Your voice matters! AISES is seeking to fill three (3) Board of Director’s seats. All AISES professional and college members in good standing are eligible to vote online for a maximum of three nominees.
AISES Bylaws allow for up to two (2) Associate Member* positions on the Board. Given the current make-up of the board, in this election cycle (2025) two seats may be filled by Associate Members.
Open Board vacancies will be filled by the candidates that receive the most votes during the general election. Each newly elected board member will serve a three-year term.
The online ballot is pre-set to close at 5:59 pm (HST); 7:59 pm (AKDT); 8:59 pm (PDT); 9:59 (MDT) pm; 10:59 pm (CDT); 11:59 pm (EDT) on the deadline. Once closed, no further ballots are accepted by the platform.
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Longfeather Fox is a seasoned leader in Indigenous tourism and tribal economic development. With over 18 years of combined experience in public service and hospitality, he brings deep cultural knowledge and business acumen to every project. He served as the first Native American firefighter in Mohave County, and later became a driving force behind the success of Grand Canyon West, where he held multiple senior roles and guided tours for high-profile clients. He now works with Thrive Hualapai, supporting Native entrepreneurs, and is the founder of INN8TIVATORS, a nonprofit bringing STEM education to Native youth. Specialties: Tribal Tourism Strategy Cultural Interpretation & Education Indigenous Economic Empowerment STEM Education Access for Native Youth Community Leadership & Nonprofit Development Speaking Topics: Indigenous Voices in Global Tourism Economic Sovereignty through Tribal Enterprise The Power of STEM in Native Communities Authentic Cultural Representation in Media & Marketing
Why do you want to serve on the AISES Board of Directors?
I am deeply committed to reshaping the trajectory of Indigenous youth through access to STEM education, professional development, and cultural empowerment. Serving on the AISES Board of Directors represents a natural progression of my life’s work. As the founder of INN8TIVATORS, a nonprofit designed to expose underrepresented Native American students to STEM pathways, I believe strongly in the AISES mission to advance Indigenous people in STEM fields. I want to contribute my leadership and lived experience to broaden access, strengthen partnerships, and innovate culturally rooted approaches to education and workforce development. This role would allow me to expand my impact nationally while championing the next generation of Indigenous scientists, engineers, and changemakers.
Please describe your experience, association, service with AISES?
While I have not formally held a position within AISES, my work has been closely aligned with its core mission. Through INN8TIVATORS, I have initiated partnerships to bridge tribal communities with STEM opportunities and higher education institutions. I’ve coordinated with tribal schools, economic development organizations, and postsecondary institutions to cultivate environments where Native youth see themselves as future leaders in STEM. I have also engaged in mentoring and speaking roles that directly promote STEM awareness and innovation in tribal communities. My aspiration is to bring this grassroots momentum and institutional coordination into formal collaboration with AISES at the board level.
Please share your previous experience in serving on a nonprofit board of directors. Specify your understanding of the associated fiduciary responsibilities: Duty of Care, Duty of Loyalty, and Duty of Obedience required of an AISES Board member.
I currently serve as the founder and executive director of INN8TIVATORS, where I lead all aspects of governance, program development, and strategic vision. In this capacity, I’ve worked closely with advisory boards, community stakeholders, and tribal leaders to ensure cultural relevance, financial accountability, and measurable impact. My leadership style is collaborative, data-informed, and grounded in cultural values. I also support nonprofit partners and community initiatives through mentorship, grant support, and inter-agency coordination, providing me with a broad understanding of effective board service in Native-led organizations.
Describe your previous fundraising experience for a board of directors or in your profession.
Throughout my career, I have been actively involved in fundraising and resource development. At INN8TIVATORS, I have led grant writing efforts, secured startup funding, and cultivated community and institutional partnerships. Additionally, I’ve participated in philanthropic outreach, donor stewardship, and grant reporting. In my role as Business Incubator Coordinator for Mohave Community College, I’ve also helped local entrepreneurs secure funding and navigate business development resources. I understand the importance of diversifying revenue streams, building authentic relationships with donors, and articulating mission-driven outcomes—all essential to nonprofit fundraising success.
A nonprofit’s board is responsible for adhering and/or defining an organization’s mission and for providing overall leadership and strategic direction to the organization. Please describe your understanding of these responsibilities.
The board of directors serves as both the guardian and architect of a nonprofit’s mission. This means ensuring the organization remains aligned with its founding principles while also steering it toward sustainable and strategic growth. I understand that board members must engage in long-term planning, policy development, oversight of the executive leadership, and the evaluation of program effectiveness. Beyond governance, I view a board’s role as vision-setting—ensuring that the organization adapts to changing needs while staying true to its cultural foundation and intended impact. Effective boards foster innovation, uphold accountability, and build the capacity of the organization to serve its communities for generations to come.
Joshua A. John is a member of the Navajo Nation. He was born and raised in Shiprock, New Mexico. He is of the Folded Arms People clan, born for the White Mountain Apache People clan, his maternal grandfather. He is senior systems engineer at Raytheon. He resides in Tucson, Arizona working in Systems Integration and Test. Joshua is on the career track to be a Test Architect and seeks to integrate Native traditions and teachings into system test. Joshua is a Sequoyah fellow of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) since 2003. He has attended and presented at the AISES national, leadership, and regional conferences. In 2014, he was gifted membership as a lifetime Sequoyah Fellow. He was honored in 2018 with AISES Most Promising Engineer professional award. In 2022 he was elected to the AISES board of directors. He is the chair of the professional development committee and co-chairs the governance committee. Joshua has a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Northern Arizona University and a Master of Science in Systems Engineering from John Hopkins University.
Why do you want to serve on the AISES Board of Directors?
I aim to serve on the AISES Board of Directors to advance the mission of increasing indigenous representation in STEM. My goals include expanding the professional development committee with new initiatives, such as a personal branding program for AISES members. Serving on the governance committee has revealed opportunities for future growth, including updating bylaws for director appointments. My connection to AISES spans from high school to my professional career, and I am committed to continuing the AISES mission on the board.
Please describe your experience, association, service with AISES?
I have been actively engaged with AISES since college. As a professional member, I contributed by sharing my experiences with local schools, university chapters, and supporting the NAU chapter with donations. I co-founded the Southern Arizona AISES chapter and was awarded the Most Promising Engineer in 2018. As a professional member I strive to mentor junior engineers and AISES members. In 2022, I joined the AISES Board of Directors, serving as chair of the professional development committee, co-chair on governance, and a finance committee member. My involvement with AISES has fostered connections, friendships, and relationships with various AISES members, enhancing my appreciation for indigenous peoples’ uniqueness.
Please share your previous experience in serving on a nonprofit board of directors. Specify your understanding of the associated fiduciary responsibilities: Duty of Care, Duty of Loyalty, and Duty of Obedience required of an AISES Board member.
I have served on the AISES board of directors since 2022. I am committed to the duty of loyalty, duty of obedience, and duty of care. For loyalty, I prioritize AISES’s interests in my decisions and votes. For duty of care, I ensure AISES’s continuity and growth in STEM and new fields. For obedience, during my first term, I have diligently attended and participated in board meetings, regional and national conferences, and local AISES events with college and professional chapters.
Describe your previous fundraising experience for a board of directors or in your profession.
During my current term and as a professional member I have sponsored 2 Sequoyah fellows in the last few years. In addition, I have personally donated my money and time to the organization because AISES has given me so much as a student: employment opportunities, scholarship, internships, and friends who are like family. I also have a network of friends and alumni who have the potential to be allies and connections to those who have resources to help AISES mission. External to AISES I have helped raise funds from sponsors for the Shiprock Dodgers baseball team in 2023 to fund their tournament entry fees.
A nonprofit’s board is responsible for adhering and/or defining an organization’s mission and for providing overall leadership and strategic direction to the organization. Please describe your understanding of these responsibilities.
I chaired the AISES professional development committee, reviving it to benefit AISES members by organizing speakers and recruiting new members. These actions support AISES’s mission in professional development. On the governance committee, I helped align bylaws with the evolving needs of the organization and its people. I always ensure my opinions are heard, approaching disagreements with humility for AISES’s benefit.
Hokulani Sharp (she/her) is Native Hawaiian who grew up in the diaspora. A seasoned professional, Hoku brings experience in program, project, operations, and supply chain management. Her expertise spans event planning, logistics, procurement, continuous improvement, and stakeholder relations. She spent 7 years with Amazon, and served as the Global Vice President for the Indigenous at Amazon Employee Resource Group for three years. Hoku has recently transitioned to the public sector, and is currently a Senior Event Program Manager at Sourcewell. A first generation college graduate, Hoku holds an MBA from Judson University and a BS in Business Administration from Robert Morris University. She is currently pursuing a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. Hoku is a passionate advocate for Indigenous communities— championing initiatives that amplify Native voices in STEM and corporate spaces. Her leadership combines strategic thinking with cultural advocacy, fostering inclusive, people-centered solutions that make a lasting impact for future generations. She actively serves in her church community, is a member of the AISES Lake Eerie Professional Chapter, a Sequoyah Fellow, a member of the Corporate Advisory Council, and a board member for Decolonise All. Hoku currently resides in West Michigan with her husband Chris, and their son Asher Kekoa.
Why do you want to serve on the AISES Board of Directors?
I have witnessed firsthand the lack of Indigenous representation in STEM, particularly during my time at Amazon. This gap is not just an organizational challenge—it is deeply personal. Growing up outside my Native homeland, I was unable to learn my ancestors’ STEM knowledge, and the opportunities to engage in STEM education were largely reserved for families who could afford private schooling. This reality fuels my passion for AISES and its mission. I am eager to contribute my expertise in organizational leadership and strategic thinking to the Board of Directors, helping AISES challenge the status quo and foster innovative programming across all Indigenous communities. I bring a unique perspective that blends operational excellence with grassroots advocacy. I believe AISES thrives when it embraces diverse viewpoints that push boundaries and reimagine possibilities—and I am ready to be part of that work.
Please describe your experience, association, service with AISES?
I have been an engaged member of AISES for three years. As an Sequoyah Fellow, I have also sponsored others in achieving this prestigious honor, now an annual tradition. Additionally, I serve as a member of the Corporate Advisory Council and Lake Erie professional chapter. I have supported Amazon’s coding course, “Learn to Code in Your Indigenous Language” during the annual STEM Day and had the honor of being a member of Rematriation for the past two years. I have led sessions at the AISES National Conference in both 2022 and 2023, sharing insights and strategies to empower Indigenous professionals and students in STEM from an Amazon perspective, and have had the honor of serving as a scholarship reviewer for the third year. Currently, I am working closely with AISES and Pasifika members to expand Pasifika-focused programming at this year’s National Conference.
Please share your previous experience in serving on a nonprofit board of directors. Specify your understanding of the associated fiduciary responsibilities: Duty of Care, Duty of Loyalty, and Duty of Obedience required of an AISES Board member.
I have served on nonprofit boards in various capacities, gaining valuable experience in governance, financial oversight, and strategic decision-making. For five years, I was a director and later the Sergeant at Arms for the Waukegan Women’s Bowling Association Board of Directors, where I led subcommittees focused on annual fundraisers, financial reporting, and tournament coordination. In this role, I ensured adherence to proper protocols, maintained order during meetings, and was responsible for tracking all revenue and expenditures related to fundraising and tournament operations. Additionally, I served as Secretary for my homeowner’s association board for two years, during which we navigated complex challenges, including managing a legal dispute with a resident and working within a shrinking budget with no additional revenue sources. This experience reinforced my ability to make strategic financial decisions in service of the organization’s long-term stability.
Describe your previous fundraising experience for a board of directors or in your profession.
In 2023, I served as a cohort member of the Hawai‘i People’s Fund Giving Project, where I contributed to fundraising efforts supporting grassroots social change movements across Hawai‘i. I engaged in one-on-one outreach with dozens of individuals, educating them on the fund’s mission, critical work being done by organizations on the ground, and how their donations would drive lasting impact. Our team employed a multifaceted approach, leveraging social media campaigns, podcasts, and corporate matching programs to amplify outreach. Thru this, we exceeded our goal and raised over $100,000 in less than three months. This experience reinforced my ability to mobilize resources, engage stakeholders, and develop strategic fundraising initiatives that generate meaningful support for communities in need. At Amazon, I served as both Vice President of the Indigenous Peoples ERG, and Finance Director, managing an annual budget of over $150K per year, while supporting 4,000 members in several countries.
A nonprofit’s board is responsible for adhering and/or defining an organization’s mission and for providing overall leadership and strategic direction to the organization. Please describe your understanding of these responsibilities.
I understand that a nonprofit’s board of directors holds a critical responsibility in shaping, preserving, and advancing the organization’s mission while providing strategic leadership. As an AISES board member, I will work alongside fellow directors to guide the organization toward a sustainable future—one where we continue to increase Indigenous representation in STEM and create lasting opportunities for future generations. This responsibility requires a delicate balance of forward-thinking leadership and deep respect for AISES’s history. To move AISES into the future, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to honoring the experiences, traditions, and knowledge that have shaped Indigenous STEM professionals. Additionally, we must adhere to all governing laws, policies, and regulations, ensuring that AISES operates with integrity, compliance, and cultural sensitivity. Through strategic planning, thoughtful decision-making, and responsible stewardship, I am committed to ensuring that AISES continues to grow, disrupt barriers, and empower Indigenous leaders in STEM for future generations.
Kelli Matthews Smalling is the executive director of Engage Learning, a STEM/STEAM education non-profit committed to accessible, inclusive learning for all. With over eight years of experience as a technologist in applied research and custom software, she has collaborated with Fortune 100/500 companies and startups, driving innovation and organizational growth. A trained science communicator and advocate for S.T.E.A.M. education, Kelli has spent the past decade championing opportunities to inspire and empower learners of all ages. A citizen of the Muscogee Nation, Kelli serves on the Tribal Utility Authority Board, ensuring sovereignty over essential resources like power, water, and broadband. She also serves on the Cleveland County 4H Professional Advisory Board. She holds a Bachelor’s in Broadcast Communications from the University of Central Oklahoma and pursued graduate studies in Environmental Sustainability at the University of Oklahoma where she focused on the hydrologic system, specifically, fresh water availability through the lens of complex adaptive systems, as well as, served as an intern for the Department of Energy’s SolSmart initiative.
Why do you want to serve on the AISES Board of Directors?
If given the opportunity to serve on the AISES Board of Directors, my first priority would be to understand how my professional skill set fits within the group dynamic. I follow a guiding principle from the book Dune: “A process cannot be understood by stopping it. Understanding must move with the flow of the process, join it, and flow with it.” This mindset has shaped my professional journey and would serve me well in this role. As a trained science communicator and technologist, I hope to use my time on the board to support the growth of AISES—so it can continue to powerfully and beautifully disrupt and inspire Indigenous minds across Indian Country.
Please describe your experience, association, service with AISES?
I was introduced to AISES by my husband, DG Smalling, who has long held the organization in the highest regard. He has worked behind the scenes to help youth in Indian Country recognize the incredible resource AISES represents. Since then, I’ve built strong connections with AISES staff both nationally and in my home state of Oklahoma. I was fortunate to attend this year’s annual meeting in San Antonio when DG was able to present his commissioned donor gifts. Over the past year, we’ve been exploring opportunities for collaboration between AISES and Engage Learning, the education nonprofit I have the privilege of leading. I hope to help grow current and future partnerships to ensure sustainable funding and support outcomes that are truly meaningful for First Americans.
Please share your previous experience in serving on a nonprofit board of directors. Specify your understanding of the associated fiduciary responsibilities: Duty of Care, Duty of Loyalty, and Duty of Obedience required of an AISES Board member.
I am honored to serve as the only female and tribal citizen on the Muscogee Nation’s Tribal Utility Authority Board where we are overseeing the buildout of power, water, and broadband across our reservation. I also serve on the Cleveland County 4H’s Professional Advisory Board. I am the Executive Director of a 501c3, as well. I have read and understand fully the time and financial commitment, as well as, the different duties set forth. It would be my honor to uphold them.
Describe your previous fundraising experience for a board of directors or in your profession.
A nonprofit’s board is responsible for adhering and/or defining an organization’s mission and for providing overall leadership and strategic direction to the organization. Please describe your understanding of these responsibilities.Every organization aiming for longitudinal impacts of this scope and scale should be continuously self-assessing to determine the best practices for a given goal. I have lived in a world of agile project management for a decade and understand that in order to remain both nimble and viable requires a strong skeletal structure to not only ensure continuity of the spirit of the organization as it progresses through time, but also as it progresses through natural leadership change cycles. I have a full understanding of the responsibilities required of this position and will execute them fully if given this opportunity.
