Stepping Into College

Isabella Montero (Oglala Lakota)

Graduate Scholar Panelist
American Indian College Fund

Isabella Montero is a citizen of the Oglala Lakota Nation. She was born in San Antonio, TX but has lived most of her life in Rapid City, SD. She attended Black Hills State University and graduated in 2022 with her bachelor’s degree in History with a minor in American Indian Studies and English. She recently graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder where she received her master’s degree in History. Her thesis, titled “The Last of His Race: Parallel Views of Native Americans and Bison at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair,” focused on late nineteenth century Lakota relational ontology and displays of Native Americans and bison at the World’s Columbian Exposition. She currently works as a Curatorial Assistant at the Journey Museum in Rapid City.

Jonathan Yellowhair (Diné)

Addictions Counselor and Psychotherapist
Gila River Health Care

Jonathan Yellowhair, LPC, M.S, NCC is currently an Addictions Counselor and Psychotherapist at Gila River Health Care in Komatke, AZ. He received his Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Georgia State University and is a Northern Arizona University Alumni, with a B.A in International Affairs and B.S in Applied Indigenous Studies. He is a United States Marine Corps Veteran who is passionate about addressing and challenging mental health disparities and systemic barriers that preside within his community and others facing marginalization. In 2018, Jonathan was awarded the National Board for Certified Counselors Minority Addictions (MFP-AC) Fellowship, and was the first Navajo to ever become a Pat Tillman Foundation Scholar. He is passionate about facilitating groups for clients mandated from the courts and individuals navigating substance use disorders and other areas, including; adolescents, trauma, domestic violence, cultural identity, depression, social anxiety, and Indigenous unsheltered relatives navigating hardships.

Jordynn Paz (Apsaalooké | Crow)

Graduate Scholar Panelist
American Indian College Fund

Jordynn Paz (she/her) is from the Apsaalooké (Crow) Nation of southeast Montana. She received her Bachelor of Arts in journalism and Native American Studies from the University of Montana. Jordynn has dedicated her career to telling Indigenous stories and has covered a variety of topics affecting Indigenous communities through her journalism, creative nonfiction and short stories. Her writings have covered Indigenous issues including the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women movement, blood quantum, and the complexities of Indigenous identity. For the past four years, she has worked in communications for Indigenous-led nonprofits and grassroots organizations, supporting campaigns to free Leonard Peltier, advocate for tribal sovereignty, and develop narrative strategies to advance Indigenous rights and education. Jordynn grew up in the powwow circle and has been dancing the traditional Crow style since she was two years old. In her free time she loves spending time with family, traveling, reading, watching movies and eating popcorn. She will be attending Brown University this fall, pursuing her Master of Fine Arts in Literary Arts. Her essay Love, Blood, & Fractions will be featured in the forthcoming anthology Mixed Roots: Writers on Multiracial Identity & Both/And Belonging, available October 2026.

Koty Janis (Oglala Lakota)

Academic Advisor
Black Hills State University

Hello, my name is Koty Janis. I am Oglala-Lakota from Pine Ridge, SD. I am a higher education professional who is passionate about supporting student success and creating safe learning environments where all students can thrive. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology and American Indian Studies from Black Hills State University in 2021 and my Master of Arts in Educational Administration with a concentration in Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2025.

In my current role at Black Hills State University, I am the Professional Advisor for the Center for American Indian Studies. I have the opportunity to support Native students through programs and services that promote academic success, personal growth, and engagement. My professional interests include student success, higher education administration, supporting Native American students, and developing meaningful opportunities that foster belonging and achievement.

I enjoy collaborating with colleagues and community partners to expand access to higher education and strengthen the support systems that help students reach their goals.

Monique Harvey (Diné)

Program Associate, College Access
American Indian College Fund

Yá’át’ééh! (Hello!) My name is Monique Harvey. I am a proud Diné Aszdáá (Navajo Woman) from Teec Nos Pos, Arizona. I am also an alum of the University of Arizona as well as the University of Colorado Denver where I have graduated with my Master of Arts in Higher Education. I am excited about the opportunities to connect with Indigenous students and look forward to sharing how much the American Indian College Fund can be a great support and resource for rising Indigenous scholars as they embark on their journey through higher education.

Shawn Bitsui (Diné)

Program Associate, College Success
American Indian College Fund

Shawn Bitsui is a member of the Diné (Navajo) tribe and helms from Northern New Mexico. In his native tongue, the translation of his introduction is, He is of the Red Bottom People and born for the Salt People. Prior to the American Indian College Fund, Mr. Bitsui has worked for non-profits assisting youth in his local communities and while in school he focused on supporting students at an academic setting. From there his experience evolved to assisting Indian Country in consultation efforts to managing support and policy programs through compliance, technical training, and research initiatives. More recently his work has involved creating and drafting public health related campaigns, spreading awareness on Indigenous focus efforts and highlighting aspects of Indian Country.He has graduated with his B.A. with emphases in Business and Wellness Foundations from Arizona State University. He also completed his Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in the Professional Flex Program at W.P. Carey School of Business at ASU.

Tami Benally (Diné)

Program Associate, College Success
American Indian College Fund

Hi! My name is Tami and I am from the Four Corners area in New Mexico. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Public Health from Fort Lewis College and my Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from New Mexico State University. I’ve worked in various roles that promote college access and student success, and I’m passionate about helping students navigate their academic journeys and achieve their goals. I truly believe that education is one of the most powerful tools for creating opportunity and growth. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, baking, traveling, and gardening. During the summer months, I spend time working in my family’s garden, growing a variety of vegetables and fruits. I also love spending time with family and friends, going on long walks, scrolling through TikTok, and occasionally diving into a good conspiracy video.

Tien Del Rio-Nguyen

Assistant Director of Student Awards
Stanford University

Tien Del Rio-Nguyen serves as Assistant Director of the Student Awards team at Stanford University’s Financial Aid Office. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from UC Berkeley, as a first-generation college graduate. Since her own educational journey was made possible through financial aid, she is deeply committed to expanding access to higher education and helping students and families navigate the financial aid process. In her current role, she works directly with families through the financial aid application process, reviews and awards need-based aid eligibility, and partners with campus colleagues to connect students with Stanford resources that support student success.

Weston Jones (Oglala Lakota)

Program Administrator, Native Student Advocate
American Indian College Fund

Hau, mitakuyepi. Thawiyukcan Hcala emaciyapi. Wakinyan Opa na Wagluhe tiyospaye ematanhan. Oglala Lakota hemacha. Hello relatives. My name translates to “the thoughts of the old wise ones,” but you can call me Weston Jones. I belong to the Thunder Valley family and the Wagluhe band of the Oglala Lakota, from the Pine Ridge reservation in present day South Dakota. I serve as the Native Student Advocate at the American Indian College Fund, and I look forward to connecting with and supporting our students.