Angelica Lopez, Tohono O'odham Nation
Angelica Lopez is the twenty year old daughter of Matilda Marquez-Lopez and Fidelis Lopez.
She is a member of the Tohono O'odham Nation. Angelica is the Vice-President of the Tohono O'odham Nation Youth Council and served as Miss Tohono O'odham Nation 2009-2010.
Angelica recently graduated from Chemawa Indian School in Salem, Oregon.
She is in her first year at Central Arizona College, where she plans to earn an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice. She plans to transfer to Arizona State University to earn a Bachelors and a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice.
Angelica has an interest in fashion, cosmetology, and learning O'odham. She loves spending time with her family and cherishes the time she spends with her grandmother. If selected as Miss Indian Arizona, Angelica's platform will be to encourage everyone to spend quality time with our elders. Angelica says that "We need to honor our elders because when they leave to the spirit world, they take with them the knowledge of our people."
Desirae Bernice Rambler, San Carlos Apache Tribe
Desirae Rambler is the twenty-one year old daughter of Sandra Rambler and Johnny Chee. She is a member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe. She has 18 brothers and sisters. Desirae was elected Secretary of the San Carlos Apache Tribe Youth Council and served as Miss San Carlos 2011-2012.
Desirae has a medical assisting certificate from Carrington College. She is currently enrolled in Eastern Arizona College in the Undergraduate Science Program. She plans to continue her education by earning a Bachelors in American Indian Studies from Arizona State University and receive both a masters and a doctorate in the medical field.
Desirae enjoys spending time with her family, writing poetry, reading, and spending time with her grandmothers. She feels that it is an honor to participate in traditional Apache and Navajo ceremonies and assists her grandmothers with making traditional clothes and quilts. She has assisted in a tribal presentation before the Senate Energy and Resource Committee to advocate for the protection of sacred and holy sites.
If selected as Miss Indian Arizona, Desirae will promote youth empowerment through cultural awareness, health initiatives, restoring respect to our veterans and elders and education.
Raeging Storm Miles, Gila River Indian Community
Raeging Storm Miles is the 18 year old daughter of the late Gracie Miles and Ernest Miles, Jr. She is an only child, and is a member of the Gila River Indian Community. Among her many community activities, Raeging is the current Miss Gila River and served as an at-large member on the Akimel O’Odham/Pee-Posh Youth Council.
Raeging recently graduated from Seton Catholic Preparatory High School and began her studies at the University of Arizona this fall. She is in a pre-pharmacy program and plans to become a pharmacist.
Raeging enjoys learning about her ancestors through dance, songs, storytelling, and visiting with elders. She also finds time to volunteer with young people.
If chosen as Miss Indian Arizona, Raeging will promote Self-Assurance through Higher Education. Raeging believes that there are many young people who desire to do great things for their families and themselves, but they lack the needed support system. She believes education is necessary to the foundation of success and wants to motivate youth.
