-628-1920.
 Joan V. Currier, Chief Financial Officer
American Indian Graduate Center
Joan joined AIGC in 1998. In addition to overseeing finance and administrative activities, she served as Interim Executive Director and coordinated the Executive Search Team in 2000. Joan has a B.S. in Management and Accounting from the University of Massachusetts and over 15 years of experience working in nonprofit management.
Joan moved to New Mexico in 1993 from Massachusetts, where she was Chief Financial Officer of the American Cancer Society, Massachusetts Division, Inc. Prior to joining AIGC, Joan worked with Futures for Children and the American Red Cross, both in Albuquerque.
Joan is active in local APS activities and has served on the executive committees of several community nonprofit organizations. You may reach Joan via e-mail at joan@aigcs.org or by phone at (505) 881-4584 ext.104, Toll Free 1-800-628-1920.
 Christa Moya, Director of Financial Aid/Student Services (Diné)
American Indian Graduate Center Scholars (Bill and Melinda Gates Millennium Scholarship Program)
As the Director of Financial Aid and Student Services, Christa manages and directs all aspects of student services and financial aid operations. She also supervises Outreach, Academic Empowerment, Leadership and Alumni Relation programs for the American Indian Graduate Center Scholars (AIGCS) and the Gates Millennium Scholars Program (GMSP). Her passions include developing innovative approaches to delivering programs and services to GMS Scholars, as well as, assisting scholars with exploring positive educational experiences through program support, outreach, and advocacy.
Christa’s passion for making opportunities available to American Indian students is clear when she states, “I love to see students reach their unrealized potential and to make a difference in the lives of people around them; not only in their local communities but all across Indian Country.”
Christa holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Criminology from the University of New Mexico. She has also completed all of her course work in the Masters of Community and Regional Planning Program at the University of the New Mexico.
You may reach Christa via e-mail at christa@aigcs.org or by phone at (505) 884-7007 ext.110 or toll free at 1-866-884-7007.
 Marveline Vallo, AIGC Fellowship Program Assistant (Acoma Pueblo)
American Indian Graduate Center
Marveline is from Acoma Pueblo, New Mexico, and has been AIGC’s Academic Advisor since July, 1998.
Prior to joining AIGC, Marveline worked at the Pueblo of Acoma Higher Education/Johnson O'Malley Program Office. In addition to her work with AIGC students, Marveline is earning her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology at the University of New Mexico.
You may reach Marveline via e-mail at marveline@aigcs.org or by phone at (505) 881-4584 ext.111, Toll Free 1-800-628-1920.
 Wanda Grassrope, AIGC Clerical Assistant (Diné and Lakota Sioux)
American Indian Graduate Center
You may reach Wanda via e-mail at wanda@aigcs.org or by phone at (505) 881-4584 ext.119, Toll Free 1-800-628-1920.
 Michelle Pasena, Coordinator of Outreach (San Felipe/Hopi)
American Indian Graduate Center Scholars (Bill and Melinda Gates Millennium Scholar Program)
As Coordinator of Outreach services for the American Indian Graduate Center/Scholars, Michelle has been instrumental in building bridges between students, tribal officials, colleges and universities in AIGCS’ initial program year. A strong advocate for Native American students and local tribal education departments, she has assisted in and developed new perspectives to ensure equitable education access and student support services.
Michelle serves a critical role for AIGC/AIGCS by arranging educational events and coordinating the outreach effort of the Gates Millennium Scholar Program. She is very committed to strengthening tribal communities, youth as leaders and the unification of tribal, college, and university resources to aid in the retention of Native American students.
Michelle participates and presents at many Native American professional education organizations throughout Indian Country.
You may reach Michelle via e-mail at michelle@aigcs.org or by phone at (505) 884-7007 ext.102, Toll Free 1-866-884-7007.
 Shawn Secatero, Coordinator of Student Services (Tohajiilee Diné)
American Indian Graduate Center Scholars (Bill and Melinda Gates Millennium Scholar Program)
Shawn has always dreamed of working with Native Scholars at the national level by providing academic opportunities, college retention and support to students. His dream has recently become a reality and was recently hired as the new at AIGCS. "I feel that the AIGCS is an excellent program that is producing future American Indian leaders that can not only advance themselves but "give back" to their perspective communities to achieve self sustainability."
Secatero recently graduated from the University of New Mexico with an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership and is currently pursuing a doctorate in Education along with a Master’s degree in American Indian Education. Secatero holds a master’s degree in Secondary Education and a New Mexico Teaching Certification in Language Arts, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), and Bilingual Education.
He has taught in his home community as a language arts teacher for seven years and has directed the youth opportunity program, and bilingual programs. He also worked as a resource teacher with Albuquerque Public Schools. He has also served as an advisor for various Native school programs such as the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES), United National Indian Tribal Youth (UNITY), Native College Bound Youth, and Indigenous Youth Experience.
"I look forward to meeting and working with AIGCS and assisting our scholars," Secatero says, "Together, we will journey to make a difference in the lives of our people."
You may reach Shawn via e-mail at shawn@aigcs.org or by phone at (505) 884-7007 ext.106 or toll free at 1-866-884-7007.
 Matt Perez, Coordinator of Financial Aid (Picuris & Cochiti Pueblo)
American Indian Graduate Center Scholars
(Bill and Melinda Gates Millennium Scholar Program)
Matt is genuinely interested in helping native students achieve their goals and dreams.
He brings to AIGCS a wealth of knowledge about the native college experience, in areas such as financial aid, admissions, and student life. A proud member of both Picuris Pueblo and Cochiti Pueblo, Matt grew up in Santa Fe, NM, near his culture and tradition. He graduated from the Santa Fe Indian School in 1997 and traveled to Dartmouth college where he earned a BA in Native American Studies. Upon graduating college in 2001, Matt worked for the Eight Northern Indian Pueblos Inc. TRIO Talent Search Program. After educating students at Talent Search on many topics surrounding the college experience, he decided to move to the other side and see the inner workings of college admissions. His next move was to the College of Santa Fe where he worked as an Admissions Counselor for three years. Also, alongside working with prospective college students throughout the years, he was given the opportunity to contribute to a native college preparatory program titled College Horizons, where he currently sits on the board of directors.
With supportive family and community, Matt continues his educational journey with the new and exciting opportunity of working with native students on a national level at AIGCS. As the Coordinator of Financial Aid for AIGCS, he will work with students regarding all aspects of their Gates Millennium Schoar award, while providing continual counseling and advice to students navigating the college environment.
Matt hopes to use all that he has learned and experienced in his educational journey to make a positive impact on the lives of young aspiring native leaders.
You may reach Matt via e-mail at matt@aigcs.org or by phone at (505) 884-7007 ext.117, Toll Free 1-866-884-7007.
 Annette Waquie, Student Advisor (Jemez)
American Indian Graduate Center Scholars
(Bill and Melinda Gates Millennium Scholar Program)
You may reach Annette via e-mail at annette@aigcs.org or by phone at (505) 884-7007, ext.108 or toll free at 1-866-884-7007.
 James C. Gabbard, Accounting Assistant (Wichita and Affiliated Tribes)
American Indian Graduate Center
James has a business and accounting background, having taken courses at Haskell Indian Junior College (Lawrence, KS), George Mason University (Fairfax, VA), and the University of New Mexico (Albuquerque, NM). James joined the staff of AIGC/AIGC Scholars in February, 2003.
Prior to joining AIGC, James served as Office Manager for an American Indian-owned small business. He was also employed with the Indian Health Service and the Bureau of Indian Affairs for over 14 years. James is a member of the Wichita, Caddo and Delaware Tribes of Oklahoma; however, he is proud to consider Albuquerque, New Mexico, his home.
You may reach James via e-mail at james@aigcs.org or by phone at (505) 881-4584, ext.118 or toll free at 1-800-628-1920.
 Susan Duran, Executive Assistant/Development Associate (Narragansett)
American Indian Graduate Center
Susan joined AIGC in January, 2004, following over five years as Executive Assistant to the Director of All Faiths Receiving Home in Albuquerque.
Although she has worked in various settings for over twenty years, including government, public and private corporations and owning her own business, Susan has found she prefers the team spirit and personal commitment of a non-profit environment. She has lived in Albuquerque since 1971 and holds a B.A. degree in English.
You may reach Susan via e-mail at susan@aigcs.org or by phone at (505) 881-4584 ext. 107, Toll Free 1-800-628-1920.
 Leander Bekaye, Receptionist/Development Assistant (Diné)
American Indian Graduate Center
Leander is of the Mexican Clan and born for Tangle People. He joined AIGC in June, 2006.
You may reach Leander via e-mail at leander@aigcs.org or by phone at (505) 881-4584 or Toll Free at 1-800-628-1920.
 Adele Begay, I.T. Support Technician (Navajo)
American Indian Graduate Center
You may reach Adele via e-mail at adele@aigcs.org or by phone at (505) 881-4584 ext. 103, or Toll Free at 1-800-628-1920.
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