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Miss Indian Arizona 2022 - 2023 Participants

Laney lupeLaney Maria Lupe - White Mountain Apache

Laney Maria Lupe is representing the White Mountain Apache Tribe. She is the 22-year-old daughter of Fitzgerald and Eliza Lupe. Laney Graduated from Park University and received her Bachelor's degree majoring in Sports and Exercise Science focusing on Exercise Physiology. Growing up as an athlete, Laney enjoys physical activity. Laney stated "Physical Activity can aid in one's life physically, mentally, and spiritually.” I want to help prepare the younger generation when they start their future journey, especially any indigenous student-athletes. I want to maintain and apply my craft in any given situation and continue to advance my learning thorough new experiences in any shadow or volunteer opportunities." Due to her passion in sports, Laney's platform, if selected as Miss Indian Arizona would be "Promoting the Importance of Being Physically Active."


Tonana BenTonana Ben - Navajo Nation

Tonana Ben is representing the Navajo Nation. She is the 20-year-old daughter of Gerld Ben and Brenlla Gilmore. Tonana is majoring in Biological Science with an emphasis in Biomedical Studies at Arizona State University. As she plans for graduate school she would like to attend her dream school, the University of Washington. There she would like to pursue a career in Indigenous Genetic Research. Tonana states "My goal is to improve indigenous health for the future generations to come while protecting our data sovereignty. Something we still fight to protect today." In her free time she enjoys extracurricular activities, hanging out with friends and spending time with her pets, her Dog "Kora" and her car "Chitty". If selected as Miss Indian Arizona, Tonana would like to promote "Representation of Indigenous People in STEM Professions." She believes that our representation matters and is something we should strive for.



Kelsey MartinezKelsey Martinez - Gila River Indian Community

Kelsey Ann Martinez is representing the Gila River Indian Community. She is the 25-year-old daughter of the late Lionel A. Martinez and Melanya Pasqual. Kelsey's hobbies include writing poetry, creating beaded jewelry, leatherworks, and horseback riding. One of her personal goals is expanding her work Kekiwan Hemu Grassroots Organization, start a women's talking circle hosted in each of her community's district, and partner with entities to create mentorship programs to encourage youth to conduct their own outreach programs. If selected as Miss Indian Arizona, her platform would be "Implementing Traditional Teaching into Living a Healthy Lifestyle." Kelsey states "I want to use my platform to help others gain a voice. Ensuring their needs are met and their opinions are heard. I hope to remind others of their worth and know they are sacred."

Stacia ScottStacia Scott - Colorado River Indian Tribes

Stacia Colleen Scott is representing the Colorado River Indian Tribes. She is the 26-year-old daughter of Leo Scott Sr. and Ginger Swick-Scott. Stacia graduated from Parker High school and currently works for the Colorado River Indian Tribes in the Head Start Preschool. Stacia states "I plan to obtain my certificate in Early Childhood Development while working at CRIT Head Start. Then work towards a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. I plan to be a teacher to help encourage not only educational learning but cultural education amongst the youth." Stacia enjoys listening to traditional bird songs up and down the Colorado River and meeting new friends at gatherings. If selected as Miss Indian Arizona, Stacia plans to "Promote Mental Health Awareness among Native Americans."

Manderee JoseManderee Jose- Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community

Manderee Jose is representing the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. She is the 26-year-old daughter of Winston Jose Jr. and Raylene Galves. Manderee is employed with at the Salt River Early Childhood Education Center where she enjoys caring for and educating preschool students. Currently. Manderee attends Scottsdale Community College majoring in Stage Production Technology and Production. Manderee states "A personal goal of mine is to grow my art print and sticker business and eventually go into shirt printing." Manderee enjoys working with different art forms such as singing, dancing, creating artworks through drawing, painting and beading. She also enjoys reading and collecting comics books. If selected as Miss Indian Arizona, Manderee's platform would be "Self-expression and Self-care though Creative Arts."

 

 

 

Natiana KingNatiana King - Navajo Nation

Natiana King is representing the Navajo Nation. She is the 18-year-old daughter of Ryan Clah and Roxyanne Harvey. Some of her interest include learning about new music, going to the gym, creating healthy habits, and doing things that allows her to continually learn. Throughout Natiana's academic journey she has been awarded Dean's list and honor roll and recently received the Navajo Nation Bilingual Seal. This seal recognize students who are fluent in the Dine language. Currently, she is attending Gateway Community College working towards her certificate as a Radiology Technician. If selected as Miss Indian Arizona, Natiana's platform is " Encouraging our Native Youth to Walk in Beauty and Build Upon their Cultural Resiliency." Through this platform she wants to help youth reconnect with their cultural identity and take pride in who they are.

 

 

 

Samantha StaufferSamantha Stauffer - San Carlos Apache

Samantha Stauffer is representing the San Carlos Apache Tribe. She is the 20-year-old daughter the late Mat Stauffer Jr. and Tina Fish. Samantha is currently attending Eastern Arizona College majoring in nursing, later this year will obtain her Certificate in Nursing. Her educational goal is to successfully graduate college with a Bachelor's degree in Healthcare Administration. With her degree, she plans to further her employment with the San Carlos Apache Healthcare Corporation. Some of her accomplishments include holding the titles of Jr. Miss San Carlos, Miss San Carlos, was a members of the San Carlos High School student council, and a members of the San Carlos Apache Youth Council. In her free time Samantha enjoys exercising, spending time with family, and traveling. Her platform, if selected as Miss Indian Arizona, would be "Promoting higher education throughout native communities".

2023 Miss Indian Arizona