We both come from artist communities and have family and friends who have been successful in their creative pursuits. Together we hope to make a difference by showcasing Indigenous artists and entrepreneurs on this website and through our personal and professional networks.
Amanda J. Montoya (Taos, Ohkay Owingeh and Isleta Pueblos), PhD, is the Executive Director for the Chamiza Foundation where she manages the grantmaking program. Dr. Montoya’s background includes geographical information technology, tourism & hospitality , community and regional planning , and social justice with interests in indigenous planning, community engagement, community mapping and brain drain.
"Through this initiative I hope to provide and ensure that our Indigenous artists & entreprenuers receive the support that they deserve."
Michaela Paulette Shirley (Diné), MCRP, is a program manager for the Indigenous Design and Planning Institute at UNM. Michaela’s background is in urban planning, community development, and Indigenous planning, with interests in community-school relationships, biographies of landscape, Diné studies, critical Indigenous studies, critical regional studies, and hemispheric Indigenous comparative studies.
"I love supporting Indigenous artists and entrepreneurs because they have some of the most amazing craftsmxnship in the world."