Our Board & Staff

Caren was hired in 2017 as the Director of the Santa Fe Indigenous Center. She was the former Programs Director for SWAIA Santa Fe Indian Market and has 28+ years working in the Native nonprofit sector. “My goal as Director of SFIC is to provide support, create opportunity and make change for our people. SFIC provides many programs and events to gather, network and sustain our cultural heritage. There are currently many Native people living in and around Santa Fe, struggling to make ends meet and put food on the table. SFIC is a valuable resource that is diligently working to make a difference in the lives of those who require special services and are in need of assistance.”

Antoinette grew up in Cochiti Pueblo where her mother is from as well as the Pueblo of Jemez. She is a mother of 3 children who she calls her world. She is a certified Pharmacy Technician and worked at Walgreens and as a Medical Assistant for the Northern NM Gastroenterology Associates for nearly 6 years. She began her work as Administrative Assistant at the Santa Fe Indigenous Center in the summer of 2022 – “Here, I really discovered my passion, which was helping others. I love my position and job as the Administrative Assistant for the Santa Fe Indigenous Center.

Haileigh’s familial roots originate from Burnt Corn, Arizona, but she grew up alongside her siblings in Santa Clara Pueblo for most of her childhood. She also spent part of her childhood in Madison, WI, Salem, OR, and Farmington, NM. Haileigh has experience in activism and has assisted her mother in creating space for Native communities on college campuses. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music, creating art, expanding her knowledge of film, and traveling. Haileigh is currently a student at Tohono O’odham Community College, where she is studying to obtain an Associate of Business in Business Administration and an Associate of Fine Arts. After earning her degrees, Haileigh will continue to advocate and support the Indigenous community.

With a Master of Arts degree in Theatre Design and a minor in Business,  Kathy is a retiree from San Diego State University Theatre Department.  Her resume includes Costume and Makeup credits in professional film & collegiate design to the Costume/Property Mistress of the 1988 Radio City Music Hall Super Bowl half-time event.  Including Basketry & Gourd vessels, her Fiber, Sculptural & Jewelry work has been sold in various galleries in the Southern California area.  2017 found her retired in Santa Fe where she joined the Santa Fe Indigenous Center as a volunteer.  Kathy’s involvement with the indigenous peoples of New Mexico has brought her back to her native roots in both the Native and Mexican cultures.  In 2021 she became a member of the Board of Directors and in 2022 was voted Treasurer.

Wanda is from Oklahoma and a member of the Muscogee Creek Nation, (Wind Clan). After working with several large corporations in California as Executive Secretary and Event Planner and upon retirement moved to Santa Fe. Being in the land of art and cultural,  Wanda decided to join in and became a jeweler attending IAIA and Santa Fe Community College to hone her skill.  She has participated  in Indian Market and Native Treasures until traveling got in the way.  As Charter member of the California-Muscogee Creeks At-Large, Wanda was instrumental in forming the Muscogee-New Mexico Creeks At-Large group. Her other activities included volunteering for several non-profit organizations. She served a term as Executive Council for AARP of New Mexico, and as a NM-Legislature Advocate for seniors.