Meet our Board Members:
Rhonda Begay
Rhonda is Diné and from the Kinyaa’anii clan. Rhonda was born and raised in Teesto, Arizona, and currently resides in Hardrock, Arizona. Rhonda works for the Navajo Nation’s Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, providing special supplemental nutrition programming for families with young children.
Dana Eldreidge
Dana is Diné and from the Tsénjíkinií Kin Łitsonii clan. Dana is from the Bishadaas'chii community. Dana is a graduate from Brown University and has dedicated her life to remembering, revitalizing, and protecting indigenous land-based lifeways.
Joanna Roan
Darrell Marks
Darrell is Diné of the White Corn Zuni Edgewater, born for Those Going Home. His maternal grandparents are Many Goats, and his paternal grandparents are Salt. Darrell is a father of three children. Originally from Tonalea, Arizona, Darrell has been witness to the impacts of relocation and resource extraction on Indigenous communities and cultures.
Roger Yazzie
Meet our Staff Members:
Nicole Horseherder
Executive Director
Nicole Horseherder, Diné, is from the Black Mesa region of the Navajo Nation. Nicole is one of the original founding members of Tó Nizhóní Ání and has been an active member since its establishment. Nicole is a graduate of the University of Arizona with a Bachelors in Family and Consumer Resources. Nicole received her Master of Arts in Linguistics from the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C. Canada. Nicole began her work with Tó Nizhóní Ání as an outreach coordinator and interpreting hydrology and legal documents for Diné communities fighting coal-mine impacts. Today Nicole is leading efforts towards transition away from fossil fuel development in the Navajo Nation. Outside of Tó Nizhóní Ání, Nicole enjoys her time with family, horses, ceremonies, and traveling.
Nicole@tonizhoniani.org
Adrian Herder
Media Organizer
Adrian Herder, Diné, is from the Black Mesa region of the Navajo Nation and currently resides in Flagstaff, AZ. Adrian served as a volunteer with Tó Nizhóní Ání for seven years before officially joining the team in 2020. Adrian graduated from Northern Arizona University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Fitness & Wellness. Adrian is an accomplished potter and artist, showing his work in several notable shows and art markets. In addition, Adrian has designed many flyers, posters, and logos for businesses and organizations. Outside of Tó Nizhóní Ání, Adrian likes to run, take photos of Diné life, and dedicate his time to making traditional Diné pottery.
Andrew Atencia
Community Organizer
| Andrew Atencia is the Restorative Economy Project Manager of the Watershed Restoration and Food Sovereignty campaigns for Tó Nizhóní Ání. He holds a B.S. in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Northern Arizona University. Andrew’s extensive and diverse background in alpine trail building, backcountry field crew management, arid land restoration, environmental policy and the intersectionality between culture and science/technology has guided him through two successful years of leading local field crews to complete Watershed Restoration, erosion control and revegetation projects in the tributaries of Oraibi Wash on Black Mesa. His studies and teachings extend beyond the jobsite, as he also leads and mentors youth and young adult groups in ecological restoration. He is guided by the indigenous teachings of elders, as well as informed by the issues that threaten the existence of natural spaces. Motivated, disciplined and inspired. |
Makaius Marks
Media Organizer
Makaius (He/Him) is Tó Áhaní, born for Naadą́ą́´łigai Naazhtezhí Taabaha, his maternal grandparents are Tł'ááshchí'í, and his paternal grandparents are Naakai Dine'é. Makaius is from Tó Nehelį́į́h (Tonalea, AZ) and Díchʼíító (Bitter Springs, AZ). He resides in Flagstaff, AZ and is 24 years old. Makaius graduated with a Bachelor’s in Applied Indigenous Studies and a Minor in Ethnic Studies in 2025 from Northern Arizona University. He continues to organize in and around Flagstaff. Makaius enjoys singing, learning Navajo and at times Spanish, playing with children, and hanging out with elders. Makaius sits on the board of ICF, CATs, and 4th World Foundations. He is passionate about using his youth and energy to carry on the fight and heart
Makaius@tonizhoniani.org
Jennifer Beaudette
Assistant Business Manager
Jennifer Beaudette is Tótsohnii from Whippoorwill Springs, which is located 10 miles east of Piñon, Arizona, on Black Mesa. She currently resides in Flagstaff, Arizona, where she supports the daily operations of Tó Nizhóní Ání at the Flagstaff office. Jennifer has over 10 years of experience with grant management and bookkeeping. Outside of Tó Nizhóní Ání, Jennifer enjoys nature walks, road trips, riding with friends, and loves spending time with her grandson.
Gerald W. Shirley
Business Manager
náásgóó nee' niji' dooleeł
Meet our Advisors:
Our advisors play a crucial role in our organization. Their experience and expertise help guide us and provide direction for the organization. Below is a list of advisors, past and present:
Current Advisors:
- Valencia Edgewater
- Marshall Johnson
Past Advisors:
- Theodore Badonie
- Eunice Manson
- Jonathan Lewis
- Leonard Deal (decd.)
- Ram Herder (decd.)
- Alice Nez Horseherder (decd.)
- Lorraine Johnson (decd.)
- Katherine Smith (decd.)
- Mae Wilson Tso (decd.)
- Tom Lee James (decd.)
- Lorenzo Teasyato (decd.)
- Mabel Benally (decd.)